Finn - Laczko Architects provide a full range of architectural services, from the initial stages of project planning, through building design, and interiors. Our experience with a broad range of building types includes a core strength working with non-profit clients, (places of worship, school and community buildings). In addition we provide a concentration of experience carrying out work with historic landmark structures and in adaptive renovations of existing facilities. Throughout the practice, awareness of environmental issues and opportunities to integrate Green design in our projects are integral to our architectural approach.
Project Management is also a significant component of our services. As owners’ representatives, we assist our non-profit and other institutional clients in carrying out all aspects of project implementation. Our consulting incorporates preliminary planning, assessments, scheduling and budgeting, and assistance selecting architects and contractors. We act as owners’ agent for full construction management administration, and can carry out post-occupancy commissioning and support. Throughout the process we manage, review, and integrate the work of the wide range of designers, engineers, and building design consultants involved in executing complex projects.
That focus on implementation and attention to the owners’ perspectives helps assure that our work as architects is well grounded in practice, while maintaining quality in our design and detailing in your project.
Architectural Design and Planning
The core of our efforts as Architects are designing and enabling construction of buildings, as well as planning that leads up to it. This work starts with advance planning to determine the strategy and scopes of projects, and continues with the design phases of work and culminates in the design's implementation/construction. The AIA defines the Building Design through Construction Administration as “basic services”. We can also assist with completing a finished building's by providing interior design services such as furniture layout, furniture design/selection and paint color schemes.
Master Planning
Building Design
Construction Documents
Bid Review and Construction Contract Consulting
Construction Administration
Interior Design
Space Planning
Project Management
The building design and documentation typically done by Architects are the middle parts of the project delivery process which an Owner undertakes to implement a building project or program. At the outset of this process, both non-profit and institutional Owners begin by assessing their own needs, evaluate existing or proposed buildings and sites, develop strategic implementation plans. All of these phases also involve managing a complex process of preliminary scheduling and budgeting through completion. Project Management is the broader discipline that involves planning, coordinating, and integrating the work of the many building professionals (architects, engineers and specialized technical consultants), and public agencies (securing planning authorizations and permits), while controlling/reviewing schedules and budgets. We can provide all or part of these management services as your Owner Representative.
Owner's Representation
Pre-Construction Consulting
Construction Management
Project Budget Controls and Management
Post-occupancy Building Systems Support
Assessments and Studies
Often, it is important for an Owner group or institution to undertake studies of existing or proposed buildings, evaluating how to manage and plan for their facilities. In an historic building, for example, prior to engaging in specific projects, an Owner should undertake a thorough evaluation of the building systems, materials, structure, and landmark status to better define a scope of work, which are necessary to create estimates of probable costs. Similarly, prior to engaging in an accessibility upgrade to a facility, it will be prudent to undertake a study of the barriers to accessibility and the status of compliance with applicable building codes. We can help the Owner evaluate space use efficiencies, code compliance, existing building conditions, or historic building conditions to support project planning and development and facility use.
Evaluation and Assessment – Existing Buildings and Historic Structures
Feasibility and Constructability Reports
Facilities Space Use Evaluation
ADA Compliance Reports
Additional Design/Management Services
Public Art
Combining this direct experience with our other project management expertise, Finn-Laczko Architects is increasingly consulting directly with public artists and art commissions in an "artist's architect" capacity, assisting them in the integration and realization of a creative idea into an ever-complex public projects system.
Partner Brian Laczko works closely with public artists, administrative authorities, building project managers and other architects & designers, in the successful installation of public art into public places.
Here are examples of our consultancy with various public artists and commissions
Beyond Alameda County, he has executed public art commissions as part of lead artist teams.
Click here for a presentation of our work
Urban Design
Urban design work and involvement in both design and management of public art serve as a vehicle for us as designers to make an impact on the built environment in the public sphere. The design of parks, plazas, monuments, and similar public open spaces all benefit from the approach which incorporates artistic vision and sensitivities with the discipline of an architects evaluations, understanding of the built environment, nature of materials, impact of light, patterns of use, and architectural design and management skills to implement the work.
Client Recommendations
Coming soon...