One of AERO’s core values is Positive Net Impact, and working with non-profits is one way we live that value. Using architecture to help our community better deliver their services is rewarding. Embarking on a capital project can seem daunting, from selecting the right partners to managing large amounts of input before making decisions to ensuring community support is behind your project. We've assembled the following FAQs to get you started and help take some of the mystery out of the process.
Are you available to help support our community engagement efforts?
Yes! AERO can produce renderings and work with you to develop community engagement activities that result in actionable feedback. Our team is available to present at community meetings and will support you in building goodwill toward your project.
How do you help large boards come to a consensus and make decisions?
AERO has a long track record of working with clients with multiple decision makers. We cater our approach to how your board interacts, working with you early to understand your internal decision making process and coming up with a schedule that allows time in the process for your internal review meetings and decision making process.
Can you help us translate our mission into a physical space?
We understand that clarity in your mission is critical to your organization’s success. All of our projects start with a thorough understanding of our clients’ missions and brands. From there, we look for opportunities to translate the foundation of an organization into a physical building and/or space. We love seeing this manifestation from the spoken word to the physical world.
What factors should I keep in mind when building my project budget?
Important factors to remember include the size of your project, special features your space might have, and the condition of the building (for renovations) and/or building site. The more complex a project is, the more team members needed to execute it. Typically, we charge a standard hourly rate during the Pre-Design Phase, develop a fixed fee for the design and documentation phases, and then provide construction administration on an hourly basis. AERO uses the standard AIA contract to govern our projects.
How do I figure out what my site can support?
Bring an architect in for best results before you commit to a site. We suggest starting with a Pre-design Phase during your site due diligence. As part of the pre-design, we’ll conduct a zoning and code analysis, confirm parking needs to support your use, help you figure out energy needs, and help you determine if your space needs an ADA accessibility review.
How long will my project take?
Every site and municipality is unique. The overall timeline will become clearer after an initial consultation with our team. You can book a consultation here.
What is the cost of construction?
There are a lot of factors to consider. Once we better understand your project, we can share historical cost information with you based on the numerous office projects we have completed.
What experience does AERO have working with non-profits?
AERO has worked with non-profit organizations in a variety of building types and functions, from the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce to The Miracle Theatre to the Social Justice Institute.
What’s the value of working with AERO?
Because we are a small firm, our Principals are extensively involved in every project we do. That means you benefit from decades of experience and expertise in exactly the types of challenges you are trying to solve. We understand the types of spaces and amenities your staff and clients seek.
My project is in Inglewood. What is the value of working with a firm local to the area?
As proud members of the Inglewood community, we are committed to improving the quality of design and planning in the area. Our involvement with civic engagement (AERO Partner Brion serves on the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce Board), volunteer organizations, and local community groups helps us better serve our clients by understanding nuanced priorities in the Inglewood area. We also have strong relationships with individuals in city planning and the building department, helping to easily navigate the approval process. Check out some of our Inglewood projects.
What is the process for working with an architect?
We like to think about projects in six phases, each with a unique goal:
Pre-design - we help you determine if the space you are considering can support your needs and work with your budget. We help with due diligence and develop test-fit diagrams to see how your space needs can be accommodated within the building footprint.
Schematic design - once you pick a space, we start work on translating your brand into physical space.
Design development - we collaborate with the project engineers and other expert consultants to design the systems and structure and further refine the design of the space.
Construction documents - once you sign off on the design, our team will begin producing the technical drawings needed to get the space built and submitted to the city for building permits.
Bidding - during this phase we support you in selecting a contractor to build your space.
Construction administration - this is where your project becomes reality. We work to support the owner and general contractor during the construction process as a resource to make sure the project is executed as designed.
Every project takes its own path through these six phases. Our job is to guide you through them and help get decisions made.
Who else do we need to hire?
Every project needs a different team structure. AERO provides full architecture and interior design services. In addition to us on your team, typical consultants include:
Owner’s Representative / Project Manager
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer
Structural engineer
Landscape architect
Civil engineer
Lighting designer
Acoustical engineer
Certified Access Specialist (CASp)
Exterior building Maintenance consultant (EBM)
Fire sprinkler engineer
Audiovisual consultant
Security Consultant
Once we better understand your goals and project needs, we can help you craft your team.
Why should we have an Owner’s Representative on our team?
An Owner’s Representative represents your interests in the project and ensures the entire project team is held accountable to deadlines and deliverables. They help projects run smoothly and provide their expertise on any issues that may arise during the design and construction process.
Three Keys to Success
Have a budget in mind before you start your project; AERO can help you develop it.
Have a schedule in mind so that the team understands the pace of work that needs to be accomplished.
Bring in your architect early to help perform due diligence on a space before you commit to leasing or purchasing the space.
What are the various requirements that need to be incorporated into designing a space for our non-profit?
We answer that question by talking to staff and gaining an understanding of what their day-to-day jobs entail, in addition to surveying other users of the space to understand what services or products they receive and how they interact with your staff. When we better understand how you work and how people want to be served by you, we can better design a space that supports the flow of activity.