Sample 1

City of Pearland

3193 Liberty Drive

Pearland, TX 77581

March 15, 2023

Re: RFQ NO. 0123-01 for Architectural, Design, and Engineering Services for the 2023 Melvin Knapp Activity Center Facility Improvements Project.

Dear Chair and Members of the Evaluation Committee,

STOA International Architects, Inc. dba STOA Architects (STOA), along with our consultant team, is grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate our keen interest in collaborating with The City of Pearland (COP) With a wealth of experience in activity centers ranging from local community centers to large and upcoming convention centers, each center with a wealth of facilities that include fitness centers, educational classrooms, administrative offices, and more. As a firm, we are aware of the critical role that quality infrastructure plays in supporting an optimal activity center experience, we are fully prepared to offer the community and its users a wide range of comprehensive architectural services for the 2023 Melvin Knapp Activity Center Facility Improvements Project. Our experience partnering with numerous cities, counties, municipalities, academic institutions, and more in the Houston area positions us well to deliver top-tier design and technical expertise across the state of Texas.

Thanks to our extensive client relationships, we are excited at the opportunity to offer our services to the Pearland community and contribute to the expansion and improvement of the Melvin Knapp Activity Center. We are especially proud of our continuing relationships with Harris County, Fort Bend County and ready to showcase some of our most notable projects that fulfill their intended function and enhance the overall community environment and the daily lives of its occupants.

At STOA Architects, our goal is to provide The City of Pearland (COP) with a streamlined process from start to finish. Our team of Houston-based architects and engineers have worked together for many years to provide quality services to our clients and is equipped to conduct accurate feasibility studies, site inspections, and provide designs that not only adhere to code compliance but also enhance the overall experience through aesthetic design decisions. We offer necessary consultations to ensure that all options are thoroughly assessed. With our one-stop services, we aim to make the process as efficient as possible for COP.

With our wealth of knowledge and experience, we are confident in our ability to deliver the highest quality design and expansion services within the project timeframe. This partnership presents an exciting opportunity for us to contribute significantly to the community's growth and development.

Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to present our firm and team credentials with this submittal. Please feel free to contact us for additional information.

Sincerely,

Name here

President and CEO

PH:

999.999.9999| FX: 999.999.9999

Email:

email@email.com

Design Philosophy

Our designs respect the context, culture and community in its surroundings. We translate the client’s concerns, desires, needs, and management philosophy into problem-solving concepts that provide the foundation for the project’s design. In this case, the design and expansion of the Melvin Knapp Activity Center.

Start Up & Close Out Procedures

The project schedule is monitored with our project management system, Mosaic. Planned activities and milestones are recorded, making note of vital changes in the project such as, reports to record scheduled site visits, accommodating non-911 visits within one day, and responding to urgent "911" visits as soon as possible.

To ensure success of the expansion project, site visits will be conducted to identify existing conditions, determine optimal construction methods, and observe the construction process. Unplanned visits, such as contractor RFIs, will be accommodated within one day, while urgent visits, such as hazardous material discoveries, will be responded to immediately based on availability.

Schematic Design Phase Goals

Meeting to discuss and clearly define design solutions that meets Pearland’s goals for the project. Alternative plans, models, and illustrations are provided to help visualize the project as necessary while exploring the most promising alternative design solutions. The scale and the relationships among the program components and the building systems of the project are set in accordance to the budget, pertinent building codes and regulations.

Design Development Phase Goals

In the Design Development phase, the team will work with the owner to build upon the initial concepts and program for the expansion from the Pre-design phase, translating abstract space requirements into specific design details. This phase is critical in defining the project's character, including fully developed floor plans, exterior and interior elevations, and important building details. The building systems, such as structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection, will be well-defined and coordinated while ensuring compliance with building codes and local regulations.

Construction Documentation, Permitting & Bidding

In the construction document phase, detailed drawings and specifications are developed to permit, bid, and build the project. This includes specific coordination of materials, parts, and assemblies to achieve the design intent and budget. The resulting documentation ensures clear communication between all parties involved in the bidding, negotiation, and construction process. The project will proceed with the owner's agreement that the documentation is complete.

Construction Documentation, Permitting & Bidding

During this phase, the abstract ideas that have been developed through the previous three phases are translated into built reality.

During the Construction Administration phase, we ensure compliance with the design intent through field observations and submittal reviews. Acting as Pearland’s advocate by reviewing Construction Payment Applications and making necessary changes to the work. The phase ends with STOA assisting in the Project Close-out to transfer ownership of the project to the Owner.

Cost Estimating

STOA team's cost estimating expertise considers various costs, including maintenance and life cycle costs, escalation factors, and related design and construction costs. Our methods and update frequency include initial budgetary cost estimate, schematic design phase, construction documents phase, and construction administration phase.

Project Management Tool, Mosaic Internal & External Communications

To ensure effective communication throughout the planning, design and construction process, we have developed a comprehensive communication plan consisting of four key aspects:

• listening,

We prioritize active listening, taking the time to truly understand messages before taking action. We also confirm understanding with both the messenger and receiver to ensure clarity and accuracy.

• regular forums,

Throughout the project, we conduct frequent and regular meetings to review past, current, and future events, issues, and actions. We proactively manage and communicate to ensure timely and effective resolution to any problems that arise during the project lifetime.

• documentation, and decision-making. This comprehensive approach to communication allows us to effectively track progress, identify potential issues, and ensure successful project outcomes.

Quality Assurance Quality Control

A written Quality Control Plan is implemented for all projects, with the Quality Control Officer overseeing the efforts. A Quality Control Officer is assigned to each project by management, with the goal of ensuring that the contract documents align with the client's goals and objectives.

Suzanne Lee, the QAQC Officer based in the Houston office, leads the Quality Assurance Program. The committee members include key team leaders from the architectural, engineering, or technical personnel as assigned, each responsible for their respective technical staff.

They can take appropriate action to prevent quality problems, identify and record quality problems, initiate solutions through appropriate channels, and verify implementation of solutions. Quality control checks are conducted at key milestones in the project schedule, such as completion of Schematic Design, Design Development, 50% Construction Documents, and 100% Construction Documents.

C STOA's Ability to Perform.

As a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), STOA International Architects, Inc. dba STOA Architects has extensive experience working on federally funded building design, renovation, and expansion projects. Over the years, We have worked on numerous highprofile projects across a wide range of industries, including education, healthcare, transportation, and government.

Working with other DBE and MBE firms has been a key component of STOA's success. Through these collaborations, we have been able to leverage our collective strengths, share resources, and deliver high-quality work to our clients.

Some federaly funded projects include our years of experience with different cities, counties, municipalities, and organizations who recieve funds from various federal organizations for different reasons. (e.g., affordable housing, GLO funding, etc.) Some key exampled are as represented to the right and on the next page.

Overall, STOA's extensive experience working with other DBE/MBE firms has helped our team build a strong network of professional relationships that allows us to make a meaningful impact the greater community.

Port Arthur Housing Authority - Remodel & Feasibility Study STOA performed a property Condition Assessment (PCA) report and feasibility study on the existing building to remodel and bring up to code.The building would be an additional office facility to host their day-to-day operations and programs such as a lobby and multipurpose room, a private facility for staff, 8 stations for case workers, a kiosk / reception area, an accounting section, filing room, and offices.

Harris County Precinct 4 - Crosby Community Center

The design includes meeting rooms, restrooms, classrooms, conference rooms, computer rooms, office space, full service kitchen, craft's room, and storage space. The entire project area is approximately 12,402sf, excluding additional areas of converted patio coverage.

C STOA's Ability to Perform.

Corry Station - Child Youth Center

The Corry Station Youth Center facility is a one story 9,800 SF building designed to include youth activity rooms, teen lounge, and exterior patio, expansive commons area, administrative spaces, and building support areas. Site improvements for the new Corry Station Youth Center also include a covered open air sports court, playground, and resurfacing and striping of the existing parking lot. The Corry Station Youth Center is LEED Silver Certified.

Gulf Breeze - Tiger Point Community Center

The Tiger Point Community Center is recognized by the American Institute of Architects for its design excellence and has received two AIA Design Awards. The community center is located in a very large, active public park that is used year-round for sports leagues, community groups, and is a major public activity center for the neighborhoods.

The new community center now serves as an icon by providing the meeting spaces and support spaces needed to unify and enhance the park and surrounding neighborhoods. In addition to providing public space and highlighting the local community pride, the new community center performs a civic role for the county by providing space for county government meetings and serving as a voting precinct. The multi-purpose space also has state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment allowing it to serve as a broadcast-ready venue for county government proceedings

Chao Chiung Lee, AIA, LEED AP

Principal in Charge

Registered Architect (TX) #8167

LEED Accedited Professional, Registered Interior Designer (No. 1707), NCARB Certified

Harvard University

AMDP in Real Estate,

Washington University

Master of Architecture, Tunghai University Bachelors of Architecture

About

C.C. Lee, founder of STOA International Architects, has been in business for over 40 years, and has been working in the field of architecture for 40+ years. He is a respected architect who has been managing the firm since 1983, utilizing his structured design approach to aid clients globally.

Experience

-Welcome Center, Garage & Retail

-Superconductivity Science Center

University of Houston

-James Baker Hall Rm 310 Office Build Out

-McNair Hall 3rd Fl Infill Study

-Space Science Rm 106 Remodel

-Allen Center Office Renovation

-Duncan Hall Dean's Office Remodel & Study

William Marsh Rice University

-Northeast Campus Academic Building

Houston Community College

-Fort Bend Epicenter & Faire Grounds

Fort Bend County

About ChiChung, with 40+ years of experience and 4+ with STOA, coordinates schematic design, design development, and construction documents to ensure the team's approach to construction delivery. His perspective will ensure high quality multidisciplinary teams seeking cost-effective solutions, sustainable yet captivating design, and ensuring timely completion.

Experience

Certified Project Manager

Ph.D. In Engineering Rice University

-Facility Assessment, site planning for effective use and/or reuse of existing sites, facilities, and infrastructure, and possible expansion of lowincome housing development to meet identified shortfalls and possible future needs.

Port Arthur Housing Authority

-HHA Heatherbrook Renovations

Houston Housing Authority

-Engineering Study and Facility Assessment

Engineering study to assess facility conditions of 14 buildings/laboratories and the central plant at Smithville Research Campus. (2015-2017).

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

ChiChung Chang, Ph.D. Project Manager

"Professional Services Qualifications Form" Can be found as an attachment.

E Project Experience

“Virtue consists in a will that is in agreement with Nature.” - C.C. Lee

Firm History + Team Experience

STOA International Architects, Inc. (HUB/MBE) is an award-winning architecture firm that was founded in 1983. We specialize in delivering innovative design solutions that not only meet the operational goals of our clients but also express the importance of their role in the larger community. Our forward-thinking designs prioritize the shape of the environment and the people who inhabit it, creating a sense of community for a better tomorrow.

Since our inception, we have approached each project with a holistic mindset, considering not only the functional requirements but also the impact on the natural environment and the wellbeing of the occupants.

Collaboration and effective communication are essential in any design project, and at STOA Architects, we understand the importance of working closely with our team of consultants to deliver exceptional results. Our team includes industry leaders such as Walter P Moore (WPM), CPD Consultants (CPD), Kimley-Horn, Jones DBR (DBR), and others, who bring their expertise and knowledge to the table to ensure that every project meets the highest standards.

In the Epicenter project, for example, our collaboration with WPM allowed us to create innovative solutions for the building's unique seating arrangements, while CPD provided valuable insight into the best materials and design choices to match the client's expectations for the welcoming aesthetic. Similarly, in the Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion project, our team worked closely with stakeholders and Kimley-Horn to assess the Pavilion's current condition and establish the level of restoration needed to bring the structure back to its former glory.

Throughout each project, our team of consultants, including Jones DBR, provided valuable input on various aspects of the design, from structural engineering to building systems and beyond. Together, we were able to consider all aspects of the project and create designs that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also meet the needs of clients and users alike.

Our Team

STOA Architects*Architecture

Walter P Moore/ Martinez Moore* Structural & Traffic Engineering

GC Engineering*Civil Engineering

Jones DBR*MEP Engineering

Kimley-Horn* Landscape

CPD Consultants*Environmental Engineering, Material Testing, Survey

TLC Engineering*Value Engineering

*Denotes HUB, MBE, SBE, or WMBE

George H.W. Bush Community Center

name

George H.W. Bush Community Center location

6823 Cypresswood Drive, Spring

type of construction

Remodel

project size

24,500 SF

construction cost

$4.5 million

completion date

Estimated 2023

roles of project team member

Ramon M. Patino, M.Arch

Suzanne Lee, LEED AP, AIA consulting firms

CPD Consultants

project scope

Located in the heart of the Cypress Creek Cultural District, the center will serve more than 1.4 million residents and civic organizations. STOA Architects was tasked with breathing new life into the existing community center damaged by hurricane Harvey to become an integral part of the neighborhood. The modern makeover includes a two-phase renovation for this 24,500 SF center. Phase I consists of the renovation of the 1980s era facilities façade. STOA choose materials that related well to the neighborhood's nearby Barbara Bush Branch Library, that are contemporary but would not soon feel dated. Phase II includes the reconfiguration and enhancements of the interior for better circulation to the lobby, administrative spaces, and aerobics/dance facility and updates to the mechanical systems and enhanced finishes. Additional improvements on the site will include accessible walking paths, benches, landscaping, and a new memorial dedicated to President George H.W. Bush.

Fort Bend Epicenter Convention Center & Faire Grounds

name

Fort Bend Epicenter | Convention Center & Faire Grounds

location

Rosenberg, Tx

type of construction

New Construction

project size

137,995 SF

40,000

SF Pavillion

construction cost

TBA

completion date

Estimated Summer 2023

roles of project team member

Mario Bolullo - Principal Architect

Marek Radomski - BIM Manager

Suzanne Lee - QAQC

Cynthia Ramirez - Job captain

Juan Rojas - Designer

C.C. Lee, AIA – President / CEO

consulting firms

Supporting Architecture Firm

PBK Sports

Structural Engineer

Walter P Moore

contractor and delivery method

Satterfield & Pontikes

Design Build

project scope

The Epicenter will be in the heart of the Fort Bend County community, providing an outstanding venue for music, rodeo, graduation ceremonies, sports, and so much more. This 10,000-seat facility will have a combination of telescopic and fixed seating for a total seating capacity of 8,500 seats and 1,500-floor seats. It can also easily be transformed into multiple seating arrangements for different assemblies, music, and sports in a championship or tournament play.

The Epicenter will be located off the US 59 South service road. Visitors will arrive through a formal boulevard to a centralized drop-off at the entry to the building circulating a cascading water feature. The site will accommodate 2,500 surface parking spaces located around the facility’s perimeter and provide guests with optimal access to the facility.

The building is created to be a welcoming notion of a tipping of the hat and provides a bright and warm welcome as guests approach the facility.

E Project Experience

Heatherbrook Apartments - HHA

name Heatherbrook Apartments

Renovations - Houston Housing

Authority location

2000 Tidwell Rd. Houston, TX 77093

type of construction

Renovation & Improvements

project size

176-unit affordable housing

property

construction cost

$241,945

completion date On Going

roles of project team member

ChiChung Chang, Ph.D.

- Project Manager

C.C. Lee, AIA – President / CEO consulting

firms

Walter P. Moore Jones DBR

CPD Consultants

project scope

Constructed in 2003 the property has a total of 176-units 53 of which or RAD units located on the property. Based on the results of the Property Condition Assessment (PCA) also done by STOA, many aspects of the apartments need immediate repair/replacement.

STOA will provide Architectural Design services and will include specification writing services and cost estimating services as well as construction coordination. We will re-generate design drawings for the original design and conduct repair/replacement design to meet current code requirements. We will collaborate with our sub-engineering consultants to complete the side walk improvement and dumpster enclosures' design and construction. STOA will also provide material specification(s) and assistance for selecting contractor(s) for the work. During the design development (DD) and construction documents (CD) phases, we will assist HHA to coordinate with HHA's engineering consultants for the updated project construction cost estimate.

Restoring the HoustonTaipei Friendship Pavilion Hermann Park

name

Restoring the Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion in Hermann Park Centennial Garden location

1500 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX, 77004

type of construction

Renovation & Restoration

project size Pavilion

construction cost

TBD

completion date

On Going

roles of project team member

ChiChung Chang, Ph.D.

Project Manager

C.C. Lee, AIA – President / CEO

consulting firms

Walter P. Moore

Kimley-Horn

CPD consultants

project scope

The Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion, gifted to Houston in 1976, was constructed in the late 1970s and refurbished in 1995. Situated in Hermann Park, it's now in need of restoration due to wood rot and deterioration, including a 2015 collapse of parts of the ceiling's structural system. Emergency funding and temporary stabilization repairs were conducted in 2017, but the Pavilion's condition has continued to deteriorate.

On 1st of December 2017, the Houston Taipei Society created a maintenance fund with the Hermann Park Conservancy. The City also allocated funding for the restoration of the Pavilion. In January 2022, STOA Architects (through a sub-consultant agreement with WOS for the City), took steps to accurately depict the current condition of the Pavilion and to generate this report to establish the level of restoration that is needed. Upon the approval of this Phase 1 report, the STOA project team will conduct the Schematic Design and the Design Development phases of the project for Friendship Pavilion’s restoration. WOS has been coordinating with the City and the Hermann Park Conservancy for the project. The STOA team will continue serving as a liaison with the Taipei-Houston Society for this project.