You know the saying, “You have to spend money to make money?” Studies are similar to this for the design world. Before you spend money investing in a facility, or facilities, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what you have, what you need, and how you are going to use your facility(s) long-term. Studies provide a holistic view of where you are today, and a roadmap of how to get to where you need.
There are a variety of types of studies though, so it is necessary to begin with a basic understanding of terms and what the various studies are intended to do.
Facility Assessment: Evaluates the condition and age of a facility and its infrastructure to identify and prioritize maintenance and repairs. An assessment typically projects a plan for 20 years of capital improvements. Assessments create a baseline and support other studies.
Needs Assessment: As your organization changes over time, the needs often change with it. Your facility should be evaluated for alignment with current needs and goals. This type of assessment involves meeting with stakeholders in your organization to identify and prioritize changes and / or growth that may occur in the future.
Feasibility Study: Evaluates the functional and financial viability of a project by assessing the costs involved. It helps identify potential expenses such as renovations, repairs, upgrades, and operational costs, allowing for better budget planning.
Master Plan: Reviews long term growth and needs and builds a plan to address those needs. This often includes a facility and needs assessment, feasibility study, and comprehensive plan for a peek into the future.
Any study is a roadmap to set you up for success. A few of Etica Group’s favorite outcomes of these projects include:
1. Cost Assessment: Once you have an idea of what the project will cost, you can compare the funding available to the needs of the project. This helps you identify what is feasible or where cuts need to be made.
2. Risk Analysis: The potential risks and challenges associated with the project are identified. It allows for a thorough evaluation of factors such as regulatory requirements, safety of the building and potential obstacles that may impact the success of the project. It can include an analysis of a site for how it can be used most efficiently as well.
3. Decision-Making: A study provides valuable insights and data that aid in making informed decisions. It helps determine whether the project aligns with the organization's goals and objectives, and whether it is worth pursuing based on the potential return on investment.
4. Stakeholder Communication: A study provides a comprehensive overview of the project, which can be shared with stakeholders such as community members, lenders, and other stakeholders. It helps in building trust and confidence by demonstrating a well-researched and thought-out plan, increasing the likelihood of obtaining necessary support and funding for the project.
5. Grant Funding: In many cases, conducting a study is a wise and often necessary step when applying for grants. They help outline the viability and potential success of a proposed project or initiative. When seeking grants, funders often want to see evidence that the project being proposed is feasible, realistic, and has the potential to achieve its intended goals and outcomes. In many cases, even if not specifically mandated, including a well-developed feasibility study or master plan can significantly strengthen a grant proposal by demonstrating careful planning, thorough research, and a clear understanding of the project's potential.
How do you get it done? A few key steps include:
1. Data Gathering/Program: In collaboration with key stakeholders, a study would gather information on existing facilities to evaluate current and future facility needs. This would include an estimated square footage for the facility.
2. Facility Assessment: A team of experts would conduct a facility assessment to identify deficiencies of the building(s). The team would review functional, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, safety standards compliance, accessibility, space and storage needs, emergency power, etc. to form recommendations for a remodel/renovation or construction of a new facility.
3. Option Development: We believe the community and stakeholders should be presented with multiple options and alternatives during a study. There is often more than one solution that can meet the needs of the community.
4. Site Analysis: If multiple sites are being considered, they will require analysis to understand potential uses, space requirements, available utilities, or other development considerations. The study could identify any recommended future fire station locations based on land usage and apparatus and response distances and/or times.
Conducting studies prior to taking on building related improvement projects ensures you are realistic about your expectations, financial feasibility, and provides a roadmap for success.
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