Portland’s Residential Infill Project: 5 Things to Know
A successful building project relies on the talent, expertise, and communication between many professionals. a/A places a high emphasis on these relationships and believes that a cohesive team, with open communication, benefits everyone, including the project, and most importantly the client. The first, and most crucial relationships to build, are those that comprise your core project team. These are the people who will be involved from start to finish, working together on every decision and detail of your future space.
Choosing an architect and builder who are capable of the type and size of your project is vital. Furthermore, we strongly believe in the value of establishing your core project team early in the design process. This way, both the architect’s and contractor's expertise can impact the preliminary design. This is where changes are often easy to make and input is the most impactful. Being talented in one's craft is not enough; however, as the client, it is important for you to feel that your core project team is trustworthy, communicative, and shares in your vision for the project.
Compare this process to dating. You are entering into a relationship that, from initial meetings through completion, depending on the size and complexity of your project, can last anywhere from months to years. During that time, you will be in constant communication and contact (virtual if not physical) with your core project team. You will need to be able to trust and rely on their advice and expertise. Although you always have the right as the client to change out members who prove not to be a good fit, this is a hassle and can result in expensive delays. Everyone, including the project, is best served by assembling the right core project team from the start.
At a/A, we promote creating healthy spaces, fabricating durable construction, using natural materials, all while emphasizing smaller living. We believe in open communication and collaboration, and enjoy the challenge of meeting a client’s unique needs. We know our vision won’t align with every prospective client’s - and that’s ok! What is important is that each member of the core project team understands from the beginning what the project goals are, what the finish level of construction is, and what each member’s role and responsibilities are towards achieving those aims. With that being said, each prospective member can then make an informed decision for themselves if the project aligns with their values and if they wish to proceed.
tips on Hiring A Contractor
As a member of your core project team, hiring the right contractor for your project is paramount. Even amongst quality contractors, not every construction firm’s style is going to resonate with you or fit your needs. Smaller firms typically have the owner of the firm leading on-site construction of your project, which can be a huge asset. Larger firms, with greater resources, can offer more streamlined services and can adapt easier to changes in the project schedule or other unforeseen conditions.
We advise you to interview several potential contractors based on recommendations from a/A, or other trusted sources. A few sample interview questions to ask are: How does their organization operate? How do they bill? Who will be the superintendent running day-to-day operations on site? Have they successfully completed projects of a similar scale to yours?
We also recommend that you ask for and follow up with references and, if possible, visit a recent project of a similar scope. Once you have done your due diligence and have selected a contractor, we believe that the early integration of that contractor into the design process is a significant asset to the success of the project. Once a part of the project team, your contractor can weigh in with their input and expertise, helping to prevent changes or future delays, as well as save money, and improve the detailing and design of the project.
We strongly encourage clients to work with a contractor registered with the Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) Program for work on existing structures done within the city of Portland. The FIR program assigns a senior inspector to the project giving the contractor direct access to that inspector for questions or assistance. This vastly simplifies plan review and streamlines the inspection and approval processes. The results are better service, more flexibility to solve code-related problems, expedited permit issuance, and lower cost to the client.
selecting your other Team members
Engineers (Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, Mechanical)
Designers (Interior, Lighting, Landscape)
Consultants (Building Envelope, Building Biologist)
Specialists (Energy Modeling, EMRS)
Beyond the core project team, there will likely be several other professionals involved in the design process who make up your auxiliary project team. These auxiliary members will vary by project, based on the specific needs of the client, conditions of the site, and requirements of relevant jurisdictions. Most often, these professionals play a crucial role in a specific area of focus and will be heavily involved for short durations, while less involved or absent during others.
a/A has working relationships with many professionals and can recommend members for your auxiliary project team. We are also happy to work with professionals with whom you already have a relationship or have been recommended to you. As with your core project team, the ability of all the members of your auxiliary project team to cooperate and work together is vital to the success of your project.