Master Planning

An IMA master plan gives clients a general guide to present and future decision making, along with realistic short- and long-range plans that serve organizational needs while adapting to the site’s characteristics. In creating the master plan, IMA analyzes the organization’s structure and anticipated changes, evaluates the site, collects and analyzes information on building users, offers preliminary cost estimates, and performs time and budget analyses.

Programming

IMA’s architectural programming work lays the foundation for a design that serves the client’s needs. In this essential first step, we define the design problem and the requirements the design solution must meet. This process involves meeting with client groups to assess and catalog needs, then translating that data into physical space requirements and functional relationships. The result is a refined project scope and thoroughly documented requirements constituting a written program for the building that will reflect changes as the project evolves.

Design

IMA’s design services include conceptual studies, preliminary and schematic designs, planning and zoning approvals, graphic renderings and presentations, computer and 3D modeling, project budgeting, and cost control. Ian Mackinlay is a member of the American Institute of Architects’ Committee on Design.

Space Planning

Based on the client’s budget, space, and configuration needs, IMA translates the written building program into space and furniture layout plans for single tenants, multiple user groups, or departments. IMA’s space planning expertise includes building core and shell design, development of standard improvement options for tenants, and creation of above-standard adaptations that are customized to reflect a tenant’s identity. IMA can also define and help negotiate tenant improvement allowances.

Construction Documentation

Sound construction documentation is critical to avoiding construction errors. IMA produces detailed requirements for the building contractor, including drawings and specifications; conducts materials research; coordinates building systems; and resolves conflicts in the physical requirements of systems designed by engineering consultants. Our senior production architects have many years of experience with construction documentation and other types of contract documentation, and IMA typically takes the extra step of putting documents through in-house peer review to assure that building systems and materials are compatible and that physical elements do not conflict with one another.

Bidding and Contract Award

IMA manages this entire process, with an eye toward helping the owner negotiate a fair price and a reasonable contract with the best contractor for the job. We combine the design team’s construction drawings and technical specifications with the owner’s bidding and contract requirements, issue the package to qualified contractors, respond to bidder questions, and help the owner evaluate bids.

Construction Administration

As construction administrator, IMA helps ensure that the project stays on track by monitoring the contractor’s progress and evaluating performance against the documented requirements. This work includes making periodic site visits, coordinating other design consultants’ site-visit observations, reviewing contractor payment requests, responding to requests for information or clarification, reviewing contractor change requests, compiling punch lists, and evaluating the contractor’s notice of final completion.

Master Planning

An IMA master plan gives clients a general guide to present and future decision making, along with realistic short- and long-range plans that serve organizational needs while adapting to the site’s characteristics. In creating the master plan, IMA analyzes the organization’s structure and anticipated changes, evaluates the site, collects and analyzes information on building users, offers preliminary cost estimates, and performs time and budget analyses.