- Architectural Design
- Sustainability
- Master Planning & Programming
- Branding & Environmental Graphics
- Facility Analysis
- Interior Design & Furnishings (FF&E)
- Pre-Bond Community Engagement
Design For People
We believe that every project should fit within the context of its surroundings, while also being inclusive and people-focused. We want our projects to withstand the test of time, and be a point of pride for their users.
Our approach to architectural design uses an immersive, collaborative process that brings our designers together with our clients. Finding the heart of a project, whether it’s a community center or an office space, is vital to creating a space that truly serves its users. We believe that every project should do more than meet the minimum requirements – it should help transform lives by creating places that contribute to the vitality of their communities.
Protecting the Future
As designers of the built environment, it is our responsibility to be better stewards of our planet’s natural resources throughout the entire design process.
We believe sustainability should be approached in a holistic manner, which includes responsible decision-making in every aspect of the project. By considering key elements such as user interaction, material impact, building permanence, culture, economy, and preservation, it’s our ultimate goal to design in a responsible way that can meet the ever-changing needs of both the end-user and the environment. We call this modest concept the BVH Responsible Approach. As a means of fostering this approach, we have adopted the AIA 2030 Commitment to track and reduce energy consumption in our built environments.
Learn more about our sustainable approach:
“Sustainability should be approached holistically with consideration to performance, context, ecology, health, and many other factors. It is not about checking off a list but truly connecting the building with the environment in a positive way. It is about thinking beyond the walls of the building and extending the impact a project can have on your community.”
Seeking to Understand
We believe in a collaborative process that highlights asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and thoroughly documenting our findings to achieve success.
While master planning can seem like a complicated undertaking, our team’s approach helps simplify and streamline the process.
Enhancing the Space
BVH’s in-house graphic designers are regularly integrated on our teams. We find the complementary discipline allows us to enrich the spaces we design, and more fully serve our clients.
Whether it be custom artwork, environmental graphics, or project-focused print publications, our graphic design team naturally enhances our full-service design team.
Evaluating Existing Conditions
From historic structures to elementary schools, we take facility assessment seriously, creating roadmaps for the future for our clients.
BVH’s experience in Facility Assessment ranges from historic structures to entire K-12 districts. This process typically entails thorough documentation of each building and site component including describing existing conditions, recommendations for repair and/or replacement and priority levels. This analysis typically involves:
- Reviewing the remaining useful life of a component;
- Code compliance; and
- Energy efficiency where applicable.
Photographs of each component are compiled and organized to create a snap shot of the conditions on-site during the assessment process. On-site review is only a part of the overall assessment process, however. Additional research of drawings and maintenance records contributes to a 360-degree view of the facility. This allows our team to gain a thorough understanding of hidden elements, past deficiencies, and user experiences with the facilities. We then develop recommendations to address identified deficiencies and these, in turn, are prioritized and phased. Estimated probable costs are attached to each recommendation.
This assessment process provides the Owner with a clear road map to future upgrades and facility maintenance schedules.
More than furniture
Our team is well versed in space planning, budgeting, specifying, and procuring furniture. We strongly encourage that the furniture design is an integral part of the architectural planning process in order to achieve a cohesive solution.
It is imperative to design spaces that can be quickly and easily adapted, often meaning that design solutions are less permanent and more flexible with furniture-based solutions. We believe that we can help “future proof” your building to be adaptable for future technology advancements and user needs.
An Impactful Tool
Community engagement can be an impactful tool throughout the design process. BVH facilitates this process with communities and school districts in several ways including community meetings, insight gathering sessions, website surveys and as appropriate, outreach booths at community events such as farmer’s markets or county fairs. This can help achieve multiple goals:
- Provide an opportunity for all interested parties to be heard.
- Provide valuable input to the design team through the process.
- Create alignment amongst the community on the project needs and goals.
