Hi Andrew,
The Bureau of Architecture has been in existence for over 100 years. In fact, on the original drawings for our City Hall which was built after the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake had an entire office labeled "City Architect". Currently the City Architect is a Deputy Directory under the Director of Public Works. I oversee the Bureau of Architecture and report to the City Architect & Deputy Director for Buildings.
In my original posting, I neglected to discuss what our challenges are: One of biggest challenges are getting high quality contractors under the project delivery method of Design-Bid-Build where we are required to take the lowest bid. When we use DBB, we need to ensure our drawings are of the highest quality and very well coordinated, which has been my initiative since I started in 2013. With regard to QC/QA, I have also hired a Technical Manager and Design Manager who oversee the QC/QA and Design Standards for the office. We have implemented standard detail libraries, in REVIT and CADD, drawing checklists. We have hired two CADD/BIM managers who oversee the CADD/BIM committee and set those standards.
Since I have started, the organization has also implemented a "Best Value" project delivery method where the bids are not only awarded on cost but also a % of qualifications and experience, which I believe is 40% of the award scoring factor. On larger projects we use CMGC Project Delivery more and more which enables us to bring on the GC during the early phases of a project to provide pre-construction services, work with the design team on constructability reviews and value engineering if needed. The sub-contractor packages are bid out at a later date.
Some of the benefits of having an in-house architectural team are that we ave the historical knowledge and actual drawings of most of our public buildings, in fact. In addition, our staff are trained to use the highest standard, durable specifications because public buildings need to be "
Built to Last", which, coincidentally, is the theme of our Pre-Conference Workshop at
AIA 2019 Conference in Las Vegas, on 6/5/19. We will be discussing how we renovate historic structures, both seismically and technologically, there will be a presentation by Fred Clarke on the new SF Transbay Terminal, which is the biggest infrastructure, transportaion hub I have ever seen and it includes a 4 block park on the roof top, 4 stories above the street. The other 2 sessions focus on Sustainability and Smart Cities. Check out the write up in the Cornerstone issuance. Little "plug" there for our workshop if anyone is interested. :)
We also have (8) as-needed private sector architecture firms who are on a master contract, (4) of which specialize in healthcare, OSHPD projects. In addition, we have a project management group of 25 who oversee the very large capital projects such as our new $800M hospital, the new Moscone Convention Center, new Office of the Medical Examiner, etc.
Other challenges include the stringent hiring process which is slow, restrictive and bureaucratic. Stafffing is also an issue, especially during this period when we are very very busy. In addition, the cost of construction has skyrocketed in the Bay Area and the market is so busy, it has become harder to get good competitive bids, and the cost/SF has risen to even $1,000/SF for new construction which is probably the highest in the country, except possibly NYC?
Sorry for the very long response. In summary we have grown in our abilities, QC-QA, and design standards and we continuously strive for more and more improvement. Thank your for the discussion!
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Julia Laue, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal Architect & Bureau Manager
Bureau of Architecture, SF Public Works
San Francisco, CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-15-2019 14:19
From: Andrew Thompson
Subject: The role of "city" architect
Julie that is very unique and very good that San Francisco sets the parameters for incorporating a Board of Architecture into City government. It is similar to one of my posts regarding the Port Authority of NY and NJ. How long has BOA been around in San Francisco?
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Andrew Thompson AIA
County Architect
Passaic County
Paterson NJ
Original Message:
Sent: 03-14-2019 17:55
From: Julia Laue
Subject: The role of "city" architect
I work for the San Francisco Public Works, Bureau of Architecture (BOA). BOA has been in existence for over 100 years. We have 60 Architectural Staff who design projects for various city agencies, including but not limited to Real Estate, Healthcare, MTA, SF Fire, SFPD, SF Libraries, Public Utilities Commission, and the Department of Homelessness & Supportive Housing. We also have (8) private sector architectural firms on a Master As-Needed Contract who we tap for projects as well.
We also have a Project Management Group of about 25, who work with private sector architect to build are major capital projects, such as the new Hospital, Convention Center, just to name a couple.
Check out our Portfolio:
www.sfpublicworks.org/bdcportfolio
We have a City Architect (my boss) and a City Engineer. Our engineering group has a staff of about 200, SMEP and Civil.
Our architects are motivated to do good work for their city and they get to see their projects built!
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Julia Laue AIA
Principal Architect & Bureau Manager
SF Bureau of Architecture, Building Design & Construction
San Francisco CA
Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2019 20:47
From: Edmond Gauvreau
Subject: The role of "city" architect
All,
Keep up the sharing and conversation! That is what makes this community strong - by sharing each other's stories and solutions.
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Edmond Gauvreau, FAIA
Washington, DC
Original Message:
Sent: 03-13-2019 16:09
From: Andrew Thompson
Subject: The role of "city" architect
Terry do you have any say or leadership for Design Excellence for your two cities?
Original Message------
I work for local government as the Chief Building Official running the building department for two cities. Coming from private practice owning my own firm, I've been doing this since 2000. Since 2007 when we started doing everything digitally, life is great, allowing more time for actual public service and interface with the design community, owners and constituents. Having a talented professional staff, supportive City Council and administration makes a huge difference.
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Terry Welker FAIA
Ohio Valley Region Strategic Councilor
Chief Building Official
City of Kettering
Kettering OH
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