January 2004

If you received this email and would like to be added or removed from the list, please send a message to us at news list.  If you have received more than one copy also let us know and we will correct that as well.

If you would like additional information about FSF Architects please contact us by email or call, 770-729-8433 or 1-800-463-3732.

If you have not yet visited our website, please do so.  It contains information on the firm as well as selected projects.  Also on the site is a collection of church design articles meant to assist the church committee in the planning and design process.

60 Second Sermon:

"But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."
     - Deuteronomy
           8:18

In times of plenty, we often take credit for our own prosperity.  We take pride in our own accomplishments and how we have gathered wealth.  How easily we get distracted from God when get consumed in our hard work.  But it is God who gives us everything we have, and it is God who asks us to manage it for him.

Previous issues of our  newsletters are available on the web site

Dawsonville and Cumming, Georgia

Both facilities were constructed by FallCreek Construction for a combined cost of $2,200,000 for total of 13,600 square feet. 

Visit other bank projects on our website.

Regional Trends:  The Atlanta metro area is the economic engine that drives the rest of the state. This is true in the construction arena. Even if some areas are not yet experiencing the economic upturn, it will eventually filter out to other areas of the state. The governor has proposed a massive state construction program funded by long term borrowing. This will temporarily increase employment in the construction industry and eventually drive costs up at a time when they are already increasing. 

Construction Costs Increasing:  Work volume has picked up as the economy has improved and prices are rising after limited increases over the past several years. Construction has been “on sale” and the low prices are over for now as costs of some materials often “spike” after an economic downturn.  Certain types of interest rate sensitive work may slow down for a while – at least until developers realize that they may as well proceed with their projects rather than wait until rates go up even more. Those planning to build would be wise to take advantage of the low cost of borrowing. 

Negotiate Rather Than Bid:  As the economy continues to grow and contractors get busier, they will be less interested in bidding for work. You may be better off to select a qualified contractor and negotiate rather than bid. In a time of rapid price increases, it becomes more difficult to estimate the cost of construction. Bringing the contractor in early in the design process can help avoid “bid day” surprises and help assure that the job stays in budget. 

Experienced Contractors Can Save You Money:  Using a contractor who is experienced building the type of facility you need, will help keep costs under control and assure higher quality. Your architect is a good source of reliable information on contractors.

To read more articles visit the design resources on the FSFarchitects.com website.

Jackson, Georgia

Alpharetta Community Bank has selected FSF to design their new main office.  The 2 story building will be located at the entrance to Parkway 400 on Old Milton Parkway.

FSF has been selected by Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church of Rome to Master Plan their site and then design a new sanctuary.

Kathy Pallansch , a 1985 graduate of Virginia Tech, is our newest employee.  She has reentered the workforce after taking time off to be a full time Mom. 

Foreman · Seeley · Fountain    Architects
5855 Jimmy Carter Boulevard      Suite 218      Norcross, Georgia  30071
(770) 729-8433      fax (770) 729-8466     1-800-463-3732