Services

We all understand that the right time to influence the project is at its conception and as time passes, the ability to influence the project decreases and the cost of design changes increases (MacLeamy Curve). Right requirements in RFPs, an integrative kickoff, and periodic checking of progress against initial goals can all help maximize influence. We use the ten measures of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence as a starting point for this.

RightStart Plan: We help owners formulate the right sustainability criteria in their request for proposals. These can be heavily influenced by the owner’s own ESG disclosures and goals. Here are some example goals we have help set in the past:

• Site design in harmony with the ecoregion of the project

• Energy Performance that is 25% better than regional energy code

• Embodied carbon footprint that is 20% better than business as usual

RightStart Support: We work with owners, architects, and design teams to help research a project’s context and set the right sustainability goals. This has resulted in the following example outcomes.

• A 4-8 hour kickoff where the entire design team and the owner walk out with the same set of project goals and strategies

• Agreement on strategies such as electrification, heat pump hot water, and variable refrigerant HVAC.

• A common understanding of incentives available, including the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.

RightStart Audit: We audit finished concept or schematic design packages and provide feedback to fill gaps. We look for indicators of an overarching vision, an integrative process, and goals and strategies such as the above-listed.