AlphaStudio 
Services

AlphaStudio Design Group 

Design & Architectural Project Services

What We Offer

AlphaStudio Design Group has the ability to provide our clients with comprehensive architectural services. Assisting the client throughout the entire design and construction process is paramount to our completion of a successful project. From initial concept development to project closeout, we have a thorough understanding of the process involved in facilitating a residential, commercial, and educational project.

Basic services can include the following:
  • Site Feasibility Studies
  • Space Planning
  • Conceptual Design Mock-Up
  • Preliminary Design
  • Custom Home Design
  • Full Construction Documents
  • Specifications
  • Educational Projects
  • 3-D Modeling:
  • Exterior, Interior, and Walkthroughs
  • ADA Review and Recommendations
  • Cost Estimating
  • LEED Project Delivery
  • Construction Administration / Observation
  • Commercial Leasing Plans
  • Commercial Tenant Improvements
Our goal is to create a successful project which meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. With our philosophy and approach we are able to provide balanced architectural services consisting of progressive design, budget awareness, and time sensitivity.

Core Values

Client Services
Collaborative Approach
Quality and Innovative Design
Quality Assurance

Project Design Approach

Community Interest Groups + Staff/End Users + Governing Agencies = Comprehensive Design

Our team works closely with faculty, staff, administration, surrounding community, and even students to obtain insight into their needs and objectives, valuable information that we follow when developing the project design. Having up-front discussions can also diffuse politically motivated issues, create constructive dialogue, and, most importantly, provide a sense of ownership for the process and built project. We have a strong background in working together with school districts to address the concerns of stakeholders and the community, meet challenging schedules, and anticipate issues so that the project can move forward in a timely fashion.

Collaberation

AlphaStudio Design Group believes that collaboration is a critical component in any project and that through open communication ideas can be presented and discussion generated. Through this collaborative process, all project stakeholders are at the table during the design process, as previously described. We also maintain a collaborative spirit with our clients and project participants. We strive to schedule consistent design meetings with the relevant parties throughout the design stage of the project. As we continue through the construction document phase and into DSA, the District will receive periodic updates as to the status of the drawings, submittal, and DSA approvals. We feel that communication by e- mail is highly effective for these updates, due

Funding Options & Cost Estimating

AlphaStudio Design Group places a particular emphasis on providing our clients with projects that are both budget and time sensitive, while not losing sight of the fundamental goal to provide innovative and effective design solutions. To that end, we understand the necessity in developing accurate cost estimates. A project budget is extremely critical in determining whether a project is feasible. At appropriate milestones throughout the duration of the project, this estimate will be updated. Creating a good cost estimate also comes from understanding how a project is put together. By having a firm grasp on the various components of a project, we are able to provide comprehensive estimates for review.


We utilize a three-tiered system for project estimating during the design phase. An estimate of probable cost of construction is developed during the schematic design phase of the project, developed on a square foot cost basis. At design development phase, the estimate is further refined on an assembly cost basis. Once the design is finalized the estimate is updated based on a unit cost analysis, taking into account a standard owner’s contingency of 5% to 7% based on complexity of project. Additionally, dependent on the project delivery method, we will collaborate with the contracting team to further define the cost estimate in order to reflect real time market conditions. In the absence of this collaboration, we will often utilize the services of an independent cost estimating service to substantiate the costs. A precise estimate allows for critical decisions to be made during the design and construction document phase. Value engineering can then be more effective if an accurate and effective cost estimate is provided as well as updated throughout the duration of the project.

Sustainable Practices & Technology Improvements

Environmental Modeling & Sustainable Design

AlphaStudio Design Group inherently integrates energy savings strategies in our designs. High performance mechanical units, day lighting, and high efficient lighting fixtures are just some of the tools we use. With one of the two principals of AlphaStudio Design Group being a LEED AP, sustainable practices are always considered.


Recently we’ve had the opportunity to explore day lighting strategies in a classroom setting. Working with the Lakeside Union School District, we designed a layout of test classrooms utilizing tubular day lighting devices in conjunction with the District’s energy management system to reduce the usage of artificial lighting, and the associated operational costs, as the tubular skylights provide natural day lighting. The lessons learned from testing were applied to classrooms throughout the District, particularly to the ones reliant solely on artificial lighting.


Our proposed mechanical and electrical consultants, DEC Engineering and Johnson Consulting Engineers, are very proactive in exploring energy efficient systems while balancing initial costs. This can range from simple zone switching and timing of lights to more elaborate energy management systems, or the use of highly efficient equipment, all based upon a school district’s standards or requirements. Additionally, we engage SDG&E on every project to discuss the extent of available Savings by Design incentives and apply for these incentives on behalf of the school district.

Technology Improvements

AlphaStudio Design Group has completed several modernization projects for public school districts that have included technology improvements, such as a recent project for Oceanside High School to support the district’s new technology initiative and improve wireless access.


Our consulting engineer, Johnson Consulting Engineers (JCE), is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable firms when it comes to data, public address, and communications systems in schools and are constantly trained to keep up with the latest industry trends to present the most advanced, yet feasible, user-friendly, and cost-effective technology solutions to the end users. Having worked in school districts throughout San Diego, they have a thorough understanding of school

technology needs and how to implement appropriate systems within project budgets.


With JCE, the design process includes a thorough interview and interaction with the District's representatives, in particular, the IT and low voltage systems managers during the early stages of design. In this process current and future technology needs will be assessed and any feedback will be incorporated into the construction documents. In addition to the current and future technology needs of the District, our designs allow for additional infrastructure provisions, such as spare conduits and rack expansion capabilities.

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