Otak was proud to attend a ribbon cutting on October 3rd – celebrating the unveiling of the City of Boulder’s first-ever fully protected intersection and underpass project at 30th Street and Colorado Avenue!
The timing for the full delivery of this project could not be more relevant as the intersection is a top crash location for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The need was great to redesign it as a protected intersection – meant to ensure safety by physically separating vehicles from other modes of transport through the intersection, and making it easier for users to see each other.
Project Details
The project design features the aforementioned protected intersection as well as two separate pedestrian and bicycle underpasses. Connecting infrastructure to nearby sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use paths along with the reconstructed transit stops improves access to these corridors. Features like lighting, landscaping elements, and public art were also included as part of the urban design. Otak and our team of subconsultant partners developed construction documents to make the City of Boulder’s improved transportation goals a reality. You can read more about it on our project page!
Otakian Representation
Those attending might have caught sight of Otak’s Kevin Dooley, representing his project management and design work that was essential to accomplishing the city’s goals. For him, transportation is about much more than getting from one place to the next – transportation design is an art form that involves creatively combining what is known with what could be, and that passion played an instrumental role in a successful project delivery.
For something as inherently valuable as education, the means for updating its facilities are often less than straightforward.
The process for improving education community assets often relies on many steps over a complex timeline that involves a variety of different stakeholders. Education professionals typically maintain full schedules in keeping their schools functioning as well as possible. With so many complex and moving parts, many organizations benefit from partnering with a bond program manager with the technical expertise to ensure a bond management process runs smoothly alongside typical operations.
In this piece, we’ll examine the elements of a successful school bond program and the role of an owner’s representative, or bond program manager plays in supporting the client.
A school bond program is a form of financing for capital construction projects that many communities rely on for improving their facilities. The projects that comprise a bond program can range from new construction or facilities renovation to addressing deferred maintenance. The cost for these often exceeds typical operating budgets so additional funds are sought from voters in general elections.
Falling into the category of general obligation (GO) bonds, school bonds are generally funded by leveraging property taxes, proposed during general elections. Beyond just improving the built environment for students, teachers, and the community – or in supporting the longevity of an asset – to pass bonds school districts must be thoughtful and strategic about the needs and interests of their community and appeal to those voters.
Bonds may focus on life, fire, safety, and ADA concerns. Some will also address more targeted goals like seismic improvements, pedagogy, or curriculum advancements such as career-technical education facilities. At their heart, bond programs and their passage are an expression of public trust by taxpayers.
Use of bond funds is also subject to financial management and procurement requirements established by state and local municipalities. In many states, additional grants and “match” funding are also available to help taxpayer dollars go farther to support education.
No two school bond programs are the same. Some bonds may be focused on one or a few projects, while others may touch every school within the district’s portfolio. Depending on the size and complexity, a bond may be conceived with multiple projects, budgets, and project teams. It may involve multi-phasing to prepare interim facilities and swing spaces ahead of final projects.
To account for this variety and unanticipated conditions that can arise during construction, successful program management requires experience in facilities, design, educational paradigms, administration, all phases of construction project management, managing multiple levels of stakeholders, team leadership, and community relations.
How are Bond Programs Similar?
With unique goals and requirements, each school bond program will require processes tailored to their specifications. However, there are a number of key elements that are common denominators with any successful program.
A priority for any school bond program is maximizing the impact of locally approved funding by preserving as much money as possible for the projects themselves.
Part of this effort may involve minimizing overhead, but it’s important to consider the big picture as the greatest savings are found in efficiencies throughout the process. For example, a 1–3% upfront investment in pre-planning work can result in much lower costs over the full lifecycle of the project. This is one area where a program manager can have the most value.
In pre-planning, a school district may have identified immediate and long-range needs, but determining the best solutions to meet district needs can be guided and facilitated by the program manager.
A crucial step for any school bond program is often one of the first. In selecting a project – and even prior to it – extensive planning begins with the identification of long-range district goals. This process can include focused due diligence such as facility assessments and enrollment forecasting needs (over at least 10 years), and eventually lead to project selection itself. Without these steps, projects may be compromised by short-sightedness or even subject to future rework if they are not considered in the context of a larger plan.
According to a study by Autodesk, poor schedule management is cited by 68% of project trades as the main cause of decline in worker productivity. Experience in construction management and front-end planning of a bond’s budget, scope, and timeframe components can help design the best execution strategy that maximizes approved funding impact. With this breadth of experience and knowledge, a bond program manager will be able to provide cost projections and cost-benefit analyses for potential project scenarios, and advising as such when a District is determining whether to renovate and upgrade existing facilities or initiate new construction.
In this stage of the school bond program, standardizing processes also provides the opportunity to bring together key project players and establish consensus in planning. Clear expectations for input and decision making need to be established to secure trust with these stakeholders so they can constructively engage in the design/construction process. From public engagement stakeholders and consultants to bond counsel and legal representation, coordination between the complete team early on can be an essential step in collecting necessary information to help inform project scope.
While establishing internal planning for anticipated projects is essential, they will not move forward without determining what the tax base will support. Knowing what taxpayers in the district can afford and what they value or view as necessary is key. To answer these questions, studies and polling can help tailor the dollar amount and scope of work before being put out for a vote. In-person meetings where community groups are represented can be essential engagement tools to connect with potential community champions and identify any initial dissenting opinions. Educating the public about bond goals and outcomes to garner support is also an essential investment.
After the bond’s passage, the real work begins to engage the many stakeholders invested in the success of a project including students/teachers/school-based staff, district personnel, and the partners/community members that may also use the facilities.
With a high level of scrutiny on expenditure of bond funds, districts should consider establishing an external oversight committee to observe the process. Typically comprised of interested community members, a bond manager will support the selection and engagement of the oversight committee to identify potential expertise that may be useful for supporting the bond and preparing reporting and presentations for their review across the bond’s duration.
At the end of the day, voters will want to know why a bond is needed: does it provide the best solution; what will it cost; can they afford it; and how will life continue in the meantime? To answers these questions and gain taxpayer support, a bond campaign will need to be outlined and implemented.
Strong Execution – Project Delivery, Documentation and Reporting
At the core of any successful school bond program is execution and delivery. While that may seem obvious, the path to effectively managing these steps is often anything but. Research of construction planning efficiency and delivery times by Wrike found that project planners typically have only a 58% accuracy rate when predicting delivery dates. These inconsistencies can have major impacts on staff, operations, and even student safety. In keeping complex school bond processes on track, documentation and reporting is key.
From start to finish, workflows and protocols are essential to facilitating review, approvals, and overall decision making. From augmenting project management resources at the outset of a project to setting consistent system specifications for maintenance following project completion, the establishment of strong document control and management systems helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks. The ability to quickly reference and produce consistent records also streamlines what can be complex legal processes.
When it comes to capital improvement projects, managing public contracts within a school bond requires an understanding of public procurement laws as they pertain to architectural design, engineering, construction, and consulting contracts. Contracts in the public sector are more complicated than the private sector and tend to have higher levels of scrutiny and oversight—every expenditure requires public justification. Ultimately, strong documentation and reporting in the school bond process prepares stakeholders throughout project delivery to help ensure staff needs are met and the safety of students is prioritized.
Setting Transition, Turnover and Community Use Expectations
While it’s easy to get swept away in the planning, engagement, and execution of school facility improvements, it’s important to remember that while the project itself is underway, life goes on. An important factor that is often, but should not be, overlooked is how people and programs are transitioned. This is because, as all educators are aware: the kids come back.
“We have seen projects come to completion, the owner moves in, and then it takes another 18 months before they know how to operate the building.”
– Henry Alaman, Otak Senior VP
Eighteen months is not atypical in a complex new facility where the existing facilities employees are not familiar with the new technology, systems, or equipment. To ensure the transition is seamless, all staff should receive the tools and training necessary to operate the building. Additionally, documents (drawings, plans, manuals, etc.) should be provided and stored electronically so they can be easily accessed.
Even the most well-established timelines and plans need to be prepared for unforeseen challenges. As a project progresses, the need to adapt is often inevitable. The ability to anticipate these challenges and quickly resolve them in the form of change management also becomes an important factor where the experience of an owner’s representative can prove invaluable.
Taking a Multidisciplinary Approach to Augmenting the Bond Process
Delivering a school bond, no matter the scale, is a complex process and a program manager isn’t successful without operating in an owner’s representative capacity. The ability to coalesce diverse sets of expertise from different team members and align them with individual client goals is essential to bringing the work and the promises made to the community to fruition.
As a multi-disciplinary firm, Otak provides a unique combination of program, bond, and construction management expertise, as well as knowledge and understanding of public procurement laws governing bond spending, local industry, and market knowledge. Our firm has proudly worked with many urban and rural school districts in bond development and delivery. Check out some of that work below!
In the realm of preserving our natural treasures and offering exceptional recreational experiences, the practice of Visitor Use Management (VUM) has taken center stage. This practice, critical in balancing the conservation of our public lands with the enhancement of visitor’s experiences, has gained momentum as increasing visitation to these landscapes becomes the new norm.
To address this growing challenge,the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) recently hosted a workshop focused on Visitor Use Management. SORP has a forty-year history of fostering collaboration among outdoor recreation professionals through similar events that attract state, federal, and local land managers, as well as university researchers, and professional consultants. Among the topics this year, was the growing application of Visitor Use Management.
From left to right, Erin Hanczyk (NYSDEC), Abbie Larkin (Otak), Sara Hart (NYSDEC), and Steve Lawson (Otak) respond to questions following their presentation on the active NYSDEC VUM Project
What is the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals?
The Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, or SORP, serves as a vital hub for individuals passionate about safeguarding parks and protected areas while promoting sustainable outdoor recreation. With a vision to create sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for all, a mission to advance the outdoor recreation profession through leadership, and a commitment to values centered on integrity and inclusivity, SORP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of outdoor experiences.
This year, SORP hosted a workshop at Acadia National Park centered on Visitor Use Management, drawing over 140 virtual and in-person participants from across the United States and Canada. Attendees delved into case studies, engaged in discussions about challenges and opportunities in implementing VUM, and explored avenues for mutual support and knowledge-sharing among a community of practice. The event provided a unique platform for practitioners to exchange ideas and best practices, advancing the field of Visitor Use Management.
A Case Study on Implementing Visitor Use Management in New York State
A process map developed for the NYSDEC VUM project, depicting project milestones along a timeline
Among the notable speakers at the event were Otak’s Steve Lawson and Abbie Larkin, key members of our Visitor Use Planning and Management (VUPM) team. Together, with representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), they co-presented an Otak case study detailing their work in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.
The presentation outlined Otak’s approach to implement the Visitor Use Management Framework in key areas of the parks experiencing increasing visitor use pressure. The case study emphasized the need for a proactive and structured approach to address the challenges stemming from rising visitation numbers, changing visitor expectations, and the imperative to prioritize resource protection and promote sustainable recreation.
The shared information sheds light on the transition from a reactive and disjointed approach to a systematic, data-driven, and holistic process for sustainable visitor use management. Key components of the approach include internal planning workshops, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement opportunities that reflect the Visitor Use Management Framework.
By collecting data on visitor use levels along roadways, in parking areas, on trails, and at key destinations, and data on visitor use patterns, experiences, and perceptions, this project will assess current conditions related to visitors’ experiences and public safety. The project also provides the basis for evaluating the relationship between recreation use and impacts, and ultimately the development of adaptable, long-term visitor use management strategies.
The Takeaway: Building Familiarity with the Visitor Use Management Process
Visitor Use Management is a thriving field with immense potential to shape the future of outdoor recreation. We’re excited to partner with organizations like SORP that share a commitment to growing the field and promoting the use of the Visitor Use Management framework. These events provide unique opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with the growing community of practice while creating the space for new ideas and connections to form.
The event also proved to be valuable for organizations learning about the RFP process by the State of New York, offering a glimpse into the practicalities of initiating Visitor Use Management projects while also being introduced to our team as well as other professional consultants. As leaders in this field, Otak will continue to share ideas and address visitor use challenges at sites across the country and beyond, to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.
It’s official! Our partners at Multnomah County Library have broken ground on a state-of-the-art library in East County, promising a dynamic landmark that will transform the community’s access to learning, play, and connection. The groundbreaking ceremony for the impressive project took place on July 12, 2023, showcasing the library’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.
The future East County Library will span an impressive 95,000 square feet, making it comparable in size to Central Library in downtown Portland. The library’s strategic location will provide convenient accessibility for all residents of East County.
Otak’s PM/CM & owner’s representative team, led by Project Manager Mike Day, is proud to have a role in making this project a reality by providing owner’s representative and bond program management services in partnership with Multnomah County library.
The Road to the Perfect Site
The journey to find the ideal site for this ambitious project culminated with the purchase of the former Gresham City Hall Park and Ride (1297 NW Eastman Pkwy, Gresham) from TriMet. The collaborative agreement between Multnomah County Library and TriMet marks the end of years of extensive search efforts, ensuring the library’s placement meets the needs of the community while allowing for future transit-oriented development by TriMet. The City of Gresham will also play a role in shaping the vision for the surrounding civic space.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, District 4 Commissioner Lori Stegmann, Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke, Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, and other key members of the community. Programming also included a land blessing performed by the NARA (Native American Rehabilitation Assoc.) northwest chapter, a local non-profit group. The event celebrated the library’s role as a transformative space – bringing together the diverse population of East County.
Designed by the Community, for the Community
At the heart of the library’s design is community engagement, with insights and dreams from residents of East County driving the vision for the project. Through the Community Library Champions program, members of community organizations like El Programa Hispano Católico and Black Economic Collective worked directly with residents to gather their input and aspirations for the library.
Rendering courtesy of Holst Architecture
Among the exciting features inspired by community input are:
Large Auditorium: The library will house a spacious auditorium with flexible seating, catering to cultural celebrations, lectures, performances, and family programs. This multi-purpose space will be a true asset to East County, providing a venue for events that were previously unavailable in the area.
A Makerspace: A dedicated area will be provided for classes and exploration of various disciplines, from robotics to construction to 3D printing, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity.
Audio Visual Studio: The library will incorporate a top-of-the-line audio visual studio, offering users a professional-grade studio experience within the library’s premises.
Teen Space: With technology, connection, and creativity in mind, the library will feature a sizable teen space, providing an inviting environment for young people to engage with the latest technologies.
Diverse Collections: To reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the neighborhood, the library will curate diverse collections that cater to the interests and backgrounds of its patrons.
Dedicated Family Space: The library will prioritize family-centric spaces, offering secure indoor and outdoor play and learning areas for children.
Outdoor Community Space: With an outdoor amphitheater and plaza, the library will become a central gathering place for community members, hosting music, speakers, and other events.
More than a Library
The East County Library project will go beyond providing a physical space for books and information, aiming to enrich lives and foster community connections. The building will be designed with sustainability in mind, pursuing LEED Gold certification, and incorporating eco-friendly elements such as native plants, energy-efficient systems, and the use of recycled and locally sourced materials.
Rendering courtesy of Holst Architecture
“This new library will be beautiful, accessible, and representative of the people of East County. A public library should reflect our highest ideals and aspirations, and we are making that a reality,” said Vailey Oehlke, Director of Libraries.
The library construction process, scheduled to begin in August 2023, is estimated to cost approximately $147 million, with completion anticipated in fall 2025. As the plans for the East County Library take shape, anticipation and excitement are building within the community, marking the beginning of a new era in public libraries for Multnomah County.
For more information on the East County Library project and Multnomah County Library’s initiatives, visit their website at www.multcolib.org.
He approaches every project with a holistic view of sustainability that encompasses social wellbeing, environmental preservation and restoration, economic development, and a project’s lifetime resilience to future long-term environmental and economic conditions.
What is Envision?
According to the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, Envision is a framework that helps communities cut greenhouse gas emissions, create good-paying green jobs, address environmental justice, and meet climate-change targets that works much like LEED when it comes to construction of buildings. The key difference between Envision and LEED is Envision applies the framework to a multitude of project types spanning the public infrastructure spectrum, and is becoming increasingly popular when it comes to sustainable and resilient project delivery.
The framework provides a flexible system of criteria and performance objectives to aid decision makers and help project teams identify sustainable, resilient, and equitable approaches. It works at all levels of a project’s lifecycle – during the planning, design, and construction phases.
What is an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP)?
An ENV SP is essentially an expert in the Envision framework — a professional that has demonstrated their knowledge in making projects sustainable and just from the planning to final delivery stages. Through the credential, Envision recognizes and brings attention to individuals trained and dedicated to developing more sustainable infrastructure.
When asked about his achievement, Charles humbly expressed his happiness and pride. He sees these credentials as a reflection of his passion for creating a greener and more sustainable future. An enthusiasm for continuous learning and personal growth makes him a true asset to Otak and an inspiration to his colleagues.
Real World Applications: Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility for the City of Renton
Charles’ passion for sustainable development and his accreditation complement each other, fostering innovation and environmentally responsible practices. This can be seen firsthand on the Monroe Ave Stormwater Infiltration Facility Project for the City of Renton – a remarkable $15-20 million endeavor set for construction in late 2023.
Through an improved stormwater conveyance system utilizing multiple stage stormwater treatment prior to full infiltration of stormwater runoff from the contributing 250-acre basin, the project showcases his dedication to creating sustainable solutions that positively impact the community, and it’s a testament to Charles’s ingenuity and his ability to implement environmentally friendly strategies without compromising on quality.
Take a closer look at the project here, courtesy of the City of Renton, to learn more!
As we look to the future, Charles Dewey’s expertise and dedication will undoubtedly continue to drive positive change within Otak and beyond. His work stands as a testament to the power of sustainability and innovation in shaping a better world for all. We’re proud to have Charles as part of our team and can’t wait to see what incredible projects he’ll contribute to next!
On Memorial Day, politicians, project stakeholders, veterans, and a community came together to dedicate the unique structure and honor servicemembers.
Exactly 100 years after the USS Colorado first set sail in service, it was officially reenlisted as part of the Adams County Veteran’s Memorial in Brighton, Colorado, but this time as a quarter scale replica. The unique structure based on the vessel is part of broader improvements to Riverdale Regional Park and its much-anticipated Memorial Day dedication drew a large response from the community.
Personal Connections, Family Ties, and A Memorial Day to Remember
Turnout for the event included Adams County Commissioners, Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, and Ken Jones, a U.S. Navy Veteran who actually served on the USS Colorado during World War II. Fellow veterans as well as active service members and the community at large rounded out the large crowd in attendance for the event that included a flyover of F16 jets.
““The veterans memorial stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community, a labor of love that has brought us together… From the initial stages of fundraising to the meticulous planning and construction, our journey has been one of collaboration and dedication.”
Charles “Chaz” Tedesco, Adams County Commissioner
Project stakeholders were also present, including members of the Otak structural team, Dan Beltzer and Jim Quigley. “It’s excellent to design a completely unique feature for all to enjoy,” said Beltzer.
The structure was so unique in fact that they had a hard time finding other replicas that had been done similarly. “I think for most people it’s safe to say this would be their first battleship replica they’ve worked on,” said Quigley. For one source of inspiration, a contractor for the project just so happened to be spending time at Pearl Harbor where they paid special attention to the detail of the ships stationed there.
In addition to his professional pride in making the memorial a reality, Jim also found a personal connection at the event.
“My grandfather was in the army during WWII and my mom has two brothers [in the service] as well as cousins and in-laws. So, it was really cool to work on something that honors what they’ve done,” said Quigley who also brought his son along. “The flyover was really neat and my uncle flew an F16 so it was great for my son to see how his family has been involved first hand.”
Now officially open to the public, the Memorial also includes monuments for each branch of the military, plaques featuring significant quotes, and a wall dedicated to telling the story of a soldier. Along with the replica ship is also a replica of its bell, made by the same foundry that made the current USS Colorado (an active-duty submarine) to be used at ceremonies.
Because of its importance to the community, the project team worked closely with the Adams County Veteran’s Advisory Board and County staff to ensure public input was incorporated into the design.
As part of the larger park, the Adam’s County Veteran’s Memorial is also surrounded by a variety of other public amenities. An amphitheater will be added later this year as well so the park can host even more events in the future.
For any discussion about the future of design – modular architecture is now part of that conversation.
Trends in the field point to it as well. Back in 2015, the Modular Building Institute notes that modular construction constituted 2.9% of all construction while expecting it to grow to 5% in 2020.
As it turns out, modular buildings now make up more than 6% of new construction in the United States. With a market now expected to grow from $89.18 billion in 2022 to $95.59 billion in 2023, modular construction is in demand because it’s become more cost effective, efficient, and flexible in design.
Modular design’s history can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Romans who created prefabricated sections of their forts that could be assembled on-site for quick defense. And modular configurations have been commercially available since the early 20th century.
Modular units being constructed on site.
The difference in today’s approach to modularity is advances in technology. From enhanced building materials and greater precision in manufacturing, to the logistics behind transporting building components, the entire process is now done with greater quality and efficiency. The result is a modern architecture approach that’s often more innovative in design and efficient in completion than today’s traditional methods.
In this piece, we’re taking a closer look at the practice of modular design and exploring its details and advantages, as well as implications for the future of the built environment. Feel free to read on or skip ahead:
Modular architecture’s definition is rooted in the term ‘module’: where prefabricated units of a structure are assembled in configurations designed to meet different sizes, complexities, or functions.
Modular Versus Prefabricated
The relationship between modular construction and other types of prefabricated approaches like panelized construction is similar to the relationship between 3D and 2D design. While modules are three-dimensional units comprised of several prefabricated pieces, panels are individual flat pieces assembled on-site. So, one could think of modular construction as a specific application of prefabrication where floors, walls, and roofs are integrated into larger units, often comprising one or more rooms.
Simply put, prefab deals with the manufacturing of the individual units (walls, floors, and other elements) with assembly of entire spaces happening later at the construction site.
Benefits (and Challenges) of Modular Architecture
With a number of factors driving added attention to modular architecture – the rapidly growing need for adequate, affordable housing significantly among them – there are numerous benefits being found by both designers, builders, and the community who eventually uses the final product.
Of course, with the benefits of any approach also come challenges. Below we’ll take a closer look at both in some key areas.
Quality Control A modular approach to design and building allows for greater control of the overall quality of a structure. With units prefabricated in a factory setting as opposed to being subject to field conditions (i.e., short building windows in colder, wetter seasons, etc.), there’s less degradation of materials.
Also, because modular construction is simplified to an assembly process, reliance on different skill levels or unfamiliarity from on-site labor – and quality issues that can arise as a result – are dramatically reduced.
However, since units are prefabricated, often with proprietary materials and methods, if quality issues do arise, they aren’t able to be addressed on-site as easily as with conventional construction.
Constructability A huge benefit of a modular approach is time. Construction time on a modular structure takes a fraction of the time it takes to build from the ground up. The process is also safer for workers as fewer people are needed for less complicated tasks on a shorter schedule, minimizing site risks.
This benefit can be even greater when used at scale while applying templated configurations across multiple sites, as opposed to a one-off approach for each building. It’s estimated that modular approaches can reliably save at least 20% in construction costs, including the potential for an estimated $22B in savings annually across U.S. and European markets. This savings makes sense when you consider the reduced construction time that leads to a reduction in overall emissions from heavy equipment.
While site accessibility is a challenge with any project, because modular design involves the use of larger units, this can be a limiting factor for difficult to reach locations.
Construction site of an office building in Berlin.
Repeatability As mentioned, modular design lends itself to repeatability and scalability. The consistencies gained in minimizing onsite construction issues like weather or access, improve the quality of overall construction while being more insulated from the elements. Using a system of repeated building blocks leaves less room for variation in quality and creates a process that can then be repeated across multiple sites.
Sustainability Modular design is also better for the planet. The approach bakes in an emphasis on minimizing waste in the construction process because the process is primarily carried out in the controlled environment of a manufacturing facility. The units themselves are also often made using recycled materials. Almost every client values sustainable methods that lessens onsite waste and materials, because less waste not only lowers a project’s overall carbon footprint, it also lower costs associated with disposing and transporting that waste.
Establishing Design Goals for Clients The benefits of modular design also extend away from the job site. While of course not exclusive to a modular approach, the use of 3D visuals can be particularly useful in facilitating a discussion that requires an extra degree of predefined design decisions with the client.
A discussion including a modular architecture approach can draw out a client’s true goals for the project, like if they want resilient products that are easy to maintain for a buyer that can be weatherproofed during the short build season. Different components of the structure can be modular in an ‘a la carte’ type approach to meet the design, avoiding the challenges that come with limited variety and allowing for design flexibility.
Example 3D rendering of a sustainable house, using modular design.
A Modular Design Approach: What Makes a Project a Good Fit?
It’s one thing to consider a modular design approach, but it’s another to decide which projects are most suitable for it. The reality is it’s a different design process from what traditionally takes place and might not always be the right solution depending on the project details.
For one, designers have to think in a more integrated way because the pieces of the puzzle are bigger. Units also must be designed to thorough specifications to make sure everything fits just right when it comes time to build. Architects need to think about how one gets the most customization in the fewest components, while also considering the need for flexibility. Owners also tend to invest more in early phases of the project so the prefab process can begin, meaning decisions need to be made early so that can be conveyed to financiers.
Consideration of a modular approach is best done early in the design process to truly reap the benefits in identifying projects that are a good fit.
An Answer to the Housing Crisis: Modular Residential Home Design
Modular architecture can be especially useful for residential home design. With the growing housing crisis plaguing the United States, it’s estimated that 3.8 million more homes must be built now to keep up with population growth in the future, and modular design lends itself to the need in a unique way.
Given its repeatability, scalability, and time-saving capabilities, modular construction allows for a number of cost-effective solutions to building houses en masse. Rather than a one-off approach with a traditional stick-built home, modular home design delivers a shortened schedule, material cost savings, and a more sustainable project, ultimately getting people into homes – and developers paid – more quickly.
Modular Housing Common Questions
When considering modular architecture for housing projects, there are a few common questions to consider:
Can modular homes be stacked?
Modular homes can be designed as a single standalone structure or multiple story building by stacking them. Bottom line: there are many structural and design possibilities.
Can modular homes be renovated?
Modular homes can be modified and renovated, though much depends on the initial structural integrity and design which may require specialized knowledge and resources.
Can modular homes be built anywhere?
One of their greatest benefits is that modular homes can be placed just about anywhere. There are some constraints since the larger components need to be able to be accessible to a site.
Modular Architecture for Commercial Buildings
Large-scale projects don’t just include housing. While not currently as common, commercial buildings are increasingly being built using a modular approach.
Modular construction site.
In cases where there is a need for meeting rigorous quality standards (due to regulation or client specifications) a modular approach can help ensure those standards are met. This is especially common in advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry for example. Efficiency with energy, materials and construction timelines are also goals that lend themselves well to a modular approach to commercial facilities.
Modular Architecture as A Growing Application in Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare is another area where modular design is growing in popularity, and the concept is gaining hold for several reasons.
While the priorities of healthcare have evolved over time to place a greater emphasis on patient-centric model that emphasizes convenience and experience, the physical infrastructure for the industry has comparatively lagged. An effort to catch up has turned many to the benefits of modular design for the development of new healthcare facilities.
Example of modular units.
Modular architecture is helping bridge that gap with healthcare facilities by simplifying coordination and install of multiple, complex infrastructural components that are often needed.
In addition to being more innovative and scalable in design, the cost-efficient nature of a modular approach is especially fitting an industry where creating the convenience for communities of nearby facilities is a priority. Considering the size of these projects, insulation from factors that often cause delays in construction (weather, labor shortage etc.) and other on-site complications is also an important consideration in getting healthcare facilities operational on schedule. These efficiencies also translate to cost savings and a better return on revenue.
Applying Creative Design Approaches to Architecture
Every project is unique and the options for bringing them to completion are numerous. The ability to deliver creative designs that meet a diverse set of client goals and project types is at the heart of our architecture practice. Modular design is just one approach in a world of possibilities to consider.
Take a closer look at our architecture work and learn more about a design-forward mentality that fits into a unique set of multidisciplinary capabilities.
What started as an idea of developing a School District’s local career technical education (CTE) program, quickly turned into a more expansive vision as the Sheridan School District set their sights on a building.
The challenging question that confronted Sheridan SD Superintendent Dorie Vickery Ed.D was how to raise the funds for a projected $20M project. Ongoing efforts from SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation) whose mission is “Serving Willamette Valley’s most unique and vital industries” generated commitments in various forms from companies such as Hampton Lumber, Tectonics Tuning, Cascade Steel and Forest River manufacturing (a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary).
Looking for additional support, Superintendent Vickery enlisted the aid of Emerald Flash LLC. Led by Brent Nielsen, the group was created from the simple proposition that organizations must combine agility with clarity of purpose. “We are firmly rooted in the concepts of innovation and change management. We work with our clients to help them build a message about their passions, but then we take this further. Our focus is to help organizations create tangible proof of their intent. These proofs of concept often challenge conventional wisdom; they show a different way of doing things.”
Emerald Flash, Superintendent Vickery, and other stakeholders (including the City of Sheridan, the Sheridan Fire Department, and Program Manager Otak) have been working to secure education funding from Local, State and Federal resources. For example, after submitting an initial request to the Oregon Budget Committee for $1.9 million from the Oregon Lottery, funding came through six months later to support the building’s purchase. The school district also received additional funding from other sources including a CTE revitalization grant, Yamhill County ARPA funds, and $500,000 from the Omnibus.
Four months after receiving funding, purchase of the 24,000 square-foot facility was complete. The facility, named after former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts, is set to be the centerpiece of developing Sheridan School District’s CTE program, which aims to cultivate local talent and opportunities for students.
What is The Barbara Roberts CTE Center?
In 2021 Sheridan School District began creating CTE pathways with the vision of experiential classes and hand-on training opportunities that are open to high school students in Sheridan and surrounding districts. The development of a collaborative, regional CTE program will encourage more students to see the connection between their education and their future while cultivating pride in the pursuit of careers that require technical and trade skills.
The Barbara Roberts Career Technical Education Center (Roberts CTEC), spearheaded by Dorie Vickery, is a 24,000 square-foot facility that aims to fully develop the program. With the help of funding from the Oregon budget committee, Yamhill County ARPA funds, and a CTE revitalization grant, the building is currently in design and early construction procurement to renovate the entire building and site.
Why Are CTE Centers Critical for Education and Today’s Workforce?
CTE centers are crucial for education as trade jobs are increasingly in demand for a workforce experiencing a skilled labor shortage. For context, the application rate for technical jobs dropped by 49% between 2020 and 2022.
The CTE center offers programs in truck driving, manufacturing/welding, fire/EMT training, and agribusiness, with graduates being able to complete high school with monetizable skills and immediately earn a profitable living. The career pathways were selected based on Oregon employment data, leading to a living wage job, and employee demands from our local industries.
Fire Science
The Fire Science program will be developed in partnership with the Sheridan Fire District. Instructors for the program will be provided by Sheridan Fire, who will also coordinate funding and resources for a training tower to be built on site. Students who successfully complete the Fire Science tract will be prepared to demonstrate competency with regards to fire suppression and will have developed skills related to working as a team, personal responsibility, and professional communication.
Diesel and Heavy Equipment – Truck, Logistics & Diesel Mechanics
Students who participate in the Truck Driving and Diesel Mechanics program will develop foundational driving skills, as well as specific skills using a semi-truck driving simulator. Students will also learn basic mechanics for maintenance of diesel trucks. Long-term goals for this tract include a full-scale auto body and repair program.
Students who successfully complete this tract will be prepared to obtain their Commercial Driver’s license (CDL) and have hands-on experience with operation and basic maintenance of diesel trucks. Students will also have developed skills related to record-keeping, personal responsibility, and professional communication.
Manufacturing Technology
Manufacturing will utilize existing equipment and staffing to expand opportunities for students interested in career paths based on manufacturing skills. Students participating in this tract will also learn business skills necessary to run a small business. Students who successfully complete this tract will be able to operate basic equipment and tools, and have a basic understanding of the steps involved for setting up their own small business.
Agribusiness-Sustainable Plant Science and Technology
Agribusiness will focus on sustainable farming practices and bring large-scale agriculture into the classroom setting. Local resources, including visits to local farms and mentorships with local agricultural professionals will also help students understand the variety of careers available in agriculture. Students who complete the Agricultural Business tract will have an in-depth understanding of practices in a variety of careers related to agriculture, including business/sales, hands-on farming, and professional communication.
Higher Education Certification
All CTE programs will include instruction on post-secondary opportunities through community colleges, universities, trade schools and apprenticeships. CTE Pathways will be aligned with community college and trade school requirements. Students will be able to earn some college credits while in high school, and then complete the industry certification requirements at the college level.
The Impact of CTE Center Development
Roberts CTEC is set to make a significant impact, not just on the Sheridan community, but the greater workforce of Oregon. The Center will provide high school students with CTE courses aligned to industry standards, preparing the future workforce. Participating students across the West Valley region will be equipped to enter their industries or further their education with advanced certification. Sheridan School District recognizes the combined effort of Emerald Flash, Otak, and BRIC in the fundraising, project management, and design of the CTE center.
Otak as owner’s representative is proud to be a supporter of the Roberts CTEC because of its expansive vision for empowering students to enter needed career and technical trades. If you would like to get involved in supporting this project, please contact Bob Collins, bob.collins@otak.com or Dorie Vickery, Superintendent about joining us in supporting this exciting and needed project.
Time to raise glasses at Otak! We’re happy to report three of our projects took home awards at the 2023 DJC Top Projects Gala! We’re taking a closer look into the three projects that took home some hardware, so check out the work below.
Hotel Indigo – 2nd Place (Hospitality and Other Special Purposes)
Located in Vancouver, WA with primetime views of downtown and the Columbia River, our client made it a priority take full advantage of the location. Enter a 12-story luxury condo tower with 40 units, and the boutique-style Hotel Indigo, a 138-room high-rise.
Otak provided comprehensive planning and design services for the mixed-use property, which also includes 10,000 square feet of retail and 7,700 square feet of restaurant space. The design highlights the hotel chain’s signature brand while creating an iconic destination on the prime site. A six-story atrium, second-level meeting and conference hall, rooftop bar, expansive terrace, and valet parking will provide visitors and residents with luxury amenities and an inviting setting to enjoy the riverfront festival street and parks. The hotel, one of the few Indigo properties west of the Mississippi, is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver.
Taking home 2nd place in the Hospitality & Other Special Purposes category, this project will provide a unique mixed-use hospitality and residential environment for visitors and residents on the Vancouver waterfront. Otak is excited to see this project come to life and earn recognition for its efforts to create a vibrant new community along the Columbia River.
Originally constructed in the 1970s, the unused two-story structure on Casino Road has found a new purpose as an administrative headquarters for a bustling transit company, Community Transit. A complete rehabilitation of the 70,000 square-foot concrete tilt panel building involved full design from our team – from programming through construction documents to ultimately becoming the new home of a number of groups’ operations.
Key to this design was an adaptive re-use project delivery method, including an upgrade to nearly all building systems to meet current building, fire protection, energy, and electrical codes. An added data facility that required enhanced security was also solved in the renovation plans. Added daylighting throughout the building is one element of this energy efficient design.
With 14 user groups set to call the admin building home, the needs of each were considered throughout the process. Through continuous visioning sessions and interviews with key stakeholders, a consensus was met in designing an open office environment that features a large, stadium style gathering space as well as a rooftop deck that offers an employee lounge and amenities.
Taking home 2nd place in the Tenant Improvement & Major Renovation category, this is another project we hang our hat on – exemplifying a dynamic relationship between community, innovation, sustainability, and quality design.
Otak CPM is proud to be a part of this award-winning project, made possible by close teaming with our partners at: Pacific Medical Buildings, ZGF Architects, and Andersen Construction. With over 121,000 square-feet added as a apart of their three-site expansion program, The Vancouver Clinic grew its ability to provide healthcare services for communities across Southwest Washington.
Utilizing a Lean Integrated Design / Design Build approach, the Vancouver Clinic expansion designed all three facilities concurrently. The design processes were augmented by full-scale mock-ups to confirm functionality while leveraging the experiences of clinical staff and medical consultants to prioritize patient care with optimal clinic workflows.
As owner’s representative, Otak CPM was involved through the design and early site work of the Salmon Creek 2 medical office building. At the onset of the pandemic, the project delivery method changed from Design Build approach to a developer-based project with Pacific Medical Buildings (PMB). The original Design Build team of Andersen Construction and ZGF Architects was retained to construct the building in partnership with PMB, with Otak CPM remaining in an advisory role to Vancouver Clinic through the conclusion of the project.
We would like congratulate our partners: Andersen Construction, ZGF Architects, Pacific Medical Buildings, and our client Vancouver Clinic on this wonderful award.
When it comes to transportation engineering, Otak believes in the power of multimodal transportation as an essential design lens. In our view, roads are not only for cars – pedestrian overpasses, bike lanes, and the surrounding landscape all serve to make transportation infrastructure more robust, inclusive, and perhaps most importantly, sustainable for all to use no matter how you’re getting from point A to point B.
Attending events in this space enables us to use this philosophy as a differentiator, where we can not only share our values and approach, but we can also build relationships with the communities we work in. The result is transportation projects using a more involved and community-driven design method that serves the needs of the neighborhood.
It’s this emphasis on community-driven design that makes conferences like the NACTO 2023 Conference in Denver, Designing Cities, so important to us.
We’re happy to report our own Kevin Dooley and Ann Nguyen served as key speakers at the NACTO 2023 conference, working to showcase projects in the region that are helping transform how cities can, or ought to be designed.
What Is NACTO?
The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Designing Cities conference is in its 11th year, bringing together over 1,000 officials, planners, and practitioners to advance the state of urban transportation. By bringing city officials, planners, and transportation professionals together, real conversations can be had about how to improve everyone’s access to quality transportation infrastructure – especially while improving a city’s bike network.
This conference is an especially good way to get an idea of what issues or challenges officials from cities around the country are facing in their multi-modal design processes, as well as identify new trends in the industry like sidetracks or protected intersections.
Denver 2023: A Site to Showcase Progressive Transportation Networks
NACTO Route: Boulder’s Core Arterial Network
Right in the backyard of our Colorado locations, this is the first time NACTO has been held in Denver. The city was chosen strategically as a place to showcase some of the most progressive and quick bike network expansions in the country since becoming a major point of emphasis for local government, a trend also catching on in surrounding cities like Boulder or Fort Collins.
What’s key about this for us is that a unique focus is given to the socio-economic factors impacting transportation access, or lack thereof, in a given community. Working sessions were done with historical context in mind, meaning factors like the evolution of transportation and how it impacts different demographics of people are at the forefront of conversation.
Otak leaders also gave presentations directly surrounding this topic, so we’re about to take a deep dive on what they talked about and the ideas they shared.
Prioritizing Safety and Mobility on Major Streets: A Look at Boulder’s Core Arterial Network
These working sessions at NACTO Denver, dubbed “WalkShops,” centered on literal walk-throughs of project sites throughout the city. At each location discussions were had on techniques that were used and what benefits they had to the community.
First, we’ll get into what Kevin Dooley, a Transportation Project Manager, presented on. As part of Boulder’s Core Arterial Network (CAN), more than 30 transportation planners and officials from all over the country rode through our 30th and CO Underpass project – where Kevin was on-hand to provide insight to NACTO attendees.
Improving One of the Most Dangerous Intersections in Boulder
An essential transportation route for both the general community and University of Colorado Boulder students was in dire need of an upgrade – not just aesthetically but functionally. The intersection of 30th and Colorado represented one of the most dangerous in the city. Coordination with our teaming partners based on public feedback and outreach was critical to the design process, all in an effort to make the intersection safer for all who use it, no matter the mode of transportation.
One of the unique solutions for delivering the project was raising the intersection by about five feet to provide a pedestrian underpass. This allows for shorter underpass approach lengths while meeting ADA compliance. The project also includes more 0.5 lanes miles of raised bike lanes, or “cycle track”, and incorporates the City of Boulder first fully “protected intersection” for street cyclists.
Apart from impact on right of way for users among other benefits, the design was meant to showcase that one is not always limited by space in evaluating a site. If you’re able to think outside the box, creativity ultimately pays off when designing a functional pedestrian underpass.
A second design feature also delivered two separate underpasses – the decision was one that took a data and community driven approach to complete. Early findings when researching the site showed the southwest and northeast, plus southern and eastern leg movements were more congested than the other elements of the existing intersection. Modeling also showed that one diagonal underpass would allow for only around 390 users per day, far below the utilization the project needed.
The two-underpass approach captured 61% of all bike and pedestrian crossings at the intersection, with 38% of those users traveling both legs of the intersection. During planning, over 1,000 bikes or pedestrians per day were expected to use at least one of the two underpasses, and 38% of those will use both. Using data and utilization as a guiding light made this project an especially great one to showcase at NACTO this year.
Improving Denver’s Urban Core: A Community-Led Effort Around Transportation, Art, and Culture
Ann Nguyen, an Otak landscape architect and planner, took the lead in her Walkshop around the developing core of Denver’s urban center. Besides being an expert on our team, she’s also involved in the La Alma Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association and serves as an advisory board member for the Art District on Santa Fe, meaning her passion for Denver and its design are always top of mind.
Her Walkshop involved a compilation of projects in the La Alma and Lincoln Park neighborhoods in West Denver. Improvements to neighborhood safety and main street connections in the core of the city also focused on preserving cultural elements of the urban fabric.
Transportation Design and Planning Behind a Cultural and Art District
The projects Ann walked through focus on ‘cultural’ and ‘art’ district designations and their importance to making cities places where people love living.
As a major stakeholder on the Santa Fe Streetscape project, Ann showcased a transportation-focused way of improving safety along a main street that was recently shrunk from four lanes of traffic to three lanes to create a more pedestrian-centered environment. The project represents progress on a long-standing vision for the neighborhood, including the Art District and Business Improvement District situated along this corridor.
Next, she walked viewers through the 5280 Trail project, which is a loop in the urban core of Denver that connects its neighborhoods to each other. Ann led the third phase of that project through community-led design and activating areas along the proposed trail. Ann worked closely with the Art District on Santa Fe, Neighborhood Association, Denver Housing Authority, local artists, nonprofits and youth to install two murals between Denver’s first Art District and its second cultural district.
Finally, Ann walked through her work on the Santa Fe Design Overlay, a rezoning project she’s been working on independently for years. With the goal of developing a true main street, those rezoning plans were passed. This cleared the way for a design overlay on Santa Fe Drive that supports future development that’s integrated with the existing community, ensuring that it complements the existing built environment and character of place.
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