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Services

Architecture

gfh Architecture, Planning & Graphics represents over four decades of innovative and forward-thinking designs and construction experience. The principal Architect, Gary F. Harcourt, has directed a wide range of commercial, residential and institutional architectural projects. Here at gfh Architecture we are committed to crafting high quality and inspiring yet functional built spaces. We believe that one style does not reflect the essence of each client, but that each client deserves a space that reflects what he or she is “all about.” For this reason, gfh Architecture utilizes an imaginative and creative design process, balancing form and function, economy and time while going “outside the box” to exhaust all possibilities. The result is a diverse and distinguished body of work, and a product that enriches the quality of life for both the user and community at large.
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Master Planning

Site master planning is strategic planning, planning for present needs with an eye toward expansion and the future. gfh Architecture has extensive experience in developing long-range plans for private clients. Including:
  • Establishing general goals with you
  • Analyzing physical adjacencies of key functions
  • Physical site planning
  • Meeting and interviewing key personnel
  • Presenting findings at public meetings
  • Developing budget alternatives
  • Phasing scenarios and strategies
Master Planning Your Property

Engineering

gfh Architecture has a unique and proven, successful approach to discovering creative design solutions for each individual project. The firm's design philosophy is accomplished by the blend of a highly professional staff working in close concert with the principal architect, Gary F. Harcourt, to carefully balance the various economic, environmental, and jurisdictional factors unique to each project. This combination of disciplines has resulted in many workable, creative design solutions and many satisfied clients. From residential to commercial, new or remodel/additions, architecture or design-build, we can help you create and produce your next cost-effective and functional design with our in-house experts and our wide-range consultant base.
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Community Participation

At the center of gfh Architecture’s design philosophy are the communities that define the facilities we develop. We respect that each facility and each community are unique. With many of our projects for public agencies and institutions, we develop successful approaches through working with councils, commissions, city departments, administrators, building committees and involved citizens. We use community meetings and hands-on workshops to arrive at a consensus. We help develop and define what functional, civic and social needs each community facility needs to fulfill. We provide leadership and guidance throughout this process, working with the decision-makers and participants. Our design process is dedicated to creating spaces that encourage cooperation within the community and opportunities for sustainable design.
About The Architect
  • Phase 1
  • Phase 2
  • Phase 3
  • Phase 4
  • Phase 5
  • Phase 6

PROGRAMMING

  • Meet with key project individuals
  • Familiarize ourselves with existing reports, zoning and code constraints
  • From this information, we then talk further with the Client, Agencies, and Community (if deemed appropriate) to finalize the scope of work, the site and building program
    • We use Take-Part Workshops as a methodology for building group consensus for large projects

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

  • After the program is firmly established, we develop two or three schematic designs
  • We hold discussions with individual Clients, or staff and relevant decision makers to determine the preferred scheme
  • We have the capability to represent schematic ideas with drawings, diagrams, or computer aid methods or models, if desired
  • We establish the First Estimate of Probable Cost at the schematic design phase

DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

  • Design development takes place when the Client approves the schematic design
  • We produce hard-line drawings to describe the size and character of the project
  • We review a copy of the Design review submittal package with the Client
  • We represent the Client through the Design Review process, sometimes involving neighborhood or community meetings to explain the project and answer questions as required

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

  • The major portion of our work begins after we receive design review approval
  • We produce detailed construction drawings and coordinate with consultants
  • When work is 50% completed, we coordinate w/ Client’s GC to establish a cost estimate for any value engineering that may be needed, addressing any budget concerns
  • Also at the 50% stage, there is a client/staff review of the construction documents

BIDDING & NEGOTIATIONS

  • We continue to assist The Client in the bid process
  • Respond to questions, assisting the Client in administering the bid
  • Once the bid is awarded, we hold a meeting with the Client, the Contractor, and our Team to agree on processes and goals for the construction phase

CONSTRUCTION

(limited to full service available, depending upon scope and size project)
  • During the construction phase, we can answer requests for information, administer submittals, meet with the Client and the Contractor on a regularly established basis
  • We would review change order requests and make payment recommendations to the Client
  • We will remain very detail-oriented during the construction phase, assuring that each project stays true to the design vision and remains cost-conscience, creating the optimal result for each job
  • Provide & coordinate with General Contractor (GC) for final inspection/close-out services, if necessary