streamlining the delivery of facade design: the red building

Debra Gerod, AIA, LEED AP Partner

Streamlining the Delivery of Facade Design:The Red Building @ PDC

An Executive Architect’s Perspective

Defining Executive Architecture:

• Offer management of all administrative aspects of project, including design team contracts, permitting, variances

• Provide leadership for team in work flow, approach to problem solving, project schedule

• Assume responsibility to make sure design scope is covered without gaps

• Develop and handle coordination of technical aspects of work    

Standard Practice for Architectural Façade Design

design concept technical sketchesfor applicable systems

Standard Practice for Architectural Façade Design

design concept technical sketchesfor applicable systems

material research

Standard Practice for Architectural Façade Design

design concept technical sketchesfor applicable systems

calculationsto prove it works

material research

Standard Practice for Architectural Façade Design

design concept technical sketchesfor applicable systems

calculationsto prove it works

material research specifications

Red Building Arrangement for Architectural Façade Design

design concept technical sketchesfor applicable systems

calculationsto prove it works

material research specifications

DESIGN INTENT = FINISHED PRODUCT

DESIGN ARCHITECT

EXTERIOR DESIGN

INTERIOR LAYOUT

OVERLAP OF DISCIPLINES ALLOWS PROPER COORDINATION

Standard Approach To Project Design

Standard Approach to Curtainwall Procurement

Expected  Net Result

DESIGN ARCHITECT

EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT

DESIGN/BUILD CURTAINWALL CONTRACTOR

DESIGN INTENT CURTAINWALL CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

DESIGN ARCHITECT

DESIGN/BUILD CURTAINWALL CONTRACTOR

EXTERIOR DESIGN

INTERIOR LAYOUT

NO OVERLAP!

GAP!! DESIGN INTENT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD

“Streamlined” Approach To Project Design

“Streamlined” Approach to Curtainwall Design

Net Result

What an Executive Architect provides

• Comprehensive approach to permitting• Criteria to bid/negotiate from• Coordination with other disciplines• Leadership for resolution of conflicts/priorities between trades• Interpretation of design intent when reconciling technical issues

Comparison to Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

• Same design team as PDC   (PCPA, IBA, Gruen)• Different  contractual responsibilities• Responsibilities were clearer• Fewer added costs for design services• Fewer construction change orders• Equally complex designs

Closing the Gaps

• Brokered a deal with City to gain acceptance of 4‐sided structural glazing ‐ brought in an independent expert (CDC)

• Worked with CDC to prepare written technical performance spec• Developed an acceptable window washing approach 

Completing Architectural Services

• Prepared Revit model for exterior wall geometry (after CD’s)• Coordinated disciplines during submittals/construction• Performed site reviews – acted as PCPA’s eyes on site