commercial consulting
In this nascent field of Building Envelope Commissioning, our years in Quality Assurance have given us the necessary foresight to identify problem areas before they occur. Our experience with a breadth of envelope assemblies allows us to identify unique pitfalls. Having this kind of advice during design and leading into construction may reduce headaches in the field, minimize schedule issues, and ultimately maintain cost parameters.
Through our experience performing and witnessing field performance tests, we’ve seen where failures are most likely to occur, and have been part of the discussions of how to fix those issues. And our work with existing buildings gives an acute belief in the importance of correct original installations.
As Architects we work well with large, diverse project teams. We are familiar with all aspects required to create an elegant and function building. This allows us to see the Building Envelope within the context of other systems, such as mechanical and lighting.
Applying the principles of building science to the design and construction of the building envelope, we can assist architects and contractors in the delivery of a more durable and higher performing final product.
Through our experience performing and witnessing field performance tests, we’ve seen where failures are most likely to occur, and have been part of the discussions of how to fix those issues. And our work with existing buildings gives an acute belief in the importance of correct original installations.
As Architects we work well with large, diverse project teams. We are familiar with all aspects required to create an elegant and function building. This allows us to see the Building Envelope within the context of other systems, such as mechanical and lighting.
Applying the principles of building science to the design and construction of the building envelope, we can assist architects and contractors in the delivery of a more durable and higher performing final product.
ENVELOPE COMMISSIONING
Commissioning incorporates measurable standards into the project requirements, allowing verification by testing at completion of construction. Review of construction documents and onsite observations during construction work toward successful compliance with specified performance values.
As LEED V4 is more widely adopted, basic envelope commissioning will be required. This will entail greater consideration of the impacts of a durable and properly constructed envelope on the longevity of a building, incorporating these goals into the initial project requirements, tracking through construction documents, providing oversight during construction and, final testing of the building envelope to verify air leakage goals are met, and testing of fenestration to verify integrity of installation.
As LEED V4 is more widely adopted, basic envelope commissioning will be required. This will entail greater consideration of the impacts of a durable and properly constructed envelope on the longevity of a building, incorporating these goals into the initial project requirements, tracking through construction documents, providing oversight during construction and, final testing of the building envelope to verify air leakage goals are met, and testing of fenestration to verify integrity of installation.
CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEWS
Review of construction documents prior to construction at the request of the contractor, architect or owner, considers compatibility of materials, reviews critical intersections and material sequencing, encourages greater coordination between trades and highlights critical areas for contractor.
Our experience reviewing drawing sets, from high-rise to podium type multifamily and institutional projects allows us to quickly identify critical junctures, potential issues and completeness of the specifications. We can advise which laboratory and field performance tests will put the Owner’s dollars to the best use.
Our experience reviewing drawing sets, from high-rise to podium type multifamily and institutional projects allows us to quickly identify critical junctures, potential issues and completeness of the specifications. We can advise which laboratory and field performance tests will put the Owner’s dollars to the best use.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Modern construction technologies involve complex layering and sequencing of materials to provide effective resistance to the elements. Hidden construction defects can have big impacts down the road. Additional eyes during construction provide oversight of trades; verifying materials and application practices are held to construction documents, approved submittals and manufacturer's installation recommendations.
Reports document correct practices and allow tracking of required repairs and correction of non-conforming items.
Reports document correct practices and allow tracking of required repairs and correction of non-conforming items.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
We have worked with Sara on a number of very successful large/high profile construction projects in the capacity of a lead technical field inspector and auditor. Sara has also provided Kitchell with services as an architect and envelope consultant. Her knowledge, professionalism and a pragmatic approach to problem solving, has gone a long way in building trust and confidence with our field teams and trade contractors. She is one of the most effective and highly regarded consultants we have employed in Kitchell Quality Assurance over the past five years.
Bill Vandrovec, AIA, DBIA, Director of Quality Assurance, Kitchell Contractors Inc.
Bill Vandrovec, AIA, DBIA, Director of Quality Assurance, Kitchell Contractors Inc.
I have had the occasion to work with Sara Rain Stewart and her Avocet Design & Consulting firm on two separate construction projects. Both projects required a wide-ranging understanding of the existing condition concerns and budget constraints of the project. Throughout the design development process Sara’s input was excellent. She truly seeks to understand the function and consequential design requirements of the project she is working on.
Sara was also willing and able to offer process suggestions during construction. Additionally, she has the tenacity and skills necessary to help work through the city’s permitting process.I would not hesitate to use or recommend Sara Rain Stewart and her Avocet Design & Consulting, LLC to anyone seeking a professional and personal touch in the design of their project.
Sara Stewart was the Quality Assurance person for the Kayenta Multi-Purpose Justice Center on the Navajo Reservation in Kayenta, Arizona, for 2 years (2013-2014). Sara ensured that all building integrity details were followed properly and identified and assisted with designing details for conditions that were not addressed in the contract documents. Sara’s professionalism and good humor were always welcome.
Dan Dell, Senior Project Superintendent, Kitchell Contractors, Inc.
Dan Dell, Senior Project Superintendent, Kitchell Contractors, Inc.
My Project Team made the decision to work with Sara, Avocet Design & Consulting, on a $120 million ground up hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The project was CMAR on a fast track schedule with 7 months to install 360,000+ square feet of building skin. Sara provided our group a high level of envelope consultation, inspections, and design/submittal review. Sara was a key resource to my field staff and office staff. And the design team used Sara to review various details and field conditions which allowed for a successful project delivery.
Rick Letscher, Senior Project Superintendent, Jaynes Structures, Inc.
It was great having you as part of the Jaynes team for this project. The weekly reviews and reports were invaluable and helped us to deliver a high quality product to the owner. The weekly reviews were always very thorough and received timely so that we could make corrections before items were covered up.
Chris Butler, Project Management Director, DBIA, Jaynes Corporation
