June 2003

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.

"Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets."
     - Amos 3:7

Do you know what your building program is, or do you think you know?  God reveals his true intentions for your project through many sources, such as your Architect or Contractor.  Do not be afraid to consult them as to your direction and listen to their advice.

Previous issues of our  newsletters are available on the web site

Douglas, Georgia

Visit other financial institution projects on our website.

One of the first decisions that the Owner faces after the decision to have a building program is how to go about getting the project completed.  The Owner must decide when to hire an Architect and Contractor, and when each will join the process.  The contractual relationship of each party will determine when and how they work together. 

There are four major methods of project delivery, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.  The following is a brief description of those methods.

Design-Bid-Award.   The Owner hires an Architect who designs the building to program requirements.  The project is then bid and awarded after any needed value engineering.  While this is the common government model for project delivery, it does not have adequate cost control during the design process.

Design-Build.  The Owner usually hires a Contractor to provide as much building as possible for a fixed price.  While it can be successful, many times the design process is sacrificed for the project budget.  The Owner has limited contact with the Architect, who is under contract to the Contractor.  The Architect may have limited input into the process and must represent the best interests of the Contractor, not the Owner.

Partnering.  The Owner hires the Architect and Contractor at the same time, but under separate contracts.  This allows for the Architect to run the design process while allowing Contractor input into budget controls.  It allows the Owner to retain control over all phases of design and budgeting.

Construction Management:  This method allows to Owner to hire a person / firm to run the construction process, but the Owner is also the Contractor.    While this can save the Owner money, it also makes the Owner carry all of the financial and legal responsibility for the project.

To read more about Project Delivery Methods, read the entire article and others that are available on FSFarchitects.com

Jackson, Georgia

Willie Bush, our own prodigal son, has return to work at FSF.  He will be joined by our newest employee, Teri Telega, who has just graduated from Southern Poly.

Eastside Baptist Church has broken ground on their new youth building.  

Mountain State Bank has broken ground on their new branches in Cumming and Dawsonville.  

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