Architecture is fun.
Are you ready to play…?
Architectural Services
Because you are here … (and I’m glad you are) … you are probably looking for:
- someone to help your team through a design & construction project
- information about how to start a project & setup your systems for success
- an architect who can design & construct your new space
- help with occupancy permits & building codes
You’ve come to the right place. Have a look at the service descriptions below. If you have any questions, set up a 30 minute call for some answers.
AKA The Owner’s Technical Representative
The role of the Advocate Architect is to provide your organization with expertise and representation within your architectural project. An advocate architect is a good member to have on your team for any project, but especially when there is no direct relationship between you and the consulting architect.
As projects and funding scenarios are becoming increasingly complicated your organization’s goals are not always the priority consideration.
An advocate architect is dedicated to your best interest and works as part of the team to make sure decisions being made are best for you.
Is hiring an advocate architect right for you?
Consider hiring an advocate architect if:
- Your organization is a non-profit arts or social benefit group with overburdened or no facility personnel support.
- Your project is unique and requires specialized communication between your organization, the design team, and the builder.
- You are a Rural Municipality without in-house AEC resources and require support delivering infrastructure.
- You require an independent and unbiased review of the design & construction documents.
If you answered YES to any of these points…
Book a 30 minute call about your project to learn:
☑ The steps to clearly identify, define and implement your project
☑ How to organize your internal team and consultants for success
☑ The top 3 moments in the process where you can lose control of your project (and how to avoid them)
Read more about Advocate Architect services in the RAIC Canadian Handbook of Practice. … take note of the author 😉
Seeking a Problem to Solve
Programming the requirements of a proposed building is the architect’s first and most important task.
Good buildings are planned to look good and perform well. This happens when an architect and client join in a thoughtful and cooperative effort. Programming is a process leading to the statement of an architectural problem.
What even is programming?
Programming is the search for enough information to clarify and state the problem. If programming is problem seeking, then design is problem solving. Design and programming are two distinct processes, requiring different attitudes and different capabilities. Architectural programmers must be objective, analytical, abstract, and patient. Designers can’t always do this. Designers generally are subjective, intuitive, and ready to design from the beginning.
Using JC ROBBINS ARCHITECTURE for your architectural programming will open your project up to great potential.
Start Programming Today
Here’s what you get:
☑ Road map that shows you the process from pre-design to occupancy
☑ Costs guide worksheet that gives you a ballpark cost estimate for your project
☑ Project specific checklists for key tasks
☑ FREE 30-minute consultation with an expert to answer your questions about process and funding opportunities
Programming Services:
There are 5 steps when programming a space:
- Establish Goals.
- Collect and analyze Facts.
- Uncover and test Concepts.
- Determine Needs.
- State the Problem.
Within the five-step process there are four considerations:
- Function
- Form
- Economy
- Time
Oh Yeah, We do that, too — Everybody does.
JC ROBBINS ARCHITECTURE can provide full design services from conception through execution for a variety of projects at any scale — all licensed architects can. The difference you’ll find with our process is with our openness and transparency. You won’t only hear from us to report on what we’ve done. We will always work with you so you’ll know and have a part in what we’re doing.
I’ve worked at enough offices through a wide array of project scales and types to know that every project is unique — but at their core they’re really the same. Success comes from asking the right people the right questions. Sometimes this comes from asking the wrong people the wrong question, or the wrong questions to the right people… You get my meaning.
No matter what role you want me to take on your project.
- Architect
- Advocate
- Bridging Consultant
I promise to give you all the tools your project needs to succeed and that includes following the JCRA Process.
An Architect’s Favourite Job!
I’m only kidding. It’s not our favourite job.
However, Building Code Analysis is an integral component of an architectural project. There are a few ways architects use the building code: new design, existing space code review, and a change of use. It’s important and I’m happy to help guide you through the process and talk to the Permitting Authority on your behalf.
When would I require a code analysis?
New Design
When designing a new building, a code analysis is always done. Some would say that Life Safety is the primary responsibility of the architect. Others may argue against this point, but if it’s not primary, it is very important. The building code has always reminded me of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book or the Black Mirror: Bandersnatch episode. Once you’ve made a choice you’re lead down a path of your own making. It’s a complicated document that requires a broad reading to understand the details.
Renovating Existing Spaces
Occasionally a space requires a code analysis for a new occupancy permit or a renovation. These types of code reviews are generally a straight-forward analysis due to the existing space and materials. The challenge comes when you discover the space does not comply, or in the opinion of the Authority, you need to upgrade certain portions of your building to the current code.
That’s a fun one.
Change of Use
Owners can trigger significant costs without fully understanding a change in use when they buy a building. A warehouse with office space becomes a different building when it’s used only for office space. Or sometimes owners discover there never was a proper occupancy permit issued for a space and it can’t be used in the way it was without significant upgrades.
And of course it’s not only the Building Code, but other codes and guides that come into play including the Fire Code, Energy Code, Accessibility and more…
Why Architects Should Play a Role in the Due Diligence Phase for Real Estate Transactions
By Kyle Lewkowich with contributions from: Jason Robbins
