Question:
I would like some help in designing a basic RFP (request for proposal) to be used by our building committee in determining which architect to select from among a number of interested candidates.
Answer:
Attached is a copy of a sample RFP for your use in selecting an architect for your church facility.
In His service,
Ron Lacey
Sample Architect Request for Proposal
Dear Design Professional,
In order to enable us to establish facility plans for the future of [insert church name] we are planning an architectural feasibility study. This letter is to inquire as to your interest in being considered for this study.
We want the feasibility study to give us specific information: [itemize specific requirements i.e....]
1. Is it possible and cost effective to remodel our present sanctuary and other old facility rooms?
2. What would be the cost estimate for a new sanctuary and additional classroom space?
Our facilities provide to the congregation three primary uses: worship, education, and fellowship. The need and concern of our church at the present time is to have better access to the sanctuary and to obtain more class space. We are very intent on staying within the boundaries of whatever dollar amount we determine as our ceiling and would request all to work toward that goal.
If you are interested in interviewing for this feasibility study, we would appreciate hearing from you by [insert specific date]. Please state your anticipated fee for such a study. We have preliminary sketches of both areas we are considering and they may be of use to you. If interested please respond by letter to:
[Church name]
c/o [Person's name], Feasibility Study Chair
[Church mailing address]
[City, state, zip]
If you have questions call either [insert church phone number] or [insert name and home phone number of Study Chair, if applicable]. At that time we can talk to you and provide you with information pertaining to this study as well as explain the desires, dreams, and direction [insert church name] would like to take as we enter a new century. We hope to be able to interview interested architectural consultants by [insert specific date].
Sincerely,
[Person's name]
Feasibility Study Chairperson
***********
Sample
Architectural Interview - [insert church name]
1. Present a brief history of the firm and its involvement and philosophy with church-related projects?
2. What approach would you take to this study?
3. Who would be working on this study? What are his/her qualifications? What type of involvement would you expect of the feasibility committee?
4. What do you perceive this study accomplishing?
5. Are you willing to consider a plan and design for both a new structure or remodeling of the present structure?
6. Do you design with the possibility of potential future expansion?
7. Do you believe older buildings can be successfully merged with newer buildings and create an attractive appearance?
8. What is your projected workload in relation to the time frame of completion of this feasibility study?
9. What architectural detail is included in your feasibility study (interior design, flood control, facial appearance, acoustics, energy conservation, natural lighting, etc.)?
10. Do you have available engineers that could work with you in the near future? What are their qualifications?
11. Would you work with the general contractor observing and inspecting as the actual construction is in progress?
12. What is the estimate of cost for each phase of study and if chosen to continue with this project would the feasibility study payment be credited to the total cost of the project?
13. Would you be willing to sign a contract for a "not to exceed" price for the feasibility study and another for actual design and construction documents?
14. Would you be involved in the presentation to the congregation of the selected plan, helping to generate enthusiasm and support?
15. Would you present visual drawings as part of the feasibility study so the congregation could understand and relate to the design?
The feasibility committee plans for each interview to take approximately 1 1/2 hours. The questions above will be addressed, followed by a question and answer period. Please be prepared to include any other information you feel is important.
Question:
We are presently in a long range planning phase trying to determine whether to stay in our physical location or relocate. What is the maximum site usage for a church facility?
Answer:
Typically, a good rule of thumb is to allow for approximately 1 acre for every 100 people when planning a church facility. Depending on the amount of "green" area (landscape area, outdoor play area, etc.) and the possibility for expansion, the "rule" may change.
A good way to calculate the amount of acreage needed is as follows: (the example is based on a facility of 320 people)
Number of people: 320
Building area: 320 people x 50 sf/person .... 16,000 s.f.
Parking: (based on 2.5 persons/car) 128 spaces x 400 sf/space .... 51,200 s.f.
Allowable building area (per local building code) 40% green area assumed .... Total s.f. x 1.67 .... (16,000 s.f. + 51,200 s.f.) x 1.67 = 112,224 s.f. site .... 112,224 s.f. / 43,560 s.f./acre = 2.58 acres
You may want to change the parking ratio and "green" space per your local zoning as well as your church’s usage. For example, some churches use a ratio of 1.5 people/car when designing their parking area.
God Bless,
Ron Lacey
Question:
Can someone clearly outline the distinctive design elements of a Byzantine Church for me?
Answer:
A good reference for Historical Architecture is the book "Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture" published by Scribners.
Typically Byzantine Architecture is based on a 9-square plan layout. To Create a typical 9-square plan draw a grid 3 equal squares vertical and 3 equal squares horizontal (thus producing a 9 square grid). The main dome is located at the center square creating a "domed" ceiling of the space below. Four additional domes (usually ornamental) are added over the flanking corner squares, and another dome may be located at the tower or entry.
A screen to separate the "chancel" area from the congregation is usually located between the second and third rows of squares. (Based on the entry located at the center square of the first row.)
God Bless,
Ron Lacey
Question:
What cost should a Church expect to incur prior to beginning construction (i.e. architectural fees, site survey, soil borings, etc.)?
Answer:
Here is a brief breakdown of typical up-front costs for a church: (based on a project scope of $1,500,000)
Architectural / Engineering fees: 7%-9% of construction costs, however could run up to 12% depending on specialized engineering required (acoustical, kitchen, lighting, etc.) Typically pre-design services and design services average about 25% of the total A/E fee.
Civil Engineering / site survey: $4000-$6000
Special Inspections/ Soil borings: $500 - $800 per boring ... avg. cost $2500 - $3000
Pre-construction Construction Manager: (helpful in providing budget analysis and "value-engineering" services)
full services ...$3500 - $10,000
budget analysis only...$800 - $1200
Your cost may vary somewhat depending on your area. You also may want to look at "Means Construction Cost Data" that may be found at your local library or construction services office.
In His service,
Ron Lacey
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