Design Process

I. Custom Programming There are many building designs but only one which fits your Church. To create your building we first invest extensive time listening through a series of interviews with ministry leaders. We start by spending quality time with the senior Pastor to gain an understanding of the heart, the calling, and the vision of the ministry. Interviews are then conducted with key ministry leaders such a Worship, Children, Youth, and Office Administration among others. Insights and information gained from these sessions are then documented in a detailed Program Report which includes a general statement of the overall ministry, room by room, descriptions, an area analysis, and a concept pricing estimate. This is "The Building in Words". Only after the Room descriptions, an area analysis, and concept pricing are in agreement and the Church has given its approval do we proceed with schemativ design. The needs based project budget is defined before a line is ever drawn, and maintained throughout the architectural and construction processes. Our programming process is the foundation of the project; the success of all other phases is insured when it is carefully and accurately laid. II. 3 Dimensional Schematic Design In our Schematic Design phase creativity and inspiration are freely exercised within the defined boundaries of size and budget defined in the Program. The intangible impacts of quality and aesthetics cannot be over stated. All design work is personally performed by the firms president Mark Verret who brings 30 years of the highest quality design expertise to every project. In this phase the written Program is creatively translated into a building design. At Verret Group the initial design presentation goes beyond tradictional 2 dimensional plans and elevations; it consists of accurate 3 dimensional true perspective full color images. Clients at Verret Group have the advantage of seeing their building in simple to understand 3D views very early in the process. This removes much of the guesswork of interpretation, allowing our clients to review and approve building deigns with confidence and understanding.

Because our drawings are produced with cutting edge BIM (Building Information Modeling) software the Schematic Design package is suitable for use in capital campaigns, bank financing presentations, and momentum building presentations to congregations. We include virtual animation films which can be incorporated with music in projected media. Since our clients benefit from high end presentations so early in the design process they save substantial design fee costs up front, allowing Church Boards to make informed descisions with minimal financial commitments. Our process also eliminates the need for costly 3rd party rendering and animation consultants. III. Design Development Before taking a project into construction documents we develop the design to a point of completion which includes selection of exterior and interior materials, colors, and finishes. Engineering consultants provide input at this stage on structural, site, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Defining these critical elements early minimizes time consuming delays and redundant drawings during the construction document phase, thus maximising the technical drawing phase to produce accurate and complete documents. IV. Construction Documents At Verret Group we manage the complex technical architectural and engineering documentation process through a series of consultant coordination meetings in which the Church, architect, engineers, consultants, and general constractor all participate. These meetings involve open discussions of all pertinent issues and allow the Church to understand the basis of all decisions. They begin with a kick off meeting in which the design develop drawings are reviewed and direction is determined for all critical site and building systems. The kick off is follorwed up with a series of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% complete coordination meetings, allowing us to track the progress of all disciplines as well as pricing updates from the general contractor.

This is truly a team effort with the benefits of effective communication resulting in accountablity for both the project budget and schedule. At Verret Group we maintain a consistent track record of completing projects on time and within budget. Our construction documents are accurately detailed and coordinated between all consultants thus streamlining the construction process in the field. V. Pricing & Permits At Verret Group we submit construction drawings for permit review to all required government agencies including State handicap review. Due to the efficiency of our construction document proces we normally submit drawings at the 75% completion level thus reducing the overall project schedule by a month or more. Our thorough review and response to agency comments minimizes permit approval time. 100% complete pricing drawings are released to the general contractor during this phase. This is usually a 2 to 3 week process during which we work closely with the contractor to produce the most accurate and cost effective bids. We welcome suggestions for alternates from the sub-contractors to value engineer the project. VI. Constuction Administration At Verret Group we participate in the construction phases of the project to the extent requested by the Owner. This service may range from somply answering questions from the field to full review of all shop drawings and submittals with regular site visits, pay application reviews, and the production of a final walk through "punch list". Often our involvement is a function of the project size and complexity. We remain flexible in order to provide our clients with a level of service tailored to their needs.