Full Service Architectural Design

The delivery of Architectural Services has been historically grouped into 5 phases known as Base Services

SD_shaded
1. Schematic Design
  • Explore design requirements through multiple options based on project requirements
DD_shaded
2. Design Development
  • Selection of ‘best fit’ option based on Owner parameters
  • Further develop selected option in plan, elevation, materials
  • Seek preliminary pricing from interested contractors for the developed option
CD_shaded
3. Contract Documents
  • Based on preliminary pricing results, modify selected design option and scope
  • Develop drawings and written specifications for bid and construction
  • Coordinate engineering and additional consultants as required with final design
  • Issue drawings and specs to multiple contractors for their final construction number
BID_shaded
4. Bid
  • Contractors develop their bid number based on the final drawings and specs. Architect responds to questions by Contractor
  • Architect submits drawings for building permit
  • Contractor submits final bid for construction based on drawings and specs
CA_shaded
5. Contract Administration
  • Architect assists Owner in contractor selection and contract negotiation
  • Architect monitors project construction for compliance with construction documents
  • Architect monitors payment to Contractor
  • Architect assists in project close-out

Additional Services

Services in support of Base Services include:

  • Measured drawings and modeling of existing building
  • Master Planning, Feasibility Studies, Programming
  • Site development and Zoning variance issues
  • Historic Preservation Tax Credit documentation and application
  • Comprehensive interior design and detailing of cabinets, built-ins
  • Value engineering
  • Building permit process

Expertise

01_expertise_hisp
Historic Properties and Tax Credits

brennan+company architects values every existing structure for its history of time and place. We encourage owners of historic properties and those residing in historic districts to take advantage of state local + federal historic tax credits for repair, rehabilitation and restoration. These historic tax credits, taken together, can provide income tax and property tax credits between 20% to 60% of the cost of approved work. Tax credits do not apply to new construction, but additions will have to be reviewed as part of the tax credit review process. We can assist you in researching and applying for these increasingly important tax credits. We have frequently acted as the Owner’s representative before state and local historic review commissions. The most sustainable housing choice is to renovate an existing structure.

02_expertise_netzero
Design and Sustainability

brennan+company architects approaches design and sustainability together with a focus on the preservation of existing buildings as a resource of embodied history, energy and investment. Improvements to the building’s thermal envelope, systems and selection of authentic and healthy building products successfully extend the service of the structure for future generations. We collaborate with specialty consultants and suppliers to integrate sustainable practices and products into the project and site design. We strive to restore, renovate, and design buildings and additions that are beautiful, resilient, efficient and healthy. Additionally a design solution must also engage the project site by capturing views, tracking the sun and recognizing the landscape features while nestled in the neighborhood context of scale, typology and materials.

03_expertise_permaculture
Feasibility Studies

The feasibility study is the examination of site, zoning and building envelope requirements for both new construction and renovation projects. This is always the first step in determining the viability of any project. A solid examination of the parameters of the projects will determine the best route forward.

Historic Guidelines

brennan+company architects have extensive experience in serving and appearing before local historic review commissions. We have assisted in historic guideline interpretation, guideline documents, drafts and diagrams that interpret the intent of the historic oversight. Our historic review and tax credit submissions have been cited as examples of what a model document should reflect. We are actively involved in the AIA Baltimore Historic Resources Committee and organize events to educate professionals about the historic trades.

Main Street and Urban Design

We have worked on commercial, residential renovation and streetscape projects in Main Street/urban environments in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard and Montgomery Counties.

04_expertise_real estate
Real Estate and Right Site/House

The core of our work over the past 35 years has been to assist homeowners in modifying their houses to better adapt to their families, lifestyle and site. Many Owners initially buy their house with less objectivity and more passion. brennan+company architects has recently assisted an increasing number of house seekers in the home-buying process. A short visit to potential purchase options with you can focus on the optimal house or site with the maximum potential over time.