AE Services
Sustainable Design Services
Changes in building styles just come and go. But, a sustainable design, breeds new styles and create new benchmarks. Modern day approach is based on the principles of social, economic, and ecological sustainability in anything we build.
We at Russell and Dawson firmly believe in our customer’s dream. We leverage on our versatile and sustainable designing process to turn those dreams into reality. That’s why we plan and execute our projects with the best sustainable practices -right from the initial review of the client’s demands to the development of the project, our team ensures we comply with all international standards.
Elements of Green Building Design
Energy: Passive design strategies such as solar design, building shape & orientation, and usage of natural lighting help in improving the building’s energy performance.
Health: Sustainable living via this design can be adopted by various practices such as monitoring carbon dioxide levels, ventilation effectiveness, materials in the building, including provision for daylight.
code compliance
Our Sustainable Design Phases
Our team of architects’ love designing spaces – that’s what we are best at!
We listen to our clients to understand their vision and thereby lead by shaping a concise, viable and holistic design concept and architectural building program. Concept planning is basically where we figure out more or less how the building will look and operate. We follow a pragmatic modus operandi to conceptualize the desired architectural design. We perform an on-site examination of the project site for determining the existing conditions, review available site drawings, site plan alternatives and floor plan alternatives. Further, we carry out assessment of building code and zoning constraints for the approved site plan and floor plan.
- Building Utilization Studies
- Programming
- Concept Design
- Site Analysis
- Planning
- Standards Development
Our architects turn creative, conceptual, and innovative aspects of design concepts into reality.
We integrate existing condition, site analysis, site survey, data collection, and our client’s vision to provide guidelines for the development of design into a coherent schematic plan along with a rough cost estimate. Our schematic design documents comprise drawings and other documents illustrating general scope, scale, and relationship of the project components. Our outline design shows the proposed plan form, site plan, and appearance of the project with relation to orientation, topography, adjacent land use, utilities, and general approach to structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Through an outline of major MEP, structural, and architectural sub-systems, we ensure that the preferred choices are the best solution to requirements of the project. We listen and observe your reactions, then refine the ideas according to your feedback until we reach an agreed-upon design direction to develop further in the following phases.
- 2D/3D CAD drafting, presentations/rendering
- Building elevations
- Electrical and lighting plan(s)
- Location and site plan
- Plumbing, heating and ventilation plan(s)
We plan and execute the documentation well to bring the designs to life with accuracy.
We prepare a final design plan based on the input received from our client and any applicable government agencies responsible for the project approvals. We achieve the best design solution for our client using tools like AutoCAD, 3D MAX, Revit that helps us to create the best-detailed designs and plans for building elevations; building siting and proposed floor plan layouts; massing the proposed facilities, structures, and surrounding facilities; artistic renderings; material selections; and mechanical, plumbing and electrical/control systems; Systems planning, ceiling layouts, door and window locations, and preliminary room finishes are provided to define the physical parameters of the building and to facilitate the determination of probable costs. By the end of the Design Development phase, the building exterior will be more fully designed, the interior layout completed, dimensions of all spaces finalized, and most materials selected.
- Additional building sections
- Additional details to establish basis of design products
- AutoCAD, 3D MAX, Revit, ArchiCAD
- Exterior elevations with proposed design openings and finishes
- Floor plans with proposed basis of design openings and plumbing fixtures
We provide construction-ready documentation to have an error-free workflow.
We provide construction documents and specifications including architectural construction drawings, civil and structural construction drawings, and MEP construction drawings. They entail floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and other large-scale details. We render the accuracy of layout dimensions, geometry, colors and textures, material intent, and details of assembling the components along with completeness and coordination of all architectural disciplines that is the essential key to the successful completion of the project. Construction Documents and specifications have all the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to communicate the entire design intent to the builder.
- All building sections required for construction
- Contract documents
- Electrical power and lighting plans, schedules, details and notes
- Exterior elevations fully annotated
- Floor plans fully annotated
- Foundation plan
- Framing plan(s)
- General notes and detailed notes
- Wall sections at all conditions
We provide Design Services to our clients.
The construction documents sometimes require additional information to get a building permit. This information usually shows that the project complies with the applicable land use, building and energy codes, and other applicable codes and regulations by the city or jurisdiction issuing the permit. We submit these drawings along with the various forms required for the permit application to the local plans reviewer, monitor the progress during the review period, and give additional information or clarifications as requested. We are happy to introduce our clients to the builders we trust and work with. We can also be available to attend interviews and walk-throughs, help you evaluate contractor qualifications, and provide assistance with obtaining and reviewing bids.
Our due diligence ensures that our architectural design services are in compliance.
Our familiarity with various City, State, and Federal Building Codes such as International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) along with our ability to follow industry-specific drafting standards ensures optimum solutions for our clients and ensures code-compliant efficient deliveries of all architectural projects.
We constantly boost Our Clients’ confidence by ensuring that the project is within the requirements.
We ensure massing, schedule, and budget satisfaction. We provide field observation services and periodically make our client cognizant of the progress of the work and thereby proactively address any potential issues. We review and approve shop drawings, mockups, and other submittals; prepare change orders, review correspondences. At our site visits, we take photos and write field reports to document the progress, confirm the materials and workmanship are of the quality you agreed to and verify that your contractor’s billings accurately reflect the amount of work completed. At the end of the project, we help you develop your final punch list to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.
- Assure conformance to project construction schedule
- Assure technical compliance of construction in accordance with design documents and specifications
- Ensure that all contractor(s) have obtained necessary construction permits
- Guard the owner against defects and deficiencies
- Inform the progress of work to the owner(s)
- Inspect construction punch list at the project completion
FAQs for Sustainable Design Services
What is sustainable design and why is it important?
Sustainable design focuses on creating environmentally responsible and energy-efficient buildings. It’s crucial for reducing carbon footprints, lowering operational costs, and promoting long-term environmental health.
What sustainable design services does Russell and Dawson offer?
We offer energy modeling, passive design strategies, material selection consultation, renewable energy integration, and assist in getting green building certifications like LEED.
Can you help achieve LEED certification for my project?
Yes, we specialize in LEED-certified designs, guiding clients through the entire certification process, from planning to implementation, to maximize sustainability and achieve their desired rating.
How do you incorporate energy efficiency into building designs?
We optimize energy efficiency by using advanced HVAC systems, natural ventilation, daylighting strategies, and energy-efficient materials tailored to the building’s function and climate.
Are sustainable designs cost-effective for commercial projects?
Absolutely. While initial investments may be slightly higher, sustainable designs significantly reduce energy, water, and maintenance costs, offering long-term financial benefits.
What industries benefit most from sustainable design?
Sustainable design is beneficial for all industries, including healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, and industrial facilities, as it ensures energy efficiency, healthier environments, and cost savings.
How do you select sustainable building materials?
We prioritize materials with low embodied energy, high durability, and minimal environmental impact, often opting for recycled, renewable, or locally sourced options.
Do sustainable designs meet local building codes in the USA?
Yes, all our designs comply with U.S. building codes and standards, including ASHRAE, International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and regional sustainability mandates.
Why choose Russell and Dawson for sustainable design?
With decades of expertise, we deliver innovative, eco-friendly solutions tailored to your project’s goals, ensuring compliance, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship.