For Leaders + Entrepreneurs
Let’s create what matters most in your place of work.
our services.
We are diverse in experience and have worked with leaders and entrepreneurs from various industries.
Adaptive Reuse
Healthcare Design: Medical Clinics, Optometry Offices
Mixed Use / Multi-Family
Religious Architecture: Church Renovations / Additions + New Construction
Retail + Hospitality Design: Restaurants, Eateries, Cafes, Coffee Shops
Tenant Improvements
Zoological Design: Exhibit + Educational Buildings, Food Service
Design Services:
Architecture - We breathe architecture. To us, a space or a building is more than just a physical structure. It is a lifestyle; an identity and culture; a living element that enhances its occupants and the surrounding community.
Interior Design - Interiors are an extension of the architectural experience. Aside from visual aesthetics, they create the personality for the designed purpose. We strive to deliver interiors that enhance comfort and function, increase productivity, stimulate patronage and connections, speak your brand, and reflect your values.
Spatial Branding - Transform your brand into a physical experience. We live in a time where the general public has become increasingly design savvy. A properly designed space has the power to reflect the identity and culture of your brand and foster connections with those experiencing it. Our spatial branding services combines all that we offer along with graphic design to achieve comprehensive solutions.
Feasibility Study - An architectural feasibility study investigates and evaluates the potential of a site or building, and helps Owners determine how to or if they should proceed with their project.
We are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
our experience.
Below are some common challenges that we have been approached with by leaders and entrepreneurs.
Expansion + Growth:
Our organization is thriving and we have the opportunity to expand, but want to make informed decisions to ensure financial viability and smart growth.
Outdated atmosphere / functionality : Our establishment needs a refresh to help us stay relevant and be more productive. The space is not reflective of our workstyle or culture.
Lack of insight:
This is our first time pursuing a construction project and we do not know what is involved or where to begin. We need expert guidance to help us achieve our goal and make the right decisions.
We do not know what we need or want and we cannot envision what is possible.
We are having a difficult time agreeing on how to approach our project.
New venture:
We have an exciting opportunity to create something new and different, but need professional assistance with project planning to determine best approach, make the right decisions, and honor our core values.
our approach.
While the end product is a place of work, our end goal is an honest representation of your establishment. We do this by helping clients identify the things that matter to them most, and translate these values into a physical reality.
As business owners ourselves, we understand what is at stake. Pursuing an architectural project is a considerable undertaking, and as your Architects, we help you navigate the complexities of design and construction from beginning to end. Our approach is to provide decision makers with guidance, clarity, and confidence throughout the process.
TIMELINE + process overview.
The phases listed below is a typical outline of our architectural design process. The brief description under each phase provides a general overview of what a client could expect from us.
1 / PRELIMINARY DESIGN
This is the information gathering and client-focused research phase. We have in-depth conversations with the client to establish important project parameters such as: budget, timeline, scope, goals and values, needs/wants/wishes. Be prepared to answer lots of questions about yourself to provide us with deeper insight on who you are and the whys behind your project.
We also research local zoning and building codes to identify any restrictions or special provisions, study the site and context, survey existing building conditions, and request site survey if applicable.
2 / SCHEMATIC DESIGN
This is the design exploration phase where we study the possibilities. We apply different design approaches to generate multiple options for review and discussion. Client feedback is used to refine and identify the best design solution.
3 / DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Once a design option has been selected from the previous phase, we enter into Design Development where the details of the project are further developed after zoning approval (when applicable) has been obtained. We begin to incorporate the structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building performance requirements. Materials and fixtures are discussed and selected alongside 3-D renderings of interior and exterior spaces. This phase is when clients begin to see and understand the overall design.
4 / CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Work under this phase includes coordination with consultants such as Structural, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and Civil engineers to finalize construction drawings for contractor bidding and building permit submission. These documents become part of the contract agreement between you and the General Contractor. We apply great care and detail during this phase to obtain accurate pricing, minimize questions from the job site, and promote a smoother and more efficient construction process.
5 / BIDDING + CONTRACTOR SELECTION ADMINISTRATION
If the project will be bid out, we provide pre-bid meetings and onsite walk-throughs with the solicited contractors to answer any questions that they may have. We also assist with reviewing and comparing construction estimates to help clients make an informed decision.
6 / PERMITTING
Upon contractor selection, the Construction Documents are submitted to the local jurisdiction for review and approval of the necessary permits for construction. We also correspond with building officials during this time to address any questions or comments regarding the project.
7 / CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Construction is a complex process and we stay involved to make sure that everything is being built according to the design and contract documents. Work under this phase includes site visits to observe construction progress, assistance with reviewing contractor billing, and responding to contractor field questions that might arise. We continue to advocate for our clients and their project to ensure that all of the planning from the previous phases is carried out successfully.
TIMELINE
Given the wide range of commercial design, it is impossible to provide a general project timeline. There is a direct correlation between time and quality, and we encourage clients to plan ahead for a smooth and successful process.
It is important to note that a project timeline can be affected by several factors such as: project size and complexity, client availability and decision making process, historic district / design review board approvals, unforeseen conditions, building supply and material delays.
OUR WORK.
Commercial
“Highly recommend Via Laulima. Dave and Wendy are so great to work with, and they do everything with such excellence and care. ”