Russell and Dawson Inc. is one of the longest-serving Architecture, Engineering and Construction firm in the history of Connecticut. We have established ourselves as a professionally licensed firm with profound experience in architectural services for new construction projects, project planning, redevelopment, facility renovation, rehabilitation, restoration, physical and technical security upgrades, exterior repairs and the construction and renovation administration in the Northeast and New England region.
At Russell and Dawson Inc. serving clients earnestly is a passion and through this we have expanded our services in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.
Our Experience and Expertise
The firm is endowed with an experience of 6500+ projects over a span of 55 years. Firm’s excellence lies in providing architecture services – architectural design; site utilization studies and master planning; conceptual, preliminary and schematic designs; design development; construction documents and specifications; cost estimates and budget assessments; research and development studies; support services; construction administration and claims analysis services; either through in-house experts or teaming up with other consultants.
Each of our project has culminated as a hallmark of efficiency and uniqueness in architecture buildings.
Our Focus
Our team comprises of a bunch of design thinkers, who epitomizes the principles of creativity, passion and precision. Our energetic team is constantly motivated to evolve and develop critical design ideas, which redefine the dynamics of architecture.
Visualizing architectural innovation, we are earnestly committed to provide each client the best architectural design services through multi-pronged strategies like problem-solving vision and the art of ‘space-making’. Our architectural services have achieved the distinction of optimal client experience, productivity and efficiency. The Firm is also committed to a clean and vibrant environment and is compliant of all guidelines.
Our Architecture services are based on stringent design process in search of the perfect solution, resulting in architecture that is current, true to the time, and therefore timeless.
Types of Architectural Design Projects
How Do We Work
Concept Design
Our team of architects’ love designing spaces – that’s what we are best at!
We communicate with Our Clients to understand their vision and thereby, we shape a concise, viable and holistic design concept and architectural building program.
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.
Outline Design and Planning
Our architects turn creative, conceptual and innovative aspects of design concept into reality.
We integrate the existing condition and site analysis, site survey, data collection and Our Client’s vision to provide guidelines for development of design into a coherent schematic plan and rendering development of the project.
- Our schematic design documents consist of drawings and other documents illustrating the general scope, scale and relationship of the project components.
- Our outline design indicates the proposed plan form, site plan and appearance of the project with relation to orientation, topography, adjacent land use and utilities, as well as general approach to structural, mechanical and electrical systems.
- Through outline of major mechanical, electrical, structural and architectural sub-systems, we ensure that the preferred choices are the best solution to the requirements of the project.
We illustrate the strategies from the existing conditions to phased build-out by producing architectural 2D/3D CAD drawings to Our Clients and ensure that what we are drawing is actually deliverable.
Code Compliance
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 assures code-compliant efficient deliveries of all architectural projects.
Detailed Design
We design technically correct architecture buildings.
We prepare a final design plan based on the input received from Our Client and any applicable governmental 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 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; that forms the foundation of constructing Our Client’s building.
We provide defined structural and architectural materials and elements. 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 determination of probable costs.
Documentation
We work out the nuts and bolts of the building to fully delineate the building in dimensioned drawings.
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 quintessential key to the successful completion of the project.
Administration
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 insulating Our Clients against defects and deficiencies. We review and approve shop drawings, mockups and other submittals; prepare change orders, review correspondences.
Inspection and testing are intrinsic to the functioning as they ensure that the work in progress is in sync with the standards of quality and finesse. Our inspectors are trained and experienced in their respective field of construction services like masonry, concrete, steel etc
OUR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES
Pre-Design – Emphasis on Analysis/Outlining the goals
- Building Utilization Studies
- Concept Design
- Planning
- Programming
- Site Analysis
- Standards Development
Schematic Design – Emphasis on Design
- 2D/3D CAD Drafting, Presentations/Rendering
- Building elevations
- Electrical and lighting plan(s)
- Location and site plan
- Plumbing, heating and ventilation plan(s)
- Preliminary code analysis
- Preliminary furniture layouts
- Schematic cross sections
- Schematic floor plan
- Structural plans
- Typical envelope assembly (roof, walls, and floor
Design Development - Emphasis on Decision Making
- 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
- Interior wall dimensions
- Overall dimensions
- Structural grid dimensions
- Sustainability/LEED Solutions
- Typical details
- Wall sections at all typical conditions
Construction Documents - Emphasis on Documentation
- All building sections required for construction
- All dimensions
- Contract Documents
- Drainage Plan
- Electrical power and lighting plans, schedules, details and notes
- Exterior elevations fully annotated
- Floor plans fully annotated
- Foundation Plan
- Framing Plan(s)
- Fully annotated details
- General notes and detailed notes
- Heating, ventilating and air conditioning plans, schedules, details and notes
- HVAC Plans
- Landscaping Plan
- Mechanical plans
- Plumbing Isometrics
- Plumbing plans, details and notes
- Roof Plan
- Room, wall, door, and window identification
- Section and detail indicators
- Site Plan
- Structural plans, details and notes
- Submittal Worksheets and the project manual including specifications in the CSI division format
- Wall sections at all conditions
Construction Administration – Emphasis on Execution
- 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
- Observe Construction – Once a week site visit
- Prepare certificates of payment
- Prepare change orders, if required
- Review and approve shop drawings, mockups and other submittals
- Review and handover all the construction documents to owner at the project completion
- Review correspondence between the owner and the contractor and take action, if required
