Michael F. Bauer + Associates, Architects

We provide services for building programming, master planning, schematic design, design development, construction documentation and administration. We have developed systematic approaches to building and site planning that combine modern analytic methods with environmental and human concerns. This ordered approach is critical to meeting our design and production goals. Our size and organization allows us the flexibility to develop design options and to respond quickly to changing ideas and conditions.

We are a small office with a strong design orientation. Limiting the number of projects in the office at any given time allows us to give each job the attention it deserves and maintain tight controls on the quality of work produced. Our work experience includes commercial and institutional buildings as well as numerous residential projects in northern New Mexico.

The following set of beliefs guide our practice:

• The integration of program, site and technology lies at the heart of every successful design solution.

• Societal priorities and technology are in a constant state of flux and must be specifically identified for each individual project. Currently, sustainable building design and conservation of energy are the dominant forces in building design, and we welcome this trend.

• No building is isolated unto itself, but rather is ideally a contributing piece in the cultural and historic fabric of its specific place. Successful buildings are contemporary and identifiable in time while being harmonious with and respectful of regional culture, materials and technology. This is the only way they can become part of, rather than imitative of, history.

• The mission of the Architect is to organize and lead the entire project team, gather and
prioritize relevant data, and make decisions and delegate work in a manner which best serves
the interests of the Owner. The Architect must originate innovative design solutions, generate
clear and concise drawings and coordinate with the drawings and specifications of the entire
design team.

• Our business philosophy is that the key to avoiding financial disaster is in the orderly progress
of data gathering and decision making at each phase of work prior to proceeding to the next
phase. Conflicts between program or design and budget must be identified, brought to the
attention of the Owner, and immediately reconciled.

• The key to successful contract administration is regularly scheduled meetings with the
Contractor and Architect, and attended by subcontractors and other design team members
critical to the particular work in progress. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to prepare
RFI’s and/or shop drawing submittals well in advance of related component fabrication, and
incumbent upon the Architect to respond as quickly as possible.

 

P R O J E C T P H A S E S

PROGRAM: Analysis of lifestyle issues to culminate in an articulate record of required spaces, their sizes and relationships to one another and to the building site.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN: An analysis of program, cost, and site constraints resulting in a clearly defined presentable building concept.

Components:
Program Document
Statement of Probable Cost
Site Plan(s): By Civil Engineer
Floor Plan(s)
Exterior Elevations
Major Section
Physical Model, Virtual Model, or Perspective Thumbnails

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: The integration of building systems, products, and overall dimensions such that all major aspects of the project are generally defined.

Components:
Site Plan(s)
Floor Plan(s)
Reflected Ceiling Plan(s)
Roof Plan
Exterior Elevations
Interior Elevations
Sections
Schedules
Plumbing & Mechanical Plans
Lighting Plan
Power Plan

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: A detailed set of instructions – including consultant drawings -- that
define the project to be constructed.

Components:
Complete Architectural and Engineering Drawings

BIDDING AND NEGOTIATION: Representation of client interests in the process of obtaining contractor bids and executing a Contract for Construction.

Components:
Contract for Construction

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION: Periodic inspection of construction for conformance with Construction Documents and review of Contractor prepared applications for payment for general compliance with the Contractor’s Schedule of Values.

Components:
Contractor’s Schedule of Values
Field Reports
Contractor’s Applications for Payment