Design and Construction Management
OVERVIEW – WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
At every step of the development process, from Conceptual Design through Construction, we utilize over 20 years of Owner Representation experience and award winning Design Expertise to save costs and enhance every aspect of our client’s projects.
We are a strategic partner with our clients. Our goal is to save the owner multiples of our fee, while simultaneously improving the project.
Rob Bernstein, the Principal, is a Licensed Architect with a degree in Engineering, and is intimately involved in all projects.
If you want your project to be particularly elegant and distinctive, we excel at developing unique design solutions.
PAST PROJECTS
We have experience with Multifamily Residential – both Market Rate and Affordable and both Stick Built and Modular Construction, Hotels, High-Rise, Retail, Religious Institutions, Office and Retail Tenant Improvements, Medical Clinics, and Single Family Homes – in both urban infill and suburban settings:
DESIGN
2305 Webster, Oakland, CA
Design Development and Entitlement of a 19 story Mixed Use High-Rise with 197 Units and Ground Floor Retail
Christian Science Church, Hartland, Wisconsin
Design and Construction Management
Duplex Condominium, Chicago, IL
Architect and General Contractor for A Duplex Condominium including Suspended Staircase, Waterfall Bathroom, AND Custom Furniture
New Store Prototype and Custom Store Fixtures
for a Retail Chain of 240 Stores Nationwide
Museum of Time and Glass
Design of interior spaces and galleries, Evanston, IL
Banned Books Jail
Art Installation, American Bookbinders Museum, San Francisco, CA
MULTI FAMILY
The Phoenix, Oakland, CA
Formerly Homeless Affordable Housing 100 Unit Modular Construction and Community Building
1532 Harrison, San Francisco, CA
Six Story 136 Unit Building with Retail and Underground Parking
1490 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA
Market Rate Four Story 15 Unit Condominium Building with Retail Space and Parking Garage
333 12th Street, San Francisco
200 suites built as Student Housing (later converted to affordable housing)
1501 Cherry, San Carlos, CA
Market Rate Four Story 34 Unit Condominium Building with Underground Garage
HIGH-RISE
900 North Michigan, Chicago, IL
Sixty-six story Mixed Use High- Rise with a 6 story Mall, Four Seasons Hotel, Offices, Health Club, and Luxury Condominiums
Riverview Condominiums, Chicago, IL
Ultra Luxury High-Rise Residential Tower and Health Club
INSTITUTIONAL/RETAIL
Marriott Springhill Suites and Residence Inn, San Jose, CA
Seven Story 300 Rooms Concrete Structure and Ground Improvement
Retail Chain of 240 Stores, Nationwide
Manager of Store Design and Construction
Santana Row and Westgate Shopping Center, San Jose, CA
Retail Build-Outs and Shopping Center Renovation
Medical Clinic Build-Out, Oakland, CA
New Construction
Cathedral Interior Build-Out, San Francisco, CA
And structural repairs
OUR PROCESS
We are available for all of the phases below, or for only those that clients request.
- SET PROJECT GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS: Insure there is a clear program with all stakeholders in agreement.
- DEVELOP DESIGN SCHEMES: Provide design schemes in line with client objectives.
- SELECT THE CONSULTANT TEAM: Assist in selecting architects, structural and mechanical engineers, and other consultants that will pursue their work with an eye on construction costs.
- CHOOSE MAJOR SYSTEMS: “Get into the weeds” with the consultants on the selection of the structural system, mechanical equipment, and finishes – three areas where large savings can often be realized.
- DEVELOP PRELIMINARY PRICING: To make certain budgets are not exceeded, request preliminary budgets from experienced and reputable contractors while simultaneously soliciting their ideas on ways to reduce construction costs.
- BIDDING AND NEGOTIATION: Find well qualified and value oriented contractors to provide proposals, and then analyze the bids received.
- PERMITS AND UTILITIES: Interact with cities and utilities to monitor the permitting process. Work with utilities so that installations do not impact the construction schedule.
- CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION: While we are not lawyers and are not a substitute for a construction attorney, our experience tells us certain contract clauses are essential to protect the owner’s interests during construction.
- CONSTRUCTION MONITORING: We enjoy “kicking the dirt” on construction sites – working with contractors and the design team to quickly identify and resolve issues to avoid or minimize change orders. Often, this involves looking for a “third way” that is responsive to both the design and construction constraints.
- TRANSITION TO OCCUPANCY: We make certain the process is smooth as the project begins to be used and any final items are completed.
A NOTE ON PROTECTING THE OWNER’S INTERESTS
Through open, clear, and respectful communication with contractors, we seek to resolve issues fairly while firmly protecting the owner from contractors that might take advantage or seek to avoid responsibility.
CONTACT US
We enjoy talking design and construction. Contact us about your project and let’s discuss how we can help.
Call 646.415.1570 or if you prefer, submit the form below.