Design

Schematic Design

During the Schematic Design Phase, RFD works closely with the Owner and Architect to develop optimal solutions that best meet the requirements defined in the Program. Since RFD has worked on hundreds of laboratory projects throughout the world, we can help teams efficiently develop and evaluate alternative organizational relationships, circulation schemes, and systems distribution options. As the architectural solutions evolve and client consensus is achieved, RFD develops schematic laboratory plans within the context of the building design. The idealized programmatic layouts are reviewed with Departmental Representatives and refined as required to work with the realities of the building including column spacing, door and window locations. Cost estimates are developed to ensure design vs. budget reconciliation.

Design Development

The Design Development Phase involves iterative, intensive, hands-on work sessions with the Departmental Representatives to more fully define the requirements of each laboratory space. The location of all laboratory service fittings, electrical receptacles and voice and data jacks are documented along with sink sizes, fume hood configurations and specialty exhaust devices. Laboratory casework configurations are reviewed with the Departmental Representatives to document the location and type of base cabinets, drawer units, knee spaces, wall cabinets and tall storage cabinets. Laboratory equipment heat gain, plumbing and electrical load calculations are developed and shared with the Building Engineers to allow confirmation of overall building systems sizing. Detailed specifications and cost estimates are prepared to confirm compliance with the project budget.

Construction Documents

In the Construction Documents Phase, RFD prepares construction drawings and specifications for the laboratory casework, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, autoclaves, glassware washers and dryers, controlled environment rooms, and other laboratory fixed equipment. We offer laboratory engineering services to document the laboratory plumbing and laboratory electrical fit-up requirements from a point-of-connection in the corridor to the point of use within the laboratories. This scope of work allows us to develop a more integrated set of laboratory documents, resulting in better coordination, more competitive bids, and fewer change orders during construction. RFD’s Quality Assurance program helps ensure a high level of coordination between the laboratory documents and the rest of the A/E package.

Bidding/Construction Administration

In the Bidding Phase, RFD assists the team with clarification of bid questions for the laboratory furnishings, laboratory plumbing and laboratory electrical work. During Construction, RFD responds to laboratory-related RFIs and reviews shop-drawings/submittals for laboratory hoods, casework, fittings/fixtures, fixed equipment, laboratory plumbing and laboratory electrical work. RFD personnel make appropriate site observation visits to determine if the work is proceeding in accordance with the laboratory Construction Documents. The final site visit includes preparation of a punchlist report outlining observed deficiencies requiring completion by the Contractor prior to final payment. At the completion of Construction, RFD reviews operations and maintenance manuals, reviews Contractor ‘as-built’ drawings, and can prepare Record Drawings, upon request.