Clotfelter/Samokar

Architecture

Project Approach: Clotfelter-Samokar begins every project by assigning an experienced professional as your Project Manager. This allows a single point of contact and ensures commitment from the Architect and Engineer. The project type determines how it will be approached. For example, a renovation project will begin with a study of the existing building and a new facility will begin with site selection.

C-S begins each project with a kick-off meeting to determine the owner’s scope and needs for the project. Once we have grasped the owner’s vision, we will begin to program the building. During this stage, we will offer creative and functional solutions to the project’s requirements. Together we will create a concept for your facility. This concept will eventually become a shared vision by the Architect and client.

Summary of Architectural Services Offered:

Standard Architectural Services:

Architectural design
Schematic design
Design development
Construction documents
Bid Assistance
Construction contract administration

Design Services:

Renovations of existing buildings
Additions of existing buildings
Design of new buildings
Preserving/renovating historical buildings

Planning & Study Services:

Building Programming
Site selection, planning and analysis
Campus planning & programming
Space planning & analysis
Equipment placement & planning
Master Planning
Feasibility studies
Facility evaluations
Design studies
Energy Analysis

Additional Services:

Project management
Schedule and attend progress meetings with contractors and Owners
Cost analysis & estimating
Bid services (to save Owner money)
Specifications development
Code Review
Warranty management
Plant management reviews

Rendering/Artistic Services:

Computer renderings & models
Architectural models
3-D modeling
Video Animation

Engineering

Please see our GEOTHERMAL section for more information on geothermal design

Clotfelter-Samokar’s Engineering Department provides services for both Architectural and Pure Engineering Projects. We offer the following engineering design services:

Mechanical design
Electrical design
Fire Protection design
Lighting design
Plumbing design

Our goal in the design of mechanical and electrical systems is to provide the Owner with a system that is simple, energy-efficient, clean, easy to operate and maintain, quiet and dependable. Knowing the systems work best if they are properly maintained and calibrated, Clotfelter-Samokar considers it a priority to train maintenance and technical staff on the design and use of the systems we design. We also make a point to be available for questions after the project is closed out – whether it is several months - or years - down the road. C-S routinely makes annual visits to monitor our systems’ performance.

One characteristic that sets C-S apart from the majority of other firms is performing our own mechanical and electrical engineering in-house. Clotfelter-Samokar added Engineering to its list of disciplines to give our firm a design advantage. The benefits of In-House Engineering Design include:

Increased Project Coordination. Because our Architects and Engineers are in the same office and working on the same computers/network, project coordination is increased, design is simplified and the over all design flows better.
Increased Communication & Response Time. Our Architects and Engineers are in the same office and can hold meetings to resolve issues as they arise and discuss project status on a daily basis.
Loyalty to One Architect. Our Engineers only have one Architectural firm to design for. Our projects are number one on their list.

Specialties & Services:

Backflow Device Testing
Communication Systems
Construction Administration
Cost Estimating
Electrical Power Distribution Systems
Energy Management Systems
Existing System and Facility Review Reports
Fire Suppression & Alarm Systems
Geothermal Design
HVAC & Ventilation Systems – All Types
Industrial Controls
Industrial Exhaust Ventilation Systems (Material Handling)
Lighting Systems
Plumbing Systems and Compressed Air Systems
Security Systems
Standby Power Distribution
Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems
Technology Wiring
Theatrical Lighting/Dimming Systems
Value Engineering

Our Engineering Department has won numerous design awards including our 2 most recent awards:

2003 ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) 1st Place for Institutional Buildings
2002 ASHRAE 1st Place for Institutional Buildings

Interior Design

Clotfelter-Samokar has several Certified Interior Designers on staff. Their areas of expertise include:

Selecting interior colors, finishes and furnishings
Planning effective ceiling plans
Creating distinctive, attractive spaces
Designing custom cabinetry
Furnishings layout
Coordination with Electrical Engineers on placement of outlets and equipment

Our Interior Designers believe that the appropriate color selection for a space can make it more functional and inviting. For example, research proves that particular colors utilized in specialized classroom areas can enhance the learning process.

The advantage of an in-house Interior Design team: The entire project team (Architects, Engineers & Interior Designers) may maintain close coordination to design placement of room furnishings, lighting, data and power outlets.