Space Planning and Design Concepts
IPECC specializes in CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) designs for developing space planning and design concept solutions in 2D/3D formats.
Our fully qualified space planners design workplace environments that are both efficient and functional using the latest electronic design technology. From an initial space audit to animated walk-through and computer-generated interpretations, our team will provide an overview of how your office will look following installation of furniture.
We perform work flow analysis and make recommendations on best solutions for your office environment. As well, with our certified Architectural Technicians we are able to manage and maintain current as-built drawing file libraries so that you always have access to the most accurate representation of your space when you need it. From a basic 2D illustration to a full blown 3D static or animated view of your space, Emergency evacuation plans, or basic space plans measured to BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) standards. IPECC has the technical expertise on board to facilitate your needs at a much more affordable rate.
Fire Evacuation Plans
The analysis of escape routes and pedestrian movement are fundamental elements within an overall ‘fire safety strategy’.
Our illustrations are ‘maps’ to inform and guide both staff and the public out of a facility safely in the event of an emergency, outlining Building Emergency Procedures, identifying where their point of origin is and directing them to the appropriate exit.
We illustrate locations of Pull Stations, Fire Extinguishers, First Aid Stations, Eye Wash Stations, Automated External Defibrillator.
Our evacuation plans are designed in accordance with Canadian National and Provincial Acts, Codes, Policies, Standards and where applicable adaptations for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is inclusive to – National Building Code of Canada, National Fire Code of Canada, Fire Safety Acts & Regulations as well as the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code.
Site Measurements using BOMA Standards
The foundation of our service is the provision of what’s commonly called an “As-Built” Floor plan.
This differs from an architect’s plan, which is typically a “Design” plan, representing what was supposed to be built as designed by the architect.
An “As-Built” is a plan showing what exists today. There is only one way to produce an accurate “as-built”, and that is by doing a detailed survey, or measurement, of the structure, carefully documenting the layout and configuration of all walls, doors, windows, stairwells and elevator shafts, plumbing fixtures, structural columns, ventilation shafts, and any other pertinent features as defined by client (ie. room use / occupant).
The key to the production of our Floor plans is our laser measuring technology. We use a hand-held laser measuring device, called a “Disto-Meter”, produced by Leica Geosystems, world leaders in the production of highly-accurate surveying and measuring equipment for many years. The Disto is accurate to within 1/8″ in 300 feet. We typically record all measurements to within 1/100th of a foot (approximately 1/8″).
The final product is a result of loading the data file into a computer CAD system, running the latest AutoCAD software. Our architectural technologists will ensure the entire building “fits together” properly, ensure layering standards are reviewed and enforced, add text and dimensioning as required, and of course do final sheet layouts, including title blocks. Any client or project-specific CAD requirements beyond the scope of field work are implemented at this stage.
Once the As-Built drawings have been completed, the next step is the most important to some of our clients – the calculation of rentable areas, upon which leases are based.
The results will be a clearly defined and illustrated in our customized Building Report which will be bound in a booklet format 8.5” x 11”dimension with 11” x 17” floor plan fold-out illustrations.
Space Utilization Surveys
IPECC offers a suite of workplace surveys that help in gaining deeper insights about how people really work and use their space. They are online, easy to access and complete, allow large numbers of people to participate, and final reports distill large amounts of data into easy-to-read charts.
A lot of information is needed from an organization during the programming phase of the design process. The Needs Assessment survey helps uncover valuable information that adesigner needs to know about adjacencies, technology in the individual workspace, storage,and group / team space needs.
We will conduct surveys to help in understanding the ways people connect and Collaborate with others. Understanding how people work together and knowing the kinds of activities performed are essential insights for our designers.
Confidentiality is also addressed. It is critical to understand the Mobility of employees so space can be designed to meet their needs. Avoiding wasted space for highly mobile employees or not allowing the right blend of space for office-based workers.
Our analysis will define in relation to graphical schematics illustrating – Gross Floor Area (which includes such parameters as Usable Floor Area, Floor Common Area, Non-habitable Area, Major Vertical Penetration), as well as Total Usable Floor Area.