THE PROCESS
1: BASIC INFORMATION GATHERING
An informational no-obligation meeting is scheduled to help us learn about your facility including approximate square footage, service style, goals and issues that need to be addressed. If local and the building is existing, we will also visit the site at no charge.
2: PROPOSAL/CONTRACT EXECUTION
Based upon the information obtained, we will provide a free proposal, broken down into phases so you will know exactly what to expect and how much each phase will cost. Many of our non-profit clients need just enough of a layout and rough budget in order to obtain grant money or to raise funds on their own. With a cost breakdown of our services, you only pay for what we complete and may put the project on hold until a future date, if needed.
Our proposal, signed by the client, or a separate signed contract such as an AIA Form of Agreement may be used to initiate our services providing the terms are agreeable to all parties.
3: DETAILED INFORMATION GATHERING
At JBK, we start with good listening and asking the right questions to ensure that your needs and goals are addressed. If a remodel, an inventory will be taken of your existing equipment that is to be reused, along with identifying existing wall locations and available utilities. We will also help to determine which pieces of existing equipment would be worth salvaging and working into the new design.
4: SCHEMATIC DESIGN
A simple floor plan of the kitchen and, if applicable, dining area, service stations, bar, etc. will be provided for review. This plan will show all work areas and work flow. In many cases, we may do more than one scheme if there are viable alternatives. A rough lump-sum budget is also provided.
5: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Once a basic plan is acceptable, a more detailed plan will follow, showing specific appliances and fixtures, keyed to an equipment list and brochures of major equipment items are provided for review. This is presented to the client and any necessary changes are made based upon feedback. In addition, during this process we are reviewing local health department requirements and communicating directly with a representative to ensure the design will comply before the process gets too far along.
6: CONTRACT/BID DOCUMENTS
Once the client is happy with the layout and general equipment selection, specific makes and models for all items are selected, an itemized budget is completed to make sure we are still within the target amount, numbered equipment brochure books are provided along with an equipment schedule showing utility requirements for the electrical/mechanical/plumbing engineers or contractors. Once all concerned parties have this information, we continue with locating the utilities on plumbing, electrical and mechanical drawings and providing large-scale elevation and detail drawings for final review. Written specifications indicating fabrication standards and installation requirements are also supplied. Meetings or teleconferences are conducted as necessary for the design team and owner to properly coordinate the project and keep everyone in the loop.
7: PROJECT PERMITTING/BIDDING/CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
In essence, this phase is about overall project support. Typically the architect will submit the kitchen drawings as part of the total document package to the local building department for permits and often routes the kitchen drawings to the health department, although we are happy to step-in upon request. We assist as needed by answering questions and making any changes if directed. A list of qualified kitchen equipment suppliers is provided but since we are not affiliated with any suppliers, the client is free to get bids from other sources. Assistance with review of all bids is provided to ensure that proposers are adhering to the specifications. We will also answer bidder and contractors' questions, review the kitchen equipment supplier's submittal drawings/specifications, and provide a jobsite inspection and punch list.