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Architectural & Contractor Services

Architectural Services:

When architects work with one of our consultants during the planning and design stages, products are proposed and integrated into the project as “engineered solutions” and not as afterthoughts. Consultants provide architects with many useful services in designing, planning, and fabricating engineered shading solutions.

Expert in providing Architects, Designers, Specifiers, Contractors and Owners with advice, products and services on Heat, Glare and Light Control with Window Coverings. This knowledge includes:

  • Manual and Automated Control Systems
  • Fabric Technologies
  • Sustainable Solutions for LEED
  • Interior and Exterior Shading Solutions
  • Skylight, Blackout and Dual Shading Solutions

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Concept Drawings and Renderings:

Concept drawing may be needed when a visual representation is required. The consultant may offer solutions from the toolkit of products, but sometimes there is a need for unique customization. The first step would be to provide a concept drawing as the one shown below. In this instance, the architect was seeking a treatment that would travel down a solarium skylight onto the vertical wall in one application.

On request, the consultant is also able to provde a computer rendering. The rendering below shows both interior and exterior views of our FM41 Exterior Shading Solution

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Mockups:

A mockup is an actual working model that tests the capabilities of the architect’s concept. For such a “never-been-done-before” solution, a mockup is recommended. Engineered shading solutions are not a “cross-your-fingers-hope-it-works” endeavor. These solutions must be tested and guaranteed to function correctly. The best way to do that is with a fully functioning mockup.

Three-part Specifications:

If required, the consultant should provide the architect with the properly executed three-part specifications. Engineered shading solutions mostly fall into the Master Format’s Division 12 Furnishings category. However, exterior shading solutions are found in Division 10 Specialties (10 71 13).


Shade Mapping:

Screen_Shot_2014-11-08_at_7.30.03_PMOnce the decisions are made concerning which solutions are to be specified on the project, theconsultantprovides the architect with a service called shade mapping. A shade map is a color-coded representation of the specified engineered shading solutions applied to the project plans.

 

The shade map includes the location of the shades on the floor plan and in elevation, the required wiring diagrams for the automated shades, the wood blocking for the installation of the brackets, and other pertinent details. When a shade map is provided to the general contractor, the architect knows that there are no excuses for such costly mishaps as inadequate electrical connections or missing wood blocking for the shades.

Contractor Services:

It is unusual for architects to purchase the products they specify. The purchaser may be the owner or the owner’s representative, which is the general contractor in most cases. For that reason, the consultant provides the following services to the contractor or owner.

Takeoffs:

Plan takeoffs are a part of the cost-estimating process in the construction industry. Estimators use construction blueprints—either manually or electronically—and start “taking off” quantities of items they will need from those blueprints in order to prepare part of the estimate. In anticipation of requests by architects and contractors, the consultant will be asked to do a plan takeoff. This enables the consultant to study the project details and prepare an estimate.

Estimates:

The consultant will prepare a detailed product cost that is based on the sizes provided by the plan takeoff. If the estimate is based on the plan takeoff, these prices are considered an estimate only and subject to field measurements for final pricing.

Submittals:

Submittals in construction management are shop drawings, material data, samples, and product data. Submittals are required primarily for the architect and engineer to verify that the correct products and quantities will be installed on the project. The consultant is able to submit the necessary submittals as needed.

Installation:

The consultant is able to provide or arrange for expert installation as detailed in the project’s contract. The installation is critical to the success of any engineered shading solution. The installation service begins field measurements. Field measurements are the time for the consultant to record exact dimensions and details for the fabrication of the engineered shading solution. It is also an opportunity to make sure the area for the installation is prepared properly. This includes correct pocket dimensions, necessary wood blocking, legal wiring details, and the avoidance or elimination of obstructions that would prevent the shade from functioning properly.

Project Management:

Most projects require a key person to deal with the various parties involved. Since engineered shading solutions are an integrated part of the dynamic facade, there will be overlap with other trades. This may include all or some of the following: architect, contractor, electrician, audio/visual, carpenter, and owner. The consultant is able to perform as a project manager in order to coordinate the successful site preparation, installation, waivers of lien, and closeout documents.

Closeout Documents:

Once a project is completed, the contractor may ask for documents to close out the job. This may include LEED documents, certified payroll reports, product warranties, attic stock, and product training. The consultant will assist in providing the necessary documents, the certified payroll reports, attic stock, and product training.

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