Newcomer Associates brings to you the thoughtful integration of artistry, function, and value. It is through proper integration that excellent architecture is achieved.
For a project to be worthy of construction, its value must exceed its cost. The value may be determined many ways. It could give a good return on investment, it could memorialize a person or event, it could instill pride or satisfaction. Regardless of the measure, it will be enhanced by the proper integration of art and function to be its greatest value.
Modern technology has had a major impact on all phases of architecture. Newcomer Associates has been on the leading edge in the use of this technology. All of our drawings are produced on the latest CAD systems including 3-D renderings, 3-D walk-thrus and fly around aerials. We have the ability to give you a photo-realistic video guided tour of your building even before we break ground. Our engineering department uses computer programs to design the structural elements, heating and air conditioning, electrical power, lighting and plumbing, security systems and energy management system to name just a few.
Technology is not limited to our architectural practice. Our buildings are designed to take advantage of the latest innovations in technology as may be required for the various building types such as energy management systems, passive solar design and security.
Now, of course, for a project to actually become buildable it must also be within budget. And beyond that, it should be the best value for the money invested.
We take great pride in our common sense approach to construction. We design very buildable projects. Many on our staff have considerable field construction experience. We have some on our staff that have worked as estimators for construction companies.
We feel that we have the expertise in life-cycle-analysis, project schedule and overall construction knowledge to design value into a project yet keep the projects within budget.
We have considerable experience with banks, supermarkets, churches, retirement communities, hotels, and industrial projects. Experience in one type of project often helps in the design of another type of project. Our broad range of experience cross-references to all of our projects.
We take great pride in the quality of our construction documents. But more important than our pride, is the practical benefit that clear, well-detailed documents bring to our clients. The contractors and subcontractors bidding on our work can clearly understand the scope and complexity of their work, thereby allowing them to give their most competitive prices. Conversely, drawings and specifications that are unclear cause the contractors to add in extra money to cover unforeseen circumstances. It can be shown that quality architectural service can reduce the cost of construction more than the cost of the architectural fee. Again, it is the integration of all of the elements of design and construction that bring value to the architect's service.
Proper integration of all the essential ingredients does not guarantee a successful project. Our true measure of success is determined by the degree of client satisfaction. To further assure a satisfied client, we have put client satisfaction as the most important element in measuring architectural success. We have learned to be good listeners. We spend the necessary time listening to our clients' needs and desires. We work hard at developing plans that fulfill their needs and have the style and character agreeable to our client.
As important as anything previously discussed, is the end result. We closely check and monitor the construction, check shop drawings, schedules, certify contractor's pay requests and stay involved with the construction process to be sure our clients get the quality project they pay for and deserve.
