Design Process

JSR’s goal for every project is to create an integrated team, including all stakeholders; residents, clinical and administrative staff, family members, design professionals, board members, and other consultants, to fully develop a program that will be sustainable and flexible over time. Collaboration at the beginning of a project provides the framework for decision making throughout the project. We find that this early stage synthesis of ideas from the perspectives of all involved in the building is fundamental to the design teams’ operational programming process.

Establishing preventative care and lifestyle models allow residents to not only age in place by choice and with dignity, but also allow for reduced turnover, uniqueness of community, and a marketing opportunity that other facilities may not provide. Senior living includes a broad array of projects including Adult Living Communities, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Assisted Living Facilities, Extended Care, Adult Day Care, Senior Centers, Skilled Nursing, and Hospice. All of these have their own unique requirements that are based in regionalism and the community at-large that they serve. JSR Associates, Inc. has the advantage of experience designing for a wide range senior living project types located in different geographic and demographic regions.

Programming: Information Gathering Phase

Meeting with the client to discuss goals, needs, expectations, function of space(s), site requirements and preliminary budget. Project requirements are then documented for use throughout the process.

Schematic Design: Interpretation Phase

Drawings and sketches are produced to illustrate overall space requirements, adjacencies (spatial relationships), and specific program components for client approval. As required, professional consultants may be contracted for specific areas of expertise. Consultants may include structural engineers, mechanic/ electrical/ plumbing engineer, and landscape architects. At this point, the budget may be revised to reflect schematic drawings.

Design Development: Integration Phase

Drawings are developed and fine-tuned based on client feedback. An additional level of detail in this phase shows more accurate room sizes and shapes. JSR will commence coordination with consultants at this point, if necessary, to integrate all building systems and equipment, and schedule process meetings with client for review and approval. At this point, the budget may be adjusted to reflect design development drawings.

Construction Documentation: Production Phase

Drawings and specifications are completed. Specifications are written requirements and details for materials, building systems, equipment, finishes (including wall, ceiling, and floor finishes), and workmanship. The CDs include all documentation from project consultants. As required, drawings are stamped and signed for permit and/or construction.

Bid Negotiation: Pricing Phase

Drawings and specifications are issued for competitive pricing. Bids are received, reviewed with client, and awarded. If all pricing comes back too high, value engineering is performed. During this process, the design is evaluated with the client to determine areas where costs can be decreased.

Contract Administration: Implementation Phase

Perform on-site review of construction at pre-determined stages in the construction process. Be available to respond to contractor's day-to-day questions via telephone. Perform final walk-through with client and contractor.