Types of Projects - Design 

• Completely New Projects 
• Additions to Existing Buildings 
• Remodeling of Existing Buildings (superficial changes) 
• Renovation of Existing Buildings (structural and systems changes) 
• Handicapped Accessibility Renovations 
• Master Planning 

Project Categories – Church and Church-Related Projects

• Church Facilities 
• Sanctuaries
• Activity and Fellowship Buildings 
• Educational Facilities 
• Administration Facilities 
• Group Homes (for the mentally handicapped or elderly) 
• Retirement Centers 
• Nursing Homes 
• Camp Facilities 
• Mausoleums 
• Any Other Project that is Related to Church Ministries

Standard Architectural Services for the Above

•  Schematic Design 
•  Design Development 
•  Construction Documents (Drawings & Specifications) 
•  Bidding / Negotiation 
•  Construction Administration

Other Services

As-Builts

Most churches do not have a current floor plan of their building.   As-Builts are done by drawing the floor plan from accurate measurements of the building.  They have many uses:

• Management and maintenance.
• Architect's use for projects.
• Insurance documentation.
• Directories.
• Printed literature (bulletins, programs, etc.)

Furnishing Plans

How can furniture and equipment be arranged to maximize the use of your rooms? A Furnishing Plan describes how to do this efficiently.   Variations of furnishing arrangements for each room can be done as well, giving you the ability to quickly show your workers how to set up a room for various functions.  This, in conjunction with As-Builts Plans can be a great tool for managing your facilities more efficiently.

Full-Scale Project Layout

In some cases, it is advantageous to draw the floor plan at full scale, marking the floor plan on the ground with paint stripes.  This gives the congregation an opportunity to get a better perception of the size and organization of the project, allowing them to “walk through the building” before it is built.

Facilities Analysis

How do your building facilities conform to present day codes and safety standards?  What improvements could be made to reduce the possibility of injuries or lawsuits?   What improvements could be made to help reduce overall maintenance costs?  This analysis can assist you in risk management and help you prioritize your maintenance and improvements.

Programming

Determining and documenting the specific requirements for your project can be a lengthy, tedious process.  The resulting Program is the information architects need to begin designing a building.   It includes space requirements, equipment and furnishings needed, and functions of the building.

3D Computer Images

Many people have difficulty visualizing a 3-dimensional image by looking at plan or elevation.  3D drawings, done with CAD technology, are a great tool for describing a project by quickly generating a 3D drawing from virtually any viewpoint inside or outside the building.

Renderings

These are 3D color perspective drawings of the projects that are computer-generated and are nearly photorealistic. The advantage to their use is that the drawings can be easily altered for a variety of building colors and materials to give the client more choices at an economical price.

Models

Models are unsurpassed for helping people visualize what a project will look like.  These can assist you greatly in promotion and fund-raising efforts.

Demographics

It is sometimes important to know what demographic influences are present at your existing site or a site that you are considering.  Things such as traffic counts, where your members live, and the locations of other churches in your area, etc. can be shown on a map that can be understood at-a-glance.

Site Analysis

Is a particular site right for you?  Does it truly have the amenities that will allow you to accomplish your Master Plan?  Investing in a site analysis before buying land for your facilities can help you find the land that will work best for you.   With existing facilities, it can help you answer questions regarding what you can or can't accomplish on your property.

Land Surveys

RWBA can help you obtain a topographical survey of your property from a licensed surveyor.   This is a drawing that is necessary for site design.  It includes things such as property lines, easements, building setback lines, topography, utilities, and existing features such as trees, buildings, roads, and driveways.

Geotechnical Services

RWBA can help you obtain a soils borings and a Soils Report from a licensed Geotechnical Engineer to determine the type of soils you have, and identify any special design considerations for the foundation or subgrade work.  This is a document that is necessary for proper foundation and driveway design.

Estimates can be prepared using historical data on other projects.  (Due to the numerous factors affecting bid prices, these estimates do not guarantee that a project can be built within a particular price.)

Master Plan

Complete planning of a facility to the maximum that can be done on your site.  Generally it includes phased and final floor plans, site plans, and exterior building design, as well as most or all of the items listed above.

Consulting

RWBA is available on an hourly basis to help you with any particular problem, or just for general advice.