Putting the Engine in Our Train: Hiring Our Architect and Civil Engineer

by Anna C.

Two more big steps toward realizing our vision of expansion and renovation have been taken! After issuing requests for proposals, conducting interviews, and checking references, we have made our first two hires on the project team: an architect and a civil engineer.

These are critical hires. It is like finally putting wheels on the “train” of the capital renovation project that still lingered on the idea and deliberation level. This engine will enable us to move from concept design to permit application, at which point we will be ready to hire a contractor and move into the construction phase.

It is still a long way ahead and depends on the generosity of all of us. Yet, we can feel gratitude for the distance we have traveled together since the first discussions and vague ideas of about two decades ago.

No more ifs, when, and what. We now have a viable concept design that has received substantial input from parishioners, a capital campaign plan, an architect and engineer in place and the beginnings of the application process to the county.

Here is your new team of experienced and committed professionals:

MARIA ARHIRE, ELEVATE Design Group

Most of you know Maria, who is a parishioner at our church, and have read about her in The Veil. Maria is a well-known and respected architect in the DC area, with decades of experience that includes churches. After working on, and guiding, St. Mary’s architectural planning process for about two years, and creating a viable concept design, Maria’s role has now become formalized as the designated project architect.

SRI APPANA, WAVE CIVIL

Wave Civil, whose owner is Sri Appana, is a civil engineering design & construction management firm with strong focus on quality and customer service and experience working in the DC Metro area for both private sector and public sector clients.

There are two phases in building projects: design and construction.

The roles of the architect and engineer(s) involve the Design Phase. The Design Phase delivers detailed building design and site layout plans. It addresses both parishioner needs and zoning requirements that need to be met for permits to be issued. In this phase, the architect, with help from engineers, shepherds the lengthy and difficult processes of obtaining a special permit, site plan approval and, later, a building permit.

With detailed plans, solutions to multiple issues and permits at hand, the project is now ready to select a contractor and begin construction.
More specific tasks for the design phase are listed below.

The Architect's Roles and Tasks

1. Special Permit Phase
   1. Submit proposal and follow through with the entire process for the special permit.
   2. Develop architectural drawings and a final design that will include plans for a future basement.
   3. Provide liaison with the zoning board, responses to their comments and incorporation of any required changes; coordination with the civil engineer and re-submittal, as necessary.
   4. Support the church in all the efforts during the special permit process, including attendance at meetings, presentations to the county, materials for neighborhood outreach, participation in open house to the neighborhood, public hearings, etc.
2. Site Plan Approval Phase
   1. Work with the civil engineer to create the drawing set for the site plan approval and fill out all necessary forms.
   2. Design input for the site lighting plan and for the landscape plan features.
   3. Create PDF files for the site plan submittal package, sign and seal, coordinate with the county and civil engineer through the approval process.
3. Building Permit Phase
   1. Develop architectural construction documents set for permit (floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, notes)
   2. Coordinate with other disciplines as necessary (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
   3. Submit for permit and follow through the permit process.
   4. Address any comments received from the building permit reviews.

The Civil Engineer's Role & Tasks

Work closely with the architect, providing research, assessment, documentation and solutions, to put together the Special Permit Package that will be submitted to Fairfax County. Deliverables will include:

• Landscape Plan
• Demolition Plan
• Detailed Site Layout Plan
• Site Grading and Drainage Plan
• Storm water Management Plan
• Utility Layout Plan
• Erosion and Sediment Controls Plans (Phase-1 & 2)
• Erosion and Sediment Control Computations, Notes & Details
• Storm Pipes Profiles & Computations
• Water & Sewer Profiles
• Storm water Management/BMP Quantity & Quality Computations
• Outfall Channel Adequacy Computations
• Landscape Plan, Notes & Details
• Lighting Plan & Details

As a community we have coalesced around a vision and action plan. The process of design and construction is sure to further deepen our bond to each other and to Christ.