We Design Spaces That Work
As the word “and” implies, SS&A puts something more into every project—something more authentic, comprehensive, and consultative. More deliberate. More adaptive. Clients around the world have relied on our progressive, independent vision to create the structures that reflect their passion for excellence. And as we continue to grow, our expertise and knowledge keep transforming the landscape around us in fresh, exciting, and responsible ways.
Our Services
Architecture
At SS&A Design Collective, our goal is to improve quality of life for our clients and their communities by providing exceptional design that goes beyond the form and function of the built environment. Each building we design is tailored for the unique requirements of that particular facility, whether that uniqueness is due to its function, its users or its location. We specialize in a broad range of services including design of highly technical specialty facilities, environmentally conscious design and design for areas affected by severe climatic conditions and/or high seismic activity. Our architecture team works seamlessly with our in house planners, engineers and interior designers – as well as with our clients – to design buildings that combine functionality and practicality with the latest technologies and highest design aesthetics.
Engineering / Land Surveying
SS&A Design Collective’s civil engineering and land surveying department has licensed professionals with experience on projects located throughout the United States and around the world. They are accustomed to working with regional design and permitting requirements in differing soil and geological conditions, ranging from desert to tropical to arctic environments with extreme weather conditions. As part of the design team, our civil engineers and land surveyors work closely with our architects and landscape architects to achieve a site solution that meets functional needs and exceeds the client’s expectations. Our civil engineers have the expertise to evaluate all aspects of the site to ensure a functional and economic solution, as well as comply with regional codes and criteria. Using innovative aspects of civil engineering, they are able to offer sound engineering solutions to any site concerns. With expertise in municipal, campus, and military base-wide utility systems, their experience includes evaluating existing infrastructure systems and making recommendations for repair or retrofit, identifying inefficiencies in systems and proposing solutions, and determining capacities and changes required for future growth.
Cost Estimating
SS&A Design Collective’s cost estimators have a reputation for developing thorough and accurate construction estimates. One of the reasons they are so successful is their early involvement in the process. Design concepts are developed around the budget to minimize “cost creep” as the details develop. Our cost estimators have expertise in industry standard software and DoD software to meet any format required. They stay current in changes in the economy and the industry to ensure accuracy in the estimates. Of course, as the level of design progresses, so does the level of detail in the estimate. Any concerns with the budget are identified throughout the process so that design decisions can be made if necessary to meet identified constraints. Our cost estimators are familiar with DoD programmatic requirements and monitor the costs so that if the estimate approaches any of the identified thresholds, appropriate actions can be taken to keep the project on track.
Electrical Engineering
The electrical engineering group at SS&A Design Collective designs lighting systems and power systems for the built environment as part of new and renovation building projects. Our electrical engineers have decades of experience in a wide variety of building types and sizes ranging from hospitals to training facilities. A critical part of the design team, the electrical engineers’ ultimate goal is to provide safe, reliable, and economical designs within the project’s estimated construction budget. Our entire design team, are very client-oriented and work to ensure they address all of the client’s needs and concerns. We are very experienced with all aspects of design related to power and lighting systems such as:
Interior Design
The interior designers of SS&A work very closely with clients as part of the design team to create memorable spaces that exceed all expectations. Their up-to-date knowledge of Evidence Based Design research, aids in creating interior environments that promote wellbeing while meeting requirements in durability, ease of maintenance, sustainability and cost effectiveness. By strategic use of materials, color, pattern, shape and texture, the interior conveys and supports the intended use of the space. Safety, accessibility, infection control and way finding are just a few of the concepts our interior designers consider for every project. Most importantly, the interior design integrates with the architecture, lighting and other design disciplines to create orchestrated spaces that leave the occupants and visitors with a positive lasting impression.
Landscape Architecture / Site Planning
The landscape architects at SS&A Design Collective work closely with our architecture and civil engineering team members to ensure a design that flows between the exterior and the interior, leaving the occupants with an experience that begins when they enter the site and not just the facility. Our landscape architects develop the exterior experience by creating space and form, utilizing landscape materials and hardscape that enhance the architecture and function of the project.
Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical engineers and designers at SS&A Design Collective provide cost effective state-of-the-art project specific solutions. Our team has over 75 years combined experience in the design and operation of mechanical building systems. Our engineers are experienced in working in all climatic regions (humid, frigid, high elevation, and arid). They utilize computer aided modeling software to determine how buildings react to both internal and external environmental conditions and have extensive experience in conservation standards and techniques and offer innovative solutions to improve sustainability through design and operation. Their vast knowledge of HVAC systems, plumbing systems, medical gas systems, and site utility systems ensures that all alternatives are considered and the most appropriate solution is recommended for each project.
The mechanical engineering staff at SS&A is also adept at designing specialty building systems to combat extreme conditions such as: Seismic Instability, High Velocity Wind / Wind-Born-Debris Zones, Infectious/Biological Containment, Hazardous Chemical Manipulations, as well as buildings subject to chemical or biological attack. Our areas of expertise include:
Design and Construction Document generation Utilizing (BIM) 3-D Modeling
Sustainable Design including LEED (all versions), Whole Building Energy Modeling, and Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Fire Protection Engineering
Protecting life and property from the harmful and destructive effects of fire and smoke is the core tenet of fire protection engineering. The fire protection engineering department at SS&A Design Collective works closely with the client, and other disciplines of the design team, to ensure the facilities we design and the projects we complete do just that. With professional engineering licenses in both mechanical engineering and fire protection engineering, our engineers bring a breadth of knowledge and experience to each project.
Who We Are
Our in-house engineering team enhances our effectiveness, allowing us to develop close interdisciplinary practices. We work closely together and with clients to ensure good communication, responsiveness and effectiveness. The results are exceptional outcome and client satisfaction.
One of the top firms in the U.S., we work to earn our reputation for delivering projects on time, within budget, and with meticulous attention to detail, accuracy and quality. SS&A clients have faith in our ability and have rewarded us with their repeat business. Our team has extraordinary experience with facility studies, master planning and design. SS&A expertise includes medical centers / hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, veterinary clinics, medical laboratories, and research facilities.
Our Vision
To be a trusted partner that empowers others to build their vision through thoughtful design and enduring relationships.
Our Mission
Align design solutions & client visions
Nurture trust & personal relationships
Deliver expertise & efficiency
Our Values
INTEGRITY: Act with honesty and trustworthiness.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Embrace ownership and responsibility.
QUALITY: Perform with reliability and attention to detail.
COLLABORATIVE: Foster teamwork and communication.
ADAPTIVE: Respond to change with flexibility and resiliency.
Our Process
- The Project Manager is selected as soon as the project is established, acting as the direct point of contact for the client and maintaining that relationship and communication through all design and construction phases.
- The Project Manager and design team selection is deliberate and intentional, based on each team member’s experience with the client and/or project type.
- The design architects and engineers see each project through to completion – again, from design concept through construction.
- SS&A brings the benefits of being an Architecture-Engineering firm – all disciplines are in-house, streamlining communication and coordination throughout design and construction.
- The design team meets regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) throughout the design phases to ensure that the concept is fully developed into a thoroughly designed building that meets the client’s scope and needs.
Throughout our processes we understand the different requirements for each client and each facility, including:
- Special requirements for unique facility types.
- Client specific criteria requirements.
- Site and climatic concerns of different regions (US and internationally).
We approach the development of your project based on well-tested methodologies. These have successfully created some of the most progressive and dynamic healthcare and specialty facilities. As part of the project development, our team facilitates site visits, performs on-site (or virtual) interviews with end users, and collects existing documentation and standards to develop the Concept of Operations, Basic Facility Space Planning Requirements / Program for Design (BFR/PFD), Project Room Contents List, Design Concepts, Site Analysis and Development and Cost Estimates. We take pride in providing for the needs of the facilities that support the health and wellness of our clients’ communities.
Insights
