Design & Planning

As-Builts

Documentation of a completed project including all on-site changes and modifications made during construction, providing a definitive record of the structure’s final condition.

Assignable Square Footage (ASF)

Usable square footage within a physical space (measured from finished wall to finished wall).

Architects Supplemental Information (ASI)

An ASI is a form used by an architect to specify additional instructions and interpretations relating to a set of architectural plans. An ASI is also issued to order minor changes in the architectural work to be accomplished, changes that may vary from the original plans.

CSI Master Format

A system of number and titles for organizing construction information into a regular, standard order, or sequence. By establishing a master list of titles and numbers, Master Format promotes standardization and thereby facilitates the retrieval system fro organizing information in project manuals, for organizing project cost data, and for filing product information and other technical data.

Construction Documents (CD Phase)

Detailed plastic indicating how to construct the physical spaces of a building - or all drawings, specifications and addenda associated with specific construction project.

Constructibility Review

Assessment of plans and specifications either by a contractor or third party to ensure accuracy and proper detail of the construction plans.

Division of the State Architect (DSA)

The state architect and subordinates typically form an organizational unit named the division of the state architect. This entity oversees the design and/ or construction of public buildings within the state.

Feasibility Study

A study based on a Project Program to determine a project budget, schedule, and requirements for starting a project. The feasibility study usually includes a conceptual design, site investigation such as geotechnical and utility infrastructure, cost estimating, including construction costs, project management fees, financing requirements and investigation into any issue that will influence the outcome of the project. A report is provided to describe if the project is feasible and what will be required to move forward with the project.

Gross Square Footage (GSF)

Square footage that includes all unusable space within a building, ie: corridors custodian closes, inside walls, utility spaces, etc.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

Sustainable design through use of materials, construction practices, efficient building design, etc.

MEP

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings are part of the standard drawings within the construction set of blueprints that show the building systems.

Preliminary Design (PD Phase)

Further developed plans showing physical spaces attributes such as doors, windows, walls, etc.

Schematic Design (SD Phase)

Conceptual plan showing locations of program space at scaled size.

Project Architect

The person, firm, or corporation appointed by the owner to provide a design, contract documents, and contract administration of construction work.

Project program

All the physical reuquirements of a project. This includes all occupancy and use requirements and infrastructure requirements to meet the user’s needs. It is not a design, but the basis for the design.

Specifications

A detailed, exact statement of particulars, especially statements prescribing materials and methods; and quality of work for a specific project. The most common arrangement for specifications substantially parallels the CSI format.

Construction Administration (CA Phase)

During the building of the project, the AE team will oversee the work that is completed in alignment with the contract documents.