Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Unique Client Concerns and Our Solutions During Covid Crisis


We wanted to take a few minutes to share some of the diverse real world situations that we are assisting our clients with as they tackle solutions to their building operations during this pandemic and plan for the months ahead.  Client concerns and questions are indicated in bold.   

What is the occupant load of our space? And how do we calculate an occupant reduction?:
We have been assisting clients in providing code analysis and computing numbers on their code allowed occupancy versus a 25% to 50% capacity.

How can we layout our furniture and space to address social distancing?:
We have been offering design guidance on the spacing and adjustments needed to the interior layout of furniture and equipment to improve social distancing.  This has included things such as adding separation features such as plexi-glass panels to encouraging different furnishing/seating/equipment arrangements in public assembly spaces.  

How can we change the building floor plan to improve our need for isolation of our staff and patrons?:
We have been assisting clients in the planning and approvals to add private restrooms.  Opening up lobby areas and moving reception areas.  Designing spaces to encourage one way traffic flow.

How can we begin to have family visitors in our Senior Care setting?:
We have been assisting Senior Care providers in designing family isolation rooms some complete with separate building entrances, sinks for hand washing, plexi-panel walls and in some cases modifying the HVAC system to create air exchange isolation.   

With so much uncertainty it's hard to focus on where our business wants to be next year?  
With both the prognosis for a vaccine and herd immunity we expect this crisis will have passed in roughly 10-18 months from now (5/2020).  Many of our clients are now realizing during this partial or complete shutdown this is actually the ideal time to renovate and plan for a bigger and brighter 2021.  Knowing it takes months and sometimes even years from the day they start a project concept to completion of that project many of our clients have begin planning today for next year.  Our savvy clients are seeing this time as an opportunity to remodel, reposition and build while staff and patrons are limited or not onsite.  The entrepreneurial spirit is alive!

We have seen an increase in our need for local supply chain and manufacturing.  Can you assist us with developing our operations?:
A shift is occurring in the supply chain, global transports have become more challenging, the stability of international trade has become more uncertain, the dependence on international supplies in a pandemic have been challenged.  Thus for the long range stability our clients need manufacturing in many regions.  We have seen an emerging market in suppliers of cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, agriculture, equipment manufacturers and product delivery transport systems for product delivery (such as conveyors).  Providing FAST PACED design with our construction partners has been the secret to assisting many companies looking to react quickly to address the supply chain and changing market demands.

Especially in these times we hold true to our Mission which is to apply passionately our artistic talents with high integrity, loyalty and servitude; ensuring our CLIENTS Thrive. Visit us at https://thrive-architects.com/   

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Westown Veterinary Clinic - Construction

Making progress on location #2 for Westown Veterinary Clinic. What was a former Chinese Restaurant has been transformed by our design team! Coming soon to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. #design #mke #veterinary #animalhealth