Jul 28, 2009 | 0 comments

Maximum Design, Minimal Cost

Today's guest blogger is our Director of Design, Timothy Schwarz, LEED® A.P.

The economics of buildings have become as complex as the design itself.  With the recent changes to the housing market, stock exchange and world economy, we are closely watching each dollar spent and want to maximize the returns on our investments.  Over indulgence and "showing-off" are in the past, but just because we are watching our pocket books does not mean that our design experiences should suffer. 

It may be perceived that "high-design" equals "high-cost", but with a well thought-out "high-design" this is not necessarily the case.   Design is a creative device that is measured not only by the items used but how all of those items come together.  The idea is to maximize the perceived value of the design by great concepts and ideas, creative use of cost effective products, and understanding how these concepts and products can define and influence each other while responding to the market demands.  All of this can create an environment that is desirable for the user, viable for the business, and which functions appropriately.

Having a well established game plan for how to approach the design is critical in the overall success of a project.  This will reduce the amount of time and energy spent on assumptions and revisions, and will maximize the productivity and creativity of the project.  Look at the specific use and purpose of each project, who will be using the space, how they will be using it, and the intended life span of the space.  High-rise buildings and museums have an almost infinite life span, while model homes, restaurants and sales offices have a low or set life span.  This can determine the type and use of resources and materials of a project.  One great example is during the construction of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893.  The exteriors of all of the buildings were finished with "staff", a mix of stucco and paper, which was easy to apply, had a great white color and a life span of six to eight months before it stated to degrade.  This was ideal since the fair had one year to construct and was open for only six months.

Buildings and interior spaces are created to shelter and protect the users.  I believe that these spaces should not only function well but also provide an appropriate atmosphere and experience for the users.  Aesthetics is not just a visual criteria, but it is also what the user hears, touches, feels and smells--all important in the creation of a wonderful experience that conveys the design intent and use of the space.  I really like how Brazilian steak houses, in particular Fogo de Chao in Chicago, display and market their product.  The building is situated on a corner with the main entry and a large, open flame boiler cooking the various meats to be served.  A large exhaust chimney pumps the smells out into the neighborhood to let everyone know when they are open, while outdoor speakers play Salsa music for arriving guests. There is no mistaking that this is a Brazilian steak house.  The "experience" of dining at this restaurant starts as the guests get out of their cars, before they even enter the doors, and connects with all of their senses to start their dining "experience". 

Today, common construction means, methods and thought processes are not necessarily the best application for a specific design.  The use of "construction standards" and "what the client wants" may not be the most cost effective or the most aesthetically appropriate decision.  Clients today look to design professionals for insight into resources that are energy efficient, cost conscious and pleasing to the senses.  Clients are not necessarily experts and may not know of other methods or resources available to them.  For example, specifying a "split-system" for the air conditioning and heating only uses 25% of the energy of a conventional furnace and condensing unit system; there are no ducts, which saves internal space and air loss; and has a variable fan so there is no harsh start and stop as in a conventional system that draws more power at start up.  LG actually has systems that that hide the inside vents with a picture frame over it so there is no visual sign of the mechanics in the building.  Without a design professional to guide the decision, however, many clients may never know all of their options.  It is our job to make sure cost efficient and project appropriate ideas such as this are brought to the table early in the process.

In addition, using local resources, salvaged materials and recycled products saves the environment and provides an updated look to the space.  These building materials often cost the same or less than their non-sustainable counterparts; this makes them ideal for this economic and environmental clement.  A great advantage of this is that green projects also frequently lend themselves to a shorter building permitting process, meaning the projects start faster.