Services

The services of the Architect are rendered most effectively when a definite understanding exists between the Client and Architect regarding their respective obligations and responsibilities.

RBA will review with the Client the scope of services to be completed by the Architect, as well as the project budget and desired completion date.

RBA fees for professional services can be based on: lump sum, time basis, or percentage. Combinations of these may apply for different aspects of service on the same project. Services provided by RBA include:

Architectural

Standard Architectural Services broadly include:

  • Design
  • Working Drawings and Specifications
  • Field Services and Contract Administration

The services of Engineers: Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical are normal to most projects. Architects manage and co-ordinate the work of these professionals.

The requirements of contemporary planning, design, approvals, and construction, has expanded the services of some Architectural firms.

RBA ,as you will see,can provide a range of these additional services that may be particular to the requirements of your project.

Feasibility Studies & Business Plans

Most building programs are now preceded by a Feasibility Study or a more detailed Business Plan.

Feasibility studies tend to focus on the capacity of the site to accommodated the project as initially conceived,as well as an overview of time and costs.Architectural drawings as part of the study are usually schematic in nature.

The Feasibility Study will usually address(but not necessarily be limited to):

  • suitability or selection of the site for the project
  • the maximum number of units or buildable square footage based on property size, zoning and building codes.
  • the approval process, including related time and costs
  • a financial overview addressing consultant and construction costs

Business Plans while containing most of the elements of the feasibility study,only in more detail,often contain financial and market information.Architectural drawings are more evolved and detailed,suitable for more detailed costing,approvals,and financing as required.

The Business Plan will generally contain sections on:

  • market research
  • developed design drawings
  • more detailed project time and costs
  • projected income and operations costs
  • key personnel and/or management
  • implementation and marketing strategy

RBA has gained a wide reputation for effective and accurate feasibility studies and business plans.Our clients want to know before they build that the project will be successful. Some of RBA clients include

  • Mt.Washington Ski Resort,Courtenay
  • Swim B.C.,Vancouver
  • SilverStar Ski Resort,Vernon
  • Dolphins Fishing Resort, Campbell River
  • Crystal Cove Resort,Tofino
  • City of Nanaimo
  • Malaspina College,Nanaimo
  • Nanaimo Harbour Commission
  • Trillium Lodge,Parksville
  • Dididaht First Nations,Dididaht
  • Opetchesaht First Nations,Port Alberni

Site Planning

Proper Site Planning will optimize the projects development potential while at the same time identify any issues that may compromise financial viability or design integrity.

Site Analysis

Site analysis addresses the geographic constraints and opportunities of the site. This process may often include consultants other than the Architect. Issues considered include:

  • property size and dimensions
  • topography and significant land features
  • climate,temperatures, rainfall, etc.
  • vegetation and water bodies
  • soil conditions
  • views and orientation

Site Planning

Site planning explores the impact of governing bylaws and legislation as well as involved authorities,included would be items as:

  • Issues dealing with zoning which determine allowable use, density, building height, parking, etc.which are set set by the local Municipal and Regional governing authorities.
  • The potential involvement of such provincial and federal authorities as Highways, Environment, Fisheries.
  • The property zoning may not be appropriate for the desired project and a rezoning to a suitable use or density may be warranted.
  • The location and size of municipal services or lack thereof can have a major impact on a project's viability.

Site Rezoning

The zoning of a property determines allowable uses as well as density (i.e. number of dwelling units or buildable area).Changes in either of these generally requires a new zoning.Variances dealing with items as parking ,building height,and setbacks from property lines can be achieved without changing the zoning.Fully 50% of RBAprojects include Rezoning or Development Permits.Items to consider:

  • The procedure to rezone a property is governed by the Municipal Act of British Columbia. These procedures may vary with different communities.
  • Discussions with local Planning, Engineering departments and other authorities should precede applications.
  • Presentations justifying the merits of any rezoning must usually be made at public hearings and before Municipal Councils or Regional Boards.
  • RBA provides site analysis and site planning as basic Architectural services.However Rezonings, and Development Permits ,both additional services, are a feature of RBA client services.

Project Management

The demands of contemporary projects often require Project Management skills to co-ordinate personnel, time ,and costs. Where the client does not have in-house skills or available time RBA can provide such services including:

  • preparation of business plans
  • selection and co-ordination of consultants
  • rezoning and development permits
  • tendering contractors and trades
  • time and cost controls
  • post-construction commissioning and tenant improvements