Both Paul Albanese and Chris Lutzke have been trained as landscape architects, and they thoroughly grasp the essence of the architectural design development process. Paul and Chris both have extensive construction experience, and also comprehend that being present in the field during construction is critical to ensuring all the details of a project are developed in the most cost effective way.
The Albanese & Lutzke method incorporates a comprehensive planning process with full service management of on site construction. This process has proven to work, and the benefits our clients have received are unparalleled.
The process used at Albanese & Lutzke is unique and comprehensive. We provide more service to our clients, because we know our method is the true way to create the best possible design for any site – just take a look at our award winning projects.
The following are the benefits our clients receive via our process:
Visualization: The Owners will be able to see precisely how the project will appear in the landscape. This visualization is critical to being able to make thoughtful and rational decisions regarding the project.
·Cost Control : The Owners will clearly understand the cost ramifications of all elements of the project. Through our Design Process, the architects and construction managers will precisely detail all of the cost elements a project will incur.
Construction Management : The Owners will have a member of the architectural team implementing the plans on site. We can employ a full time construction manager that will live on location to ensure all the details of the design are created as per the vision of the Architect and Owner.
Cost Control: Similar to the design phase, through our construction management process, we are able to save Owners substantial amounts of money during the construction phase. We work with the highest quality contractors and personnel in the golf industry to ensure the highest quality product is created by the most economical means.
Goals and Objectives Meeting: Before pencils hit the paper, we work with the Owner to gain a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the project. We will tour the proposed site and/or sites on which the proposed project is contemplated. During this phase, we will outline the schedule of events and tasks needed to create a successful project.
Feasibility Consultation: We will work with the Owner to develop a market analysis and financial “picture” for the proposed project. This will entail assisting the Owner with the procurement of a Market Analysis and Feasibility Study and other economic information needed to make rationale decisions. We work with the best consultants in the golf world to tailor the business and financial plans to the specific project contemplated.
Base Plan Preparation: The following pieces of information are needed in order for proper planning and design to occur. We will work with the Owner in procuring the following and will input the information into our computer systems:
1. Aerial photographs 1″ = 100′ or 1″ = 200′
2. Topographic mapping 1″=100′ with a contour interval of 1 ft or 2 ft
3. Graphic property boundary survey 1″ = 100′
4. Survey showing existing utilities, easements and ROWS
5. Wetland boundary survey 1″ = 100′
6. Floodplain survey 1″ = 100′
7. Endangered of historical features 1″= 100′
8. Other applicable mapping
9. Engineering soil borings identifying topsoil type & amount , subsoil conditions, amount and type of rock, water table, well etc.
Concept Plan: Not always necessary, this plan is a conceptual sketch and will allow the Owner an opportunity to understand whether the overall project fits within the guidelines of the project. The Concept Plan will show a general spatial analysis involving all proposed land uses. The plan is often used as a valuable tool when presenting the idea to potential investor groups, financial institutions or permitting agencies.
Preliminary Cost Estimate: This will be an estimate of construction costs that will determine the overall budget for the project. Each category of estimate will be delineated and quantified.
Inventory and Analysis Plans: Critical to being able to create the best design for a site, a thorough understanding of the site is needed. The following are the different analyses that will be completed:
- Topography or Terrain Modeling
- Vegetation
- Soils
- Opportunities & Constraints
- Environmental and Engineering consultant’s wetland, floodplain, easements, zoning, soil borings and other applicable mapping. (Review only)
Schematic Land Use Plans: This is the “brainstorming” part of the process, and we work at this phase until we and the Owners are convinced that the best idea has come forth. During this phase we will work with all the consultants involved to ensure all possible ideas are put on the table. We will organize design meetings and brainstorming sessions (called charettes) that will allow all parties an opportunity to be involved with the process. Subsequently, in our design studio, we will develop a host of different alternatives for utilizing the site to its greatest potential. This will include the following:
- Layout of the golf course
- Entrance road, parking, maintenance and clubhouse areas. (To be reviewed by the Owner’s clubhouse architect and engineer.)
- Conceptual layout of residential, commercial or other developments, if applicable. The land planner or engineer will review and refine these concepts as they relate to their respective locations and alignment to the golf course.
- These plans will be presented to the Owner and the consultants for review and discussion.
Master Plan: Once all the ideas have been reviewed, we will develop the ideas into a comprehensive Master Plan, which will be the foundation for the project. The Master Plan is a key tool for any developer, and key to the success of a new golf development or remodeling an existing development. Once the Master Plan is created, an additional group meeting with all consultants will occur in order to ensure all the goals and objectives are being met.
The following is provided during this phase:
An illustrative, complete color rendering of the entire project at a scale of 1″ = 200′.
A preliminary range of construction costs for the proposed golf course.
Detailed, multiple tee scorecard for the golf course.
Preliminary cross-sections of each hole.
Cost Estimate: Once the Master Plan is completed a detailed cost estimate will be create that delineates the specific costs for each phase of the project.
Investor Presentations: We will assist the Owner in making presentations to potential financial, investor groups or committees interested in the project. We will personally give presentations and/or tours to groups or individuals around the property and verbally describe the vision of the Master Plan.
Design Development Drawings: Refining the design of all facets of the project is critical to keeping a project within budget and on schedule. We will take each golf hole and create a large scale drawing depicting how each golf hole will play strategically, and be constructed efficiently. For every golf hole, we will determine the detail design for every green, tee, fairway, sand bunker, water hazard, tree planting and additional aesthetic features needed to make every hole unique and memorable.
Preliminary Grading Plan and Irrigation Plan: Often, the two biggest cost items on a golf course construction project are grading and irrigation. We strive to design golf courses that will minimize the need to move earth and overuse water. Therefore, prior to going through the regulatory process, we will develop a preliminary grading and irrigation plan that will determine the general areas that will be cut and filled, and how much water usage the project will require.
Permitting Assistance: We will assist the Owner in obtaining all the necessary permits needed to develop the golf course. Permitting has become a very specialized field, and procuring the permits often takes a specialized understanding of the golf Design Process. Our relationships and expertise in this field has garnered our firm a stellar reputation in the regulatory world.
Construction Drawings: In order for the project to be made constructible in a cost effective manner, detailed drawings and specification are created for golf course. These documents will accurately describe to contractors what is needed to create the product. Depending on the project, the following are the drawings that may be produced:
1. Staking Plans at 1″ = 200′: This plan shows the precise locations of the greens, tees and landing areas that are to be clearly staked in the field.
2. Site Plan at 1″ = 200′
3. Clearing and Thinning Plans at 1″ = 200′: This plan precisely shows the different areas of the property that need to be cleared, thinned and grubbed for the golf course. The specific specimen trees that are to remain will be indicated and clearly marked to be saved.
4. Soil Erosion and Storm Drainage Plan: This is the responsibility of the Owner’s Engineer or Environmental Consultant. We will consult on this plan on an hourly basis if requested.
5. Grading Plans at 1″ = 100′ or 1″ = 50′: This plan will indicate the existing and proposed grades for the project using contour lines and spot elevations. The grades will be indicated to the nearest tenth of a foot and will show the detailed proposed grading for all features including fairways, tees, roughs, sand bunkers, grass depressions and other features. Great care will be taken to ensure that the proposed grading integrates and utilizes the natural terrain on site.
6. Tee Plans at 1″ = 50′: These plans show the specific elevations, slopes, and grassing details for all the tees including the practice tee.
7. Green Plans at 1″ = 20′: These plans show the specific elevations, slopes and grassing details for all of the greens including the practice greens. The grades for the green surfaces are shown every 10 feet.
8. Irrigation, Pump Station & Well Plans: This plan will show the detailed design for the irrigation of the golf course.
9. Grassing Plans: These drawings will show the locations of all the grass species and varieties to be planted on the golf course.
10. Golf Course Circulation Plans: This drawing will show the proposed circulation of the cart paths, bridges and boardwalks. This plan needs to be reviewed, finalized and approved by the Owner’s engineer.
11. Golf Course Landscape Plan: This drawing will show the proposed locations for specific varieties of deciduous and coniferous tree species. This plan will also indicate any wetland planting areas and planting beds. This plan does not include clubhouse, parking & entrance areas.
12. Main Line and Storm Drainage Plan: This plan is the responsibility of the Owner’s engineer and should include all controlled outlets off the site. RHPAGD will review and design the golf course drainage plan to tie into this plan.
13. Golf Course Drainage Plan: This plan will show the drainage system for the golf course only. The mainline trunk line for this network is to be designed, sized and sealed by the Owner’s engineer along with a storm water management system.
Construction Specifications: This is a booklet that verbally describes the materials and specifications for the work to be performed. This booklet will form the basis of a contract between the Owner and the Contractor.
Refined Cost Estimate: Using the construction drawings as a base, we will quantify the entire project and create a detailed estimate of construction costs. These costs will be analyzed to ensure the project stays within the proposed budget and time frame.
Bidding and Contract Assistance: Finding the right people to build a golf course is critical to success. Golf course construction is a very specialized field, and we work hard to find the best people to complete the jobs needed. We organize pre-bid meetings with all of the potential Contractors during which we will clarify the project and field any questions by the Contractors. Once bids are received, we will compile and analyze all of the bids received in a comprehensive spreadsheet. If necessary, we will then work with the Owner in negotiating the contract with the selected contractors.
Construction Evaluation: Being present in the field during construction is critical to ensuring the “final brush strokes” are made, which will raise the level of the golf course from simply good to great. If desired, our service provides the client with an experienced designer on the site from the start to the end of construction, ensuring all the fine tuning and details are constructed as per the vision of the project. Our services will also include approving any approximate percentages of work completed associated with payment requests, reviewing and commenting on any change orders or requests made by the contractor during the construction phase. Specifically we will provide the following:
1. On site Owner representation or numerous site visits depending on the stage and pace of construction.
2. Review of Contractor’s payment request related specifically to quality and amount of work completed relevant to each payment request. The Owner’s representative or attorney shall be responsible for all other specifics related to the payment requests.
3. Detailed site visit report subsequent to each visit and copied to the Contractor and related consultants.
4. Final inspection walk through and punch list preparation for the owner and contractor to complete the project.
Construction Management: Albanese & Lutzke are able to provided either full or part time construction managers that will ensure the construction of the project is completed on time and within budget. These managers will direct and manage the personnel on site, and coordinate the delivery of materials. The managers will also be responsible for the coordination of subcontractors and specialized trades needed to complete the project.
Grow-in Services: “You only get one chance to make a first impression”, so establishing turf on a golf course is becoming exceptionally important to success. We will provide the Owner with a comprehensive grow-in program that will enable them to ensure the golf course is opened on time and looking as if it has been there for years.
Photography: Our professional photographers, utilizing state of the art equipment, will be able to produce photographs of the final product that will be used as the centerpiece for the clients marketing materials. We understand the vision behind the project, and we expound on this through the creative use of photography.
Marketing Materials : Our graphics team will create high quality marketing materials based on the final design of the project. This will include yardage books and other printed and digital images that are needed to ensure the best possible marketing campaign is ignited.
Public Relations Assistance: We will work closely with the client to ensure the project receives the deserved attention from the golf and travel media. We will ensure the proper team is in place so that the hard work done to date is recognized.