What's Important and When
Early Expectations
Design Excellence
Influence Later Abilities
GSA's Design Excellence program seeks to bring the world's top design talent to GSA
The flexibility accorded
projects. The selection of the architect/engineer (A/E) is an early step in the process.
to any design team is
Its success is dependent upon effective project development during the Feasibility Stage.
largely established years
Successful projects deliver buildings that support the customer and proudly represent
before design begins.
the quality and stature of the federal government to both building users and the
The Feasibility Study must
community.
anticipate the impact of
planning and site decisions
Pre-Planning
on design possibilities
Develops basic understanding of the Design Excellence program.
and avoid problems based
on inaccurate assumptions.
Feasibility Study
Addressing customer
Establishes the fundamental project parameters and the scope for the project.
expectations during the
Ensures adequate site acquisition and design budgets.
Feasibility Study and PDS
Sets customer expectations to allow for a high-quality design effort later.
processes is paramount.
Addresses community expectations.
Program Development Study
Ensures adequate construction funding to cover "the right scope" with
appropriate fixtures, finishes, and site development.
First Impressions
The First Impressions program seeks to enhance the public's perception of the
federal government by improving the appearance and experience of working in and
visiting GSA's public buildings. The program concentrates on renovations to existing
properties: improving the quality of the asset by enhancing lobbies, streamlining
security, and addressing other key features that make up the "first impression" of the
building. The program offers a network of resources to assist Property Managers
and project teams in addressing these issues.
Although many First Impressions projects are carried out below the Prospectus level,
GSA's Capital Program offers an excellent opportunity to incorporate the First
Impressions principles throughout the inventory. Buildings under consideration for
capital R&A projects should be carefully analyzed to determine how they would
benefit from these types of upgrades.
33
Previous Page
