Commercial Design FAQs

G&M has two phases within its’ design system: 

Phase I. Preliminary Design. At the beginning, G&M will meet with you to discuss your vision for your project.  Your basic concept will be developed through sketches.  Upon your approval of the sketches, the preliminary design is then developed using Auto CAD. Please note that the preliminary design drawings are not detailed enough to build from, and any budget given off the preliminary design drawings would only be an estimate. 

Phase II. Construction Documents.  After the Preliminary Design drawings are approved and signed by you, the construction documents are then created. Please note the construction drawings are the build drawings and your General Contractor will supply the final budget off the construction drawings.

A tenant improvement is the commercial retrofitting or renovation of an office or retail space.  Typically, a landlord will allow a certain dollar amount per square foot to make the retrofitting or renovation. It is important that you confer with your landlord to obtain their approval of your desired renovation.

Most everybody who owns, or works within, a commercial facility has at least heard of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), but very few are familiar with California Title 24 Accessibility Requirements (T24).  The Americans with Disability Act is a federal law that provides accessibility requirements for various types of facilities.  The ADA is enforced by the Department of Justice (DOJ). California Title 24 Accessibility Requirements are a separate set of accessibility requirements created by the State of California.  

California Title 24 Accessibility Requirements are “reviewed and approved” by the local Building Department during the Building Permit process.  The local building department does not review or approval any Federal ADA requirements! 

Because the burden of compliance is on the building owner, understanding the distinction of the two requirements will be a benefit.  If a facility is not in compliance, any member of the public can file a Civil Rights or Discrimination suit or claim under the ADA.  If this occurs, the owner will then be forced to deal with accessibility issues in a legal setting.

G&M is knowledgeable with the ADA standards both Federal and California

Commonly referred to as a “Cost Estimate.”  This provides the client with an estimate  of cost and is not a guarantee of cost. It is the engineer’s best judgement and is based on experience and includes factors that are known when the opinion is prepared. The report allows you to understand where your budget may land.