How Architectural Millwork and Design Assist Combine to Elevate Construction Projects
In the construction industry, there are two terms that are often misused interchangeably but represent two distinct strategies: Delegated Design and Design Assist.
While Delegated Design involves a contractor (rather than an engineer or architect) taking ownership of designing a particular aspect of a project, Design Assist refers to a collaborative approach whereby a contractor offers input and expert advice on how to improve designs before they’re implemented.
At Stanton Millworks, our Design Assist approach is a natural extension of our collaborative spirit and leads to more effective, creative and strategic solutions across not just architectural millwork but other specialties, too. Below, we explore how our Design Assist efforts helped shape the bold expansion of Forge Biologics’s viral vector manufacturing space.
A simpler solution for a custom light wall
A decorative wall featuring built-in lights and a multi-panel design runs along the back wall of the main atrium staircase of Forge Biologic’s expanded facility. The architect’s original designs called for metal panels with multiple reveals in asymmetrical patterns. During the shop drawing review, both the architect and the client expressed their discontent with how busy the design was and asked if we could come up with something simpler and cleaner. The solution our engineer crafted featured significantly less panels, which meant less reveals, and leveraged a laminate material instead of metal, which allowed us to use painted notch reveals for a much more natural, patterned look.
A proactive approach for installing the light wall
Another component of the paneled wall were built-in lights both on the wall and along the paneled ceiling. To help the electricians and the framers prep the wall for installation, we provided specialized layout drawings so they could place their fixtures and cutouts in the underlying plywood in the appropriate places before the paneling went up. This collaboration was crucial to ensure all the components of this complex feature worked together seamlessly and avoid unexpected issues or delays.
A unique way to conceal a hidden entrance
For a new employees-only celebration space, the client and architect envisioned a hidden entrance by way of a manual pocket door concealed by a bookshelf. While the concept was clever, the execution proved difficult both for safety reasons and concerns about how the door would lock correctly. We proposed switching from a manual system to an automated one that functioned similarly to what you might find at a retail store. From the outside, a key fob is required to activate the automatic sliding door. From the inside, it’s activated by motion sensors. The result is a hidden door that is both effective and delightfully unexpected.
Solving a problem with production
Forge Biologics’s original space features custom booths pods in their lunchroom, each with an angular design and upholstered walls and benches. For a new dining space, the client wanted to reimagine these booths, which had been crafted individually, on-site and not to spec, requiring the upholsterers to field measure every booth and create unique fabric panels to fit. The resulting booths lacked a uniform look and had many visible joints. We recommended building the booths as shop-fabricated units that would all be the same size. As an added bonus, we were able to finalize the specs in the bidding process for a more accurate estimate. When it came time to execute, we produced the pods in our shop while the framers and upholsterers prepared their materials to spec. As a result, installation was smooth and efficient and the booths achieved the clean, uniform look the client envisioned.
Stanton Millworks is a trusted woodworking shop that specializes in quality craftsmanship from design through installation. Backed by a 90+ year legacy of doing it right, our capabilities include custom architectural millwork, cabinetmaking, solid surface fabrication and installation, multi-run production pieces, and historic preservation. Our commitment to quality is evident in both our process and our products that are built to last.
To learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life, please contact us.