7 Challenges Booklet

7 CHALLENGES COMPANIES FACE WHEN RENOVATING OR EXPANDING THEIR WORKPLACES (And How to Overcome Them)

CHALLENGE # 1 How do we keep our employees safe in a post COVID-19 work environment?

Consider retrofitting the existing building or designing something new to accomodate social distancing and cleanliness: In the arrival sequence and circulation, consider touchless operation of doors and controls; multiple entrances and exits; a secure check-in area with infrared temperature check; integrated sanitization stations; open stair circulation; one-way or wider corridors; well-designed and well-placed signage; and visual displays for building density monitoring and HVAC operation.

In common spaces and amenities, consider single seats appropriately spaced in lobbies and lounges; easily cleanable furniture materials; individual touchless lockers for food or package drop-off and pick-up; open meeting spaces with lower densities and posted occupant loads; built-in technology for remote meetings; and outdoor spaces such as patios, decks, or roof gardens with appropriately spaced seating options.

For restrooms, consider doorless common facilities for better air circulation or multiple single-user unisex rooms with a toilet and sink fully enclosed; barriers between elimination – washing – grooming zones and/or barriers between individual fixtures; touchless controls; integrated dispensers for hand sanitizer or wipes; visible cleaning logs; and more frequent cleaning.

Within employee work areas, consider workstation configurations that promote distancing and include barriers; screens, panels, and barriers throughout the spaces; non-permanent workstations where

Solution: Incorporate a wide variety of protective measures that encourage social distancing and cleanliness.

employees clear out their stuff at the end of the day for easy cleaning; individual lockers with touchless operation for employees if no permanent workstations; encourage organization and limit personal items at permanent workstations to simplify cleaning.

Other general considerations include more area per person; elements incorporated into the design that naturally promote distancing and separation; flexibility and adaptability; ‘clean line’ design which includes less surfaces to keep clean; operable windows; automatic window shades; germ-resistant and easily cleanable durable materials including washable fabrics; biophilic design (indoor plants).

For the mechanical and electrical systems, consider increasing outdoor air ventilation (using caution in highly polluted areas); improve central air filtration to MERV-13 or the highest compatible with the filter rack, and seal edges of the filter to limit bypass; keep systems running longer hours, if possible 24/7, to enhance ventilation and air filtration; portable room air cleaners with HEPA filters; UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) to protect occupants from radiation, particularly in high-risk spaces such as waiting rooms, large group areas and shelters; disinfectant lighting fixtures; and automatic lighting controls.

Case Study: Ask us what we are incorporating into a new multi-tenant office building, currently undergoing design.

CHALLENGE #2: How can we increase employee productivity and morale?

Consider these measures to improve your existing space: Survey your staff. Get feedback on your staff’s pain points and what kind of spaces they prefer. Issues such as noise, overcrowding, and technology gaps should be identified. This survey should go hand-inhand with your programming needs.

Review existing departmental plans. Documenting who sits where allows you to understand if a reorganization of staff would increase efficiency in your business operations.

Create flexible workspaces. An employee’s personality and job requirements influence the type of space they need. For example, some employees need more privacy, while others thrive on collaboration.

Some prefer to sit in a bean bag chair, while others want to stand.

Introducing options for employees in different environments throughout the day can stave off monotony and improve well-being and teamwork.

Solution: Cater your office design to meet your staff’s unique preferences and needs.

Build your brand inside your office. Implementing artwork and custom wall graphics throughout the office can help reinforce brand image and tie the look and feel of multiple areas together, providing a consistent message and boosting morale.

Find inexpensive ways to make a big impact. For example, introducing new floor finishes, paint, ceiling elements, lighting, millwork, wall tile, fixtures, and hardware are easy and relatively inexpensive ways to freshen up your spaces, giving employees a sense of pride and excitement about their new workspace.

Case Study: Ask us what we did for Shearer’s Foods, Inc. on their Corporate Office Consolidation project.

CHALLENGE # 3: What should we consider when planning an expansion for our growing workforce?

This process could require several steps. You may need to: Identify opportunities for growth. Consider all your options. Is a new building or an addition more efficient? Do you have a strategic master plan to guide you?

Prepare existing building and departmental plans. Do you have accurate, digital floor plans to guide you in your planning process? These will provide essential information for facility management, operation and maintenance initiatives, and spatial and asset information.

Conduct an existing conditions assessment. Identify, prioritize, and plan for improvements and maintenance repairs. Building components should be analyzed based on factors such as age, condition, function, accessibility, sustainability, and code compliance.

Prepare a departmental adjacencies matrix. Understand which departments need to be near each other and near support spaces to function optimally.

Solution: Conduct research to know your space and define goals before making decisions.

Prepare budgets. You may need a Master Plan for projects with phasing based on allowable financing or anticipated growth.

Conduct an employee satisfaction and desires survey. Get feedback on your staff’s pain points and what kind of spaces they prefer. Issues such as noise, overcrowding, and technology gaps should be identified. This survey should go hand-in-hand with your programming needs.

Make sure everyone is on the same page. You may need a communications plan to inform all stakeholders before and during the renovation. Educate appropriate staff on the process and requirements of design and construction.

Case Study: Ask us what we did for a Food & Beverage Manufacturing Company at their Research & Development Building.

CHALLENGE #4: How do we visualize our plans and convey them to stakeholders?

These are some tools that can help you visualize, experience, and communicate the project design before it’s built: Virtual Reality. Virtual reality enables you to explore design options through 360-degree panoramas, video walkthroughs, and room scale experiences using a smart phone or virtual reality glasses. This has great potential for stakeholder input and give them a taste of what the future can look like.

Drone Site Video. Drones give you the ability to view the site and buildings from several different perspectives not possible with a land camera or plane aerials.

Solution: Use technology to portray your vision in a vivid and realistic way.

3D Printed Models. 3D building and site models provide a handson approach that allows stakeholders to better understand the relationships between the different building spaces and site.

Case Study: Ask us what we did for Westfield Bank at one of their branch banks.

CHALLENGE #5: How can our buildings run more efficiently?

Solution: Consider incorporating sustainable design elements in your project.

Consider some of these sustainable best practices to meet your Triple Bottom Line goals (People, Planet, Profit): • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Green Roofs Bioswales Solar Panels Passive Solar Heating Rapidly Renewable Materials Permeable Paving Storm Water Management Regional Materials Light Pollution Reduction Native Plantings Conservation Easements Low VOC Materials Sun Shades Water Efficient Fixtures Geothermal Heating/Cooling Materials with Recycled Content Daylight & Views Commissioning Building Envelope Improvements Efficient Lighting

Case Study: Ask us what we did for the Victory Center at their Office & Research Spaces.

CHALLENGE #6: How do we know what the REAL cost of construction is?

THE “BASIC” MATH: Factors Affecting the Cost of Building

Site Costs + Building Costs = Hard Costs

(Construction Cost)

Hard Costs + Soft Costs = Total Project Cost Case Study: Ask us what we did for the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Company at their World Headquarters.

Solution: Make sure you are considering both hard costs and soft costs.

HARD COSTS Site Costs

• Earthwork • Utilities • Circulation & Parking • Landscaping

Building Costs • Foundations • Structure • Exterior Enclosure & Roofing • Interior Fit-Out & Finishes • HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire Protection & Technology • Contractor - General Conditions, Overhead & Profit

SOFT COSTS • Land Acquisition • Planning and Zoning Fees • Topographical & Utilities Survey • Environmental Impact Studies • Subsurface Investigations • Hazardous Material Surveys • Architectural Fees • Engineering Fees • Other Consultant Fees • Utility Company Charges • Construction Manager Fees • Permits • Insurances & Bonds • Testing and Inspections • Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment • Contingencies • Artwork / Signage • LEED Certification ...and more

CHALLENGE 7: #

How do we know what architect is best for our project?

Here are some ways to evaluate if an architect is the right fit for your project: Ask about their qualifications. They will be happy to give you materials on their services, experience, and staff. Does their experience align with your project type? Do they provide all the services you need?

Do you like their design philosophy?

Get recommendations and references. See who other reputable companies in the area are using and take time to call references listed on the architect’s qualification materials. Were projects delivered on time, within budget, and with the appropriate quality level?

Solution: Conduct research to find an architect that provides technical expertise and understands your needs.

Set up an interview. You will get a better sense of whether the architect is a good fit by meeting in person. Ask questions about how fees will be structured, project schedule, and any consultants they would use.

Consider special benefits they would provide. For example, maybe they have the most creative design concepts, use tech-savvy tools in the planning process, or have their own in-house construction management staff.

Contact Domokur Architects to learn how we can help you get started.

Consider the following tasks and services to initiate your project: Prepare a programming study. A programming study determines existing and future space and staffing needs. Consider utilizing a departmental adjacencies matrix to understand how your company functions, and conduct an employee satisfaction and desires survey to gain feeback from your employees.

Incorporate low-cost commitments. You don’t need to make big changes to make an impact. Consider low-cost commitments like an existing conditions assessment to identify short and long term maintenance and repair needs or an existing building and departmental plan to analyze efficiencies and deficiencies in your productivity.

Prepare budgets. By preparing budgets for future renovations, additions, and/or new construction, a Master Plan could then be developed to identify project phasing based on allowable financing or anticipated growth.

Learn about the process. Understanding the process and requirements of design and construction projects will help you manage your project and feel in control.

COMPANY AND CULTURE Integrity, Simplicity and Openness These are the four touchstones upon which our relationships with one another and with clients are built. They are the fundamentals of our culture and the basis of our success.

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“Domokur Architects is a dynamic and

REFERENCES

talented architectural firm, which we have had the pleasure of working with over the past twenty years. During this time frame,

The J.M. Smucker Company Orrville, Ohio Mr. Brian Mackey Corporate Facilities Manager 330-684-3514 brian.mackey@jmsmucker.com

they have provided architectural and construction management services for several new building projects, additions and renovations at our Corporate Campus and at several other locations throughout the country...We have received many compliments on the projects (Domokur) has completed for us over the years and

Westfield Bank Seville, Ohio Mr. Richard Robbs Bank Facilities Leader 330-802-3303

feel that their work has enhanced our business image and working efficiencies.”

- Brian Mackey, Facilities Manager, The J.M. Smucker Company

richardrobbs@westfieldgrp.com “Domokur has exceeded expectations

Huntington Bank (formerly FirstMerit)

at every turn and have always kept

Akron, Ohio

From understanding the market and

Mr. Fred Hawk

keeping pricing to an industry standard,

Director of Construction 216-469-2227 fred.w.hawk@huntington.com

Westfield’s best interests top of mind.

to holding contractors accountable for their work, we are never worried about the status of our projects.”

- Richard Robbs, Facilities Leader, Westfield Bank