Commercial Services:
PETER STEER ARCHITECTS, is a general architectural practice providing expert services to a wide variety of clients - residential, commercial and institutional for over thirty years. Our project list is constantly growing and comprises all types and sizes of building projects from simple tenant improvements and providing handicap accessibility, to large multimillion dollar commercial projects.

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS:

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BASIC SERVICES:

Peter Steer Architects (PSA) provides two levels of Basic Services. The required service will depend upon the complexity and size of the project as well as the comfort level of the owner.

Basic Services - minimum
The following services are all that may be required for many simple, small sized projects:

1. Architectural Design
PSA provides all of the design services associated with architectural projects. These services are based on the American Institute of Architects contracts for owners and architects, but are tailored to the specific client and project. PSA utilizes the state of the art design tools such as SketchUp, AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2i, FormZ and Lightscape to provide virtual models to clearly describe the design intent.

2. Conceptual Design
Based upon the agreed program and budget, a conceptual solution to the project is begun. After evaluation with the owner, this is further refined and completed in schematic terms, illustrating the basic form, relationships, and costs. This is further enhanced through design development when the structural, mechanical and electrical systems are selected. Various materials, finishes, equipment and appliances are studied and recom-mendations are made.

3. Contract Documents
Working drawings and specifications are prepared to describe in detail all the requirements for construction. Documents that are prepared by consultants, such as are structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and landscaping, lighting, acoustical, fire protection, or traffic consultants are coordinated with the architectural drawings. PSA will also assist the owner in filing required documents with government agencies for necessary approvals and permits.

Basic Services - enhanced
Larger, more complicated projects will require that the following services be provided in addition to those listed above:

1. Contractor Selection Bidding and Negotiation
PSA will assist the owner in finding an appropriate contractor and negotiating the construction contract. PSA is familiar with a variety of contract options available (cost plus lump sum, construction management, etc.) and assists clients in choosing the most appropriate for the project.

2. Construction Administration
During construction, PSA will review the contractor's submittals, provide clarifications of contract documents and visit the site at appropriate intervals to check work for compliance with drawings and specifications. These services are provided from construction initiation through to the completion of the final punch list.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

Additional Services fall outside the scope of the basic services as defined in the American Institute of Architects contracts for owners and architects and include amongst others:

1. Preliminary Studies
Often an owner may wish to explore the practicalities of a project before committing to a property acquisition or to the cost of a full-scale design program. PSA provides services that enable the owner to commit to a project only once they are knowledgeable and confident regard to site selection, building size, construction costs, and completion schedules.

2. Feasibility Study
A practical focused investigation of pertinent data to determine the physical and economic potential and viability of the project. Such a study may include reports, basic layouts, preliminary cost estimates, and overall recommendations.

3. Programming
Assist the owner in preparing the Program Statement. This is often in the form of a report and may include an analysis of current and future spaces requirements, an inventory on existing furniture and equipment. The needed interaction between the building's various functions must also be clearly defined.

4. Site Analysis and Selection
A study of the natural site conditions that influence so much of design whether it is negatively or positively.

5. Zoning Analysis
An exploration of the possibilities for building configurations and site improvements based on regulations defining bulk, setbacks, positioning, architectural requirements, environmental requirements, etc.

6. Building Master Planning
Often an owner may wish to begin construction of only a portion of a project, but requires that all future work be compatible. PSA will develop building and/or site master plans to guide and coordinate the entire project.

FEES:
Fees for all full architectural services are influenced by many factors such as the project's size and complexity; whether or not consultant services are needed; the project's timing and location, but mostly, by just how involved the architect will need to become in the process. As such, our fees are provided on a job by job basis and only after extensive discussions with the owner.