Specialty Studies

Our standard level of architectural studies are elevated in detail and documentation from the real estate services we provide. These studies involve more in-depth code research, inspection and documentation of existing conditions, and their summaries include a more detailed documentation of findings in both written and graphic form. They also require a slightly longer time line and increased cost to complete due to the additional detail. These studies are the appropriate choice for those who value quality over expedience and desire a thorough understanding of the particular issues they confront. Many of these studies are done on an hourly basis. We quote you an estimated fee range once we know more about your project and its particular requirements.

We offer the following standard studies: Feasibility Studies, Sustainability Studies, Energy Analysis, Historical Studies, Accessibility Improvements and Design, and Home Environmental Analysis and Studies. Customized studies tailored specifically to your project needs are also available.

Feasibility Studies:

Grouparchitect specializes in providing feasibility studies for prospective projects by investigating in detail the requirements for your project as well as the constraints, resulting in a written and graphic documentation of your project’s potential. This service is typical when approaching a project and is much more in depth than our Preliminary Assessment. This is the ideal way to thoroughly evaluate a building or site for your proposed project either prior to or after purchasing or leasing it.

Sustainability Studies:

True sustainability requires a thorough understanding of your home or building in order to craft a thoughtful and articulate sustainability plan for it. Identifying how to make your project more green is the first step, but going through the next steps of identifying potential reusable materials, specifying recycled materials and prioritizing remodel phases to reduce material usage and efficiency are only a few of the considerations that need to be contemplated.

Energy Analysis:

Existing homes and buildings often have an inverse relationship between the age and character of the building with respect to energy efficiency. This relationship is further complicated by the complexity of how all the components of the building contribute to the overall building's energy efficiency. Our Energy Analysis reviews all aspects of the building's performance and specific components including doors, windows, insulation, building construction techniques, mechanical and heating systems. We go one step further and make detailed recommendations for how you can improve upon these conditions and reduce your energy usage.

Historical Studies:

Is your building historic? Is it a neighborhood landmark? If you’re considering a renovation or new construction and the project involves alterations to or the demolition of an existing older building, you may be required by the local planning / building department to submit a report describing the building and explaining its place in history. Grouparchitect can provide an in depth report which discusses these elements and satisfies these requirements.

Accessibility Improvements and Design:

Improving accessibility within an existing home, office, restaurant, or retail space can be a challenge, especially if the space is constantly occupied or requires substantial renovation to bring the space up to full ADA compliance. Our firm provides a full range of detailing, permitting, and construction support for accessibility projects which make life better for those who most need it.

Acoustical Analysis:

As a follow up to our Acoustical Assessments we, in conjunction with one of our Acoustical Engineering consultants, can tailor a design solution to address the acoustic needs for your building.

Home Environmental Analysis and Studies:

Home Environmental Analysis Studies delve deeper into indoor environments than our initial assessments. We can provide design solutions or remedies for issues addressed in our assessment. This might also include involving additional specialists to test for lead, asbestos, mold or other environmental concerns.

Studies like the above can vary in terms of detail, so please call or email for more information. We also offer condensed versions of all of our Specialty Studies as limited scope fixed fee Assessments if you are unsure if a full Study is necessary. Contact Grouparchitect to request more information or to schedule a Specialty Study.