One of the first steps of any project is identifying and defining the core needs and priorities which need to be met. Sometimes, this process can be achieved through conversations with the Client, while other, more complicated projects, typically warrant a more comprehensive analysis process.

FRMWRK embraces a triangulated and multi-method approach to identifying needs and priorities.

More simply put, we ask the same “questions” using a variety of different tools and techniques that are designed to identify any potential conflicting biases which might otherwise influence the resulting design product. When approached with this methodology, we can ensure that the final design or program of a space is reflective of the real needs of those who will use it.

Examples of needs assessment techniques include:

• Stakeholder interviews and focus groups

• Community workshops and meetings

• Detailed site analysis

• Level of service analysis

• Community benchmarking

• Public/stakeholder surveying

We are often tasked with helping the Client better understand the feasibility – from a variety of perspectives – of an idea or project that they are considering before moving forward with land acquisition or formal design.

Although there are many, project-specific metrics that, when considered together, ultimately inform the feasibility of a project, common ones may include:

• Hard costs such as construction costs and raw materials.

• Soft costs such as design and engineering fees, permitting costs, and owner-contributed time and resources.

• Site-specific opportunities and constraints

• Environmental implications and impacts

• Revenue projections

• ROI (return on investment)

• Project funding and delivery methods

At FRMWRK, we are passionate about the power of meaningful community engagement and collaboration, especially when it comes to the planning and design of public “places.”

A meaningful engagement process requires engaging the right people and groups in the identification of needs and priorities at the beginning of a project, as well in the creation of potential solutions to meet them later on. This approach helps build community support for the project throughout the entire design process, rather than just seeking approval at the end.

For engagement to be meaningful, it must be conducted in a way that encourages the desired audience to participate, and often includes multiple different methods of outreach, such as:

• Project-specific steering and/or oversight committees

• Stakeholder interviews and focus groups

• Public meetings and workshops

• Youth/teen workshops

• Community surveys

• Public forums and open houses

• Informational websites and forums

All great places begin with a bold vision. Our master plans are anchored in detailed analysis and engagement and follow a process that is tailored to the unique needs of each Client and project. FRMWRK provides master planning services to both public and private clients at a variety of scales, ranging from site-specific master plans to community-wide systems plans.

Our master plans are both visionary and realistic.

Regardless of the scale, the goal of any master plan is to clearly articulate a shared vision for a project that is both bold and realistic, taking into account the many unique attributes of the site(s), the Client, and the end users. Our master planning process places a heavy emphasis on feasibility, implementation, and partnerships, helping to ensure that they don’t remain just “plans.”

Examples of different types of master plans include:

• City-wide parks systems master plans (IDNR 5-year Park Plans)

• Site-specific master plans (public and private)

• Campus master plans

• Development master plans

• Corridor and trails master plans

We are passionate about the role of good design in the pursuit of creating authentic and enduring places. The organization of spaces and the careful coordination and selection of materials, furnishings, and landscape all contribute to how a place “feels” to those who use it.

We strive to create places which feel unique and authentic but are also maintainable. We embrace the core principles of placemaking and the integration of local materials, native plantings, and community-wide brand/style into each design, and wherever possible, look for opportunities to increase community-wide resiliency through the integration of green infrastructure.

Good design does not have to mean increased cost and maintenance. In fact, some of the best examples of site design are elegant in their simplicity. As part of the design process, we will work with you to better understand the total project budget, as well as your appetite and capacity for different levels of site maintenance and programming.

As the design process progresses, we will regularly revisit and refine the opinions of probable cost – which will include both hard and soft costs – to ensure that the design is responding to the available budget and your capacity to maintain it.

There is a significant – and often burdensome – amount of coordination required between the Client and the design consultants throughout the construction documentation process to ensure that the Client’s original vision of the project is realized within the available budget and schedule.

We can help reduce this burden for our clients by serving as an Owner’s Representative during the construction documentation, bidding, and construction phases of the project.

Following is an example of how this approach to design works:

1. FRMWRK will work with the Client to establish a shared vision for the project, and then translate that “big idea” into a site-specific and cost-feasible concept plan that is reflective of their vision.

2. Once the Client is comfortable with the design direction and spatial organization of the concept plan, FRMWRK will assist them in the development and issuance of a request for proposals from qualified design consultants to complete the construction documentation process (typically 30% CDs through construction administration).

3. During the bidding process, FRMWRK will help review the qualifications and cost proposals of the respondents and make recommendations to the Client regarding selection.

4. Once a design consultant has been selected by the Client, FRMWRK will serve as an intermediary between the Client and the design consultant(s) by assisting the Client in reviewing the progress of the design document set, attending review and coordination meetings, and reviewing requested design or programmatic changes and proposed technical specifications to ensure that they are in alignment with current best practices and both the Client’s vision and budget.

5. During this process, FRMWRK will remain in constant communication with the Client, who retains all of the decision-making power, however, will be able to do so with a significantly reduced amount of time and effort, allowing them to focus on their other day-to-day responsibilities.

Because FRMWRK does not have a vested financial interest in the design contract for the development of the construction documents, you can trust that the any design and/or programmatic decisions made during the concept phase of the project are informed solely by YOUR vision, YOUR budget, and industry best practices