Horizons Design provides full architectural design services in the U.S. and abroad. We are licensed in multiple states and work in other jurisdictions through strategic partnerships with highly qualified and experienced local Architecture and Engineering firms.
Our aim is to help our clients design and build the best children's environments in the world and to make the most of each project's specific potential. We strive to achieve this on time and on budget.
We tailor our involvement in any project to suit the needs of a particular client. While we have the capacity to provide complete design services (as well as design-build services in collaboration with the Bright Horizons construction group) we often concentrate on early stage design input, through design development, and follow up with peer review of the construction documents produced by a local "Architect of record".
Whatever structure or form our project participation takes, our years of experience in designing children's environments helps our clients, at every step of the process, to maximize value, control risk, and achieve their project's goals.
Discovery / Programming
It is critical to develop a complete understanding of a project's goals, aspirations, and parameters at the outset. This allows for expectations to be met, creative solutions to be freely explored, and budget and schedule to be tightly managed.
- Project Mission
- Needs Assessment
- Envisioning
- Benchmarking
- Architectural Programming
- Preliminary Budgeting and Scheduling
Site Selection / Conceptual Design
Once clear project parameters are established the design team can proceed to select a site and begin to explore the best way to achieve the project goals. At this stage of the project it is important to explore multiple possible project approaches, think outside the box ultimately agree on a conceptual direction for the project design.
- Site Criteria
- Feasibility Studies / Site Selection
- Site Analysis
- Preliminary Building Code & Child Care Regulations Analysis
- Preliminary Energy and Sustainable Design Review
- Conceptual Design / Design Workshop
Schematic Design
During this phase we modify and develop the concept to align with the physical realities of the site and the program. At this point both the functional requirements and the look and feel of the building begin to take form and all major building elements are set in terms of their size and location.
- Preliminary Site Layout
- Preliminary Floor Plans
- Preliminary Building Elevations and Massing
- Preliminary Building Systems and Engineering
- Schematic Budget Check
- Preliminary Consultations with Licensing, Planning and Building Officials
Design Development
At this point in the design process the project vision really takes form. Interior and exterior spaces are designed and tested with drawings and models and the final design intent is documented. Critical specification elements, materials and equipment are selected and final operations input is incorporated.
- Coordinated Site and Outdoor Play Area Plans
- Coordinated Floor Plans
- Coordinated Ceiling Plans
- Coordinated Interior and Exterior Elevations
- Selection of Building Materials
- Final Development of Building Form and Spaces
Construction Documents
In this phase the design is translated into complete and plans and specifications that will be the basis for permit review, bidding, and construction. All coordination between engineering and architecture are completed during this phase and final dimensioning and detailing are put in place to ensure that the building conforms to all of the program requirements.
- Detailed Site Plans and Details Including Landscaping, Grading and Drainage
- Detailed Floor Plans
- Detailed Ceiling Plans
- Detailed Interior and Exterior Elevations
- Architectural Details for All Cabinetry, Doors, Windows and Other Building Elements
- Detailed Engineering Drawings
- Final Pre-Bid Budget Check
- Complete Specifications
Bidding and Negotiation
The completed Construction Documents are used either to solicit competitive bids from pre-qualified general contractors or to negotiate with a single preferred contractor. The critical goal at this point is to make sure that the bidders get the clearest possible understanding of the project documents, site, and schedule so that an unambiguous, all inclusive contract price can be agreed upon.
- Contractor Qualification
- Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit
- Questions and Clarifications
- Bid Analysis
- Value Engineering and Final Negotiation
Construction
The Contractor and Construction Project Manager take the lead in turning the Construction Documents into a finished building but the whole project team needs to work together to verify design intent, provide clarification when needed and assist in coordinating such things as owner furnished items and set-up and licensing.
- Information Management
- Progress Meetings
- Shop Drawings and Submittals
- Project Completion
- Set Up and Licensing
