With an extensive background in construction, Jim's interest lie not only in design, but in assuring the intended execution of the design in the as built environment. Attention to details and integration of materials and systems, constant diligence to correct any possible issues over the life cycle of the respective systems is essential for the full impact of the design to be realized. In the ever changing realm of technology and materials, this often requires in depth research and analysis to become intimately familiar with material properties, interactions and latent impact over time. As an experienced Master Specifications Writer and author of DoD RFP documents, Jim works to establish, maintain and enforce the crucial link established between the drawings and Project Manual to convey the full intent of the design to various trades.
Having experienced construction first hand before returning for formal architectural training, this gives essential insight that is absent in architectural education. The learned philosophy of achieving balance between the intent of design and limitations of materials is sought on all projects engaged. In this manner, the elegance of the design shines through while keeping with the mainstream forces of energy efficiency and sustainability.
Specialties:
Health Care Architecture
Educational Architecture
Detention Architecture
DoD projects (Navy and USACE)
Specifications Compilation
Government RFP Documents
Construction Observations, Inspections and Compliance Reviews
Contract Administration including multiple Prime Contracts
HDR, Chicago, IL, US, Contract Administrator / Project Architect
Project Architect:
BOD derivation from OPR and Schematic Design development. Design Development with User input meetings, integration of code review and local authority interaction (Il. Department of Public Health et. al.). Sustainability evaluation, LEED checklists and product/system selection. CD Deliverable compilation from Div. 0 & 1 specs, technical sections, and drawings (overall to large scale detail). Interdisciplinary coordination and LEED evaluation; modifications including addendum when necessary. Detail oriented, systematic review of documents in production, adherence to milestones and deadlines. Specialties include exterior envelope and closure, detailing and integration of project materials and formal modification documents. Healthcare, Civic and DoD; USACE, NAVFAC, ICE, Detention; Revit, AutoCAD; MasterSpec, SpecsIntact DoD Design Build (RFP) and Design Bid Build Packages.
Contract Administrator:
Client Liaison, Point of contact to C.M. & G.C. Onsite progress reviews and reporting. Full service project administration duties for all phases of construction services from Pre-Construction to substantial completion and beyond. Document interpretation & enforcement, issue resolution & formal direction; manage, compile and evaluate RFI, Change Proposals CPR), Change Orders, Supplemental Instruction (ASI), Submittals Processing and tracking of all modifications, punch-listing, Applications for payment (PAPP) processing and as built document services from GC redlines.
Specifications Specialist:
Versed in CSI 2004 format, creating specialty specifications as needed. Familiar with DoD specification requirements and SpecsIntact (SI) government software. Development of local SI masters to be used for NAVFAC, USACE and ICE projects,
updating sections from lessons learned and best practices. Project Manual compilation from MasterSpec, SpecLink and similar platforms.
QA Review:
Local member of QA staff resource team executing QA/QC reviews from partial to entire project. Exterior envelope focus on component integration, performance, condensation risk analysis and longevity. Interdisciplinary reviews to ensure proper coordination. RediCheck, Q-Link and Dr, Checks.
Legat Architects, Inc., Chicago, IL, US, Resource Director / Project Architect / Contract Adminstrator
Resource Director;
Report to Quality Assurance Director and Firm President: Master Specification Writer, maintenance & support (revisions, derivation of new sections, material evaluation and reference coordination). Coordination of master specifications with Civil & Structural consultants, Firm Resource Library (Acquisition, compilation and distribution of technical reference materials to all staff), Firm Detail Library; document support & review to design studios. QA reviews of in progress DD phase projects relevant to drawings, specifications and scheduling. CD review of deliverable prior to Bid Release, with coordination and constructability emphasis. SpecLink, MasterSpec, AutoCad.
Project Architect:
Consultant coordination, correspondence and direction, design research, client presentations, cost analysis, drawing execution, specifications writing, addendum, and full range construction administration services. Existing conditions surveys and documentation for document production. Submittal reviews and tracking, coordination meetings, on-site construction
evaluation, change orders, schedule of values, punch listing and final close out.
Contract Administrator:
Client Liaison, Point of contact to C.M. & G.C. On site Quality Assurance reviews and reporting. Full services project administration duties for all phases of construction services from Pre-Construction to substantial completion and beyond. Document interpretation & enforcement, issue resolution & formal direction; manage, evaluate and compile RFI, Change
Proposals (CPR), Change Orders, Supplemental Instruction (ASI), Submittals Processing and tracking of all modifications, punch-listing and as built document services from GC redlines.
Philip R. Cohen + Associates, Architects + Planners, Chicago, IL, US, Associate
Designer/Draughtsman--Construction Documents & Organization, Project setup, lay-out, & layer and Sheet Coordination. Chicago Code interpretation, zoning considerations and design development; field measurements, Residential Client Consultation, & Construction Observation
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn / Manhattan, NY, BArch, Architecture
NAAB accredited 5 yr. program)
Summer Design Studio; Rome, Florence, Venice; Summer 1996
Exchange Study at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Fall 1996
President’s List 7 semesters—Graduating G.P.A. of 3.67
Pratt Circle Award for Academic Excellence 1997
Suffolk Community College, Selden, NY, US, Construction Technology, Honors Emphasis
A.A.S Honors Degree: Construction Technology
Summa Cum Laude Honors Diploma Recipient—Graduating G.P.A. of 4.0
National Dean’s List”, 1995
Various academic and performance scholarships
