What can Becker Architects do for you?

As architects with years of experience in Auto Dealership design, we can help you in many ways. Since the 1990’s, we have designed dozens of Auto facilities and we have learned that there are unique aspects to Dealership design on a range of subjects:

Since we've done this many times before, we can fast track design in a way that saves you time and money. And your final product will function in a way that adds value to your facility and business.

What type of services do you offer?

Becker Architects is a full-service firm which offers a complete range of services from site selection to site design, Schematic or Conceptual design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and then Bidding and Construction Administration. We have an experienced team of Civil Engineers, Mechanical/Electrical Engineers and Structural Engineers to assist in the process.

We often assist the owner in securing municipal permits, from site plan approval to special permits to design review to zoning variations.

We often specify fixturing of the interior of our auto facilities including furniture and special finishes in the Showrooms and outfitting of various departments.

During Construction Administration we meet with the Owner and Contractor on a regular basis, conduct inspections, answer RFI's (Requests for Information), review shop drawings, and approve payouts and loan requests for 3rd parties.

There are many different services, but every owner is different. We are amenable to customizing our services to work with client's needs.

What to look for in an architect?

Consider firms that have experience in this particular market niche. This is a specialized building type and it’s best not to have someone learning at your expense.

Find an architect that knows how to work productively with a general contractor, which is self-explanatory, but commonly overlooked.

Every architect has a different working style. Selecting an architect is a very personal matter. If you meet a candidate and feel the chemistry isn’t there, follow your gut. The Architect-Owner relationship will hopefully be a long one and you want to enjoy the time you’ll be working together.

Everyone needs something different in their architect but, among other things, look for a track record, recent references, honesty, integrity, strong design skills and an organization with some depth.

Errors and Omissions insurance is advisable.

Pitfalls of the design process

Don’t’ be afraid to get realistic early on about your budget. And share this information with your architect. More projects derail over budget than any other issue.

Understand what services are covered by the design fee. This is the subject of much confusion. Remember to expect a wide range of fees to correspond with the wide range of services that are offered in the marketplace.

Don’t go no-frills on architecture services unless you’re prepared to build with less than complete documents. Boilerplate, vague documents almost always results in unrealistic bids. The more unanswered questions, the more exposure for the client. This could lead to excessive Change Orders.

On the subject of Change Orders, they are a fact of life on most projects, whether renovation or new construction. So it’s best to be practical and budget them in. I advise my clients to allow a minimum of 5%.

Bottom line: Compare Apples to Apples.

What are the two most common methods of Project Delivery?

Traditional Design-Bid-Build ApproachIn this method, the owner engages an architect first, designs the project, then goes out to bid to a group of Builders or General Contractors (These terms are often used interchangeably) After a review of bids, the construction contract is awarded. And construction proceeds.

Design Build or A Team ApproachThere are different variations on this method, but they’re all premised on some version of a Team Approach. At the outset, the Owner might hire one entity, such a design-build firm, that consists of both Architect and Builder. Or there might be a joint venture of separate parties. Or separate but simultaneous prime contracts. Or other hybrid arrangements.

We've worked with and are open to different types of arrangements. There are pros and cons to each approach. Some owners feel they have more control if they put documents out to bid and have the benefit of competitive quotes. Others have a comfortable working relationship with a particular builder and are amenable to open-book bidding and/or "cost plus" relationships. Trust of course plays into this decision.

It is our experience that time can be saved when a builder is identified early in the process, whichever method is employed. This allows budget feedback early when it is useful. It also allows their input in the design which we feel leads to a better project. Much of the construction done today in the commercial arena is done in some manner of a Team Approach.

We have working relationships with a number of quality construction companies that we can recommend to you.

What makes Becker Architects so special ?

We’re experienced.

We understand how to leverage your resources to get you a fairly-price product.

We have integrity which, among other things, means our first priority is always giving you outstanding service.

Though we’re not perfect, we are perfectionists. This benefits our clients in many ways.

We’ve got great taste, but we know how to check our egos at the door.

What does AIA have to say?

Visit the AIA link on Working with an Architect