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FAQ2023-03-03T22:30:58+00:00
Bidding – Can DPI assist with contractor selection prior to bidding?2017-08-11T06:05:23+00:00

Yes.  We can help find qualified contractors or work with the client’s preferred bidders.

Vendor Coordination – What’s involved?2017-08-11T06:04:51+00:00

In commercial projects such as restaurants and medical facilities, there are often specialized furnishings, equipment, and systems coming from third party vendors that must be delivered and installed at certain times.  We can work with the client’s vendors to ensure that their processes and procedures are integrated into the development of the project.

Estimating & Value Engineering – Does DPI handle this service directly?2017-08-11T06:05:11+00:00

DPI collaborates with estimators on a through-cost basis.  This enables us to provide the service to our clients without an upcharge and have the collaborative team approach needed to vet projects quickly.

Design & Document Review – What is the benefit if this service?2017-08-11T06:05:50+00:00

The review looks for notations, comments, errors, and inconsistencies which, if not caught in time, can cause construction delays and result in costly change orders.

Retail & Restaurants – Does DPI have experience in developing brand identities?2017-08-11T06:06:07+00:00

Yes.  Our team has been involved with the developing branding designs for free-standing quick-serv restaurants (QSRs), small retail kiosks, and tenant finish-outs.  Our team has also assisted in creating brand reimaging processes and procedures for established chains.

Multi-family – What type of multi-family projects DPI worked on?2017-08-11T06:05:39+00:00

DPI has multi-family experience spanning +20 years.  We are currently working on two townhome projects and master planning a large mixed-use project that include high-density multi-family.  By way of experience, our team has worked on several garden and high-density apartment complexes – including several projects within the Uptown Area just north of Downtown Dallas.

Commercial – What type of commercial work does DPI handle?2017-08-11T06:06:22+00:00

We have designed restaurants, shopping centers, professional offices, retail stores, kiosks, outpatient medical facilities, spec retail spaces, and more.

Residential – How does DPI determine the fee for design services?2017-08-11T06:06:35+00:00

The fee structure is dependent on the project, the nature of the work, and what is required to complete the work.  In most cases, the fee is based on a cost per square foot.  However, some fee structures are simple lump sums where other are percentage based.  We determine what we feel is the best approach for all parties and provide cost breakdowns in the proposals we submit.

Residential – Does DPI specialize in a particular building size or style?2017-08-11T06:06:48+00:00

No.  DPI has designed several residential building types.  From tiny houses to remodels to large estates, we have had the opportunity to work many interesting buildings.  In each case, we take the same approach to the work.  We don’t subscribe to any particular design vernacular and enjoy unique design challenges.

Space Planning – What is a Space plan?2017-08-11T06:07:03+00:00

A space plan is a conceptual layout that organizes the various functions within a facility.  This most often includes coordinating furniture, operations, public areas, and their security while using the space efficiently.  This type of study will take into account the many considerations important to the occupant and identity different ways to occupy the space.

Space Planning – What is the purpose of a Space Plan?2017-08-11T06:07:14+00:00

Space plans act a map to efficient operations and future growth.  Without proper planning, operations can suffer which hinders productivity.  The purpose of a space plan is to provide the most functional layout possible while taking into account future expansion and/or configurations.

Master Planning – When Should a Master Plan be done?2017-08-11T06:07:25+00:00

At minimum a feasibility site study should be completed prior to making a major land purchase. As a part of good due diligence procedure, doing a study will reveal the true potential of the site and help protect clients from extraordinary site development costs or site unfit for development.

 

Every site should be planned before the first phase of construction. The decisions that are made at the very beginning of a project will determine the success of the project.  Master planning helps clients make the best development decisions without sacrificing future development. Good master planning prevents costly mistakes in the future.

Master Planning – What is a Master Plan?2017-08-11T06:07:35+00:00

A master plan is a conceptual site layout that documents existing conditions and surroundings, current development plans, phases of growth, and future growth. It provides graphic plan for phased growth and identifies the maximum potential usage for a site.

 

The degree of detail can depend on the need.  Schematic master plans help client make quick decisions on the feasibility of purchasing a piece of land.  Formal master plans can include color presentations and other media needed to secure funding and development support.

Master Planning – What is the purpose of a Master Plan?2017-08-11T06:07:47+00:00

Master plans provide a path for future growth for a development. The best approach to land usage often times falls victim to cost concerns, lack of vision, or misperceptions about what is possible.  This can result in future development being unnecessarily more expensive or impossible. The purpose of a master plan is to provide planning for current development while taking into account future developments – planned or speculated.

Due Diligence – When should the Due Diligence process start?2017-08-11T06:07:58+00:00

Early!  Negotiating a reasonable duration of a due-diligence period is critical to the process. No one wants to waste time, but enough time is needed to identify issues and evaluate risk.  Having your team together and starting early can make the difference between collecting relevant data and making informed decisions and a significant loss of time and money.

Due Diligence – What is a Due Diligence Period?2017-08-11T06:09:51+00:00

The due-diligence period is a critical time where a buyer has the opportunity to identify and evaluate potential environmental conditions and potential expense of a site. This evaluation gives the buyer the opportunity to make accommodations, discuss price reductions, or reject the site altogether.

Application – How quickly do architecture barriers have to be removed?2017-08-11T06:08:36+00:00

Entities serving the public should bring all readily achievable items into compliance immediately.  New construction should be built in compliance.  However, governing agencies often have timetable for bringing facilities into compliance depending on the situation.

Application – What happens if the existing conditions can’t be brought into compliance?2017-08-11T06:09:09+00:00

There are times when accessibility is too difficult or costly to achieve per the requirements.  In such cases, most governing agencies have variance procedures in place for reviewing and determining a course of action that is acceptable to the agency?  Be advised that what is acceptable is at the discretion of the governing agency.

Application – Are businesses required to bring existing facilities into full compliance all at once?2017-08-11T06:09:23+00:00

Federal and State laws require that public accommodations be brought into compliance when it is achievable. When new construction is planned within an existing facility, that work is required to be accessible.  If bring the new work into compliance involves unplanned work of a significant cost, the prevailing governing body may waive compliance at its discretion.

Application – Do I Have to make my Facilities Accessible?2017-08-11T06:09:36+00:00

Federal and State laws mandate compliance with prevailing accessibility requirements.  The penalties for noncompliance can be costly.  The cost to make corrective modification can be much more costly.

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