Services

Celli-Flynn Brennan is a full-service firm offering complete planning, architectural and interior design services. To learn more, click on a service below.

Master Planning

The goal of many master plans is to understand how an institution’s physical facilities can better capture its mission, vision, and strategic focus; enrich the user experience; strengthen community engagement; and improve the campus landscape. The outcome of the master planning process is a document that outlines a plan for the future (which may include building renovations, deferred maintenance, capital projects, etc.) with a written narrative, photographs, diagrams, site and landscape plan, building plans, phasing schedule, cost estimates, financial feasibility study, donor/capital plan, design guidelines and other materials.

The first step Celli-Flynn Brennan takes in the master planning process is collecting and reviewing information about the institution. We then spend time on campus, analyzing land use and zoning, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, facilities utilization, accessibility, campus landscape, wayfinding, image or curb appeal, land acquisition opportunities and more.

Following these preliminary steps, we begin a series of workshops with stakeholders. During the workshops we interview user groups, conduct a national trends discussion, identify space needs, explore and evaluate conceptual alternatives, and establish sequence and priorities based on the realities of fundraising, availability of existing space and urgency of specific needs.

If your institution is considering a master plan, or a master plan update, and you would like to discuss your ideas with a campus planning expert, contact Celli-Flynn Brennan today.

Valley Forge Military Academy & College | Master Plan

Architectural Services


Below we have outlined a description of architectural services offered by Celli-Flynn Brennan. For your project, the scope of actual services will depend upon your specific needs and the project type.

Existing Facilities Survey & Evaluation

At the beginning of an addition or renovation project, we provide Existing Facilities Survey and Evaluation services. Facilities Surveys are typically conducted with our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) and Structural Engineering consultants. During this phase of a project, we document existing conditions and evaluate the building’s structural integrity and functionality of building systems.

Programming & Visioning Workshops

Prior to actually designing a building, we provide Architectural Programming services. Programming is the research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work. During programming, data is gathered and analyzed so that the design is based upon sound decisions and efficiencies are gained by avoiding redesign. The outcome of this process is a written document, which may be accompanied by graphics, that describes the building’s general purpose, room requirements and sizes, special facilities, and preliminary cost estimates for implementation.

The most successful projects are those in which donors, board members, administrators, faculty, staff, students and communities hold a stake in the process at the beginning. Therefore, we use an interactive workshop process to make sure that these parties are involved in programming and visioning prior to the design effort.

Carroll University | Programming Workshop for the Master Plan for the Sciences

Conceptual Design

Conceptual Design is the beginning of the architectural effort and often occurs through a series of workshops. During these on-site sessions with stakeholders, we develop a series of conceptual alternatives which address the form of the building as well as the site, building envelope, sustainable strategies, project schedule and phasing. We also develop a preliminary cost model. With workshop participants, we then evaluate each alternative and select one conceptual design option. When this process is complete, an updated program, site diagrams, system narratives, conceptual plan, three-dimensional massing model and a cost model are delivered to the client.

Space Planning

Once the building program and conceptual design are established, space planning begins. During Space Planning room adjacencies, circulation, configuration, stacking are studied and planned.

Shady Side Academy | Proposal for New Science Building

Code & Local Ordinance Review

At the beginning of every project, our architectural team conducts a review of local building codes in order to understand if there are specific issues that must be addressed in that location. During technical and design reviews, which occur at regular intervals during design, designated members of our team conduct reviews to be sure that the design is advancing according to all national, state and local codes. Understanding building code issues is paramount in the development of new buildings or building renovations in order to ensure public health, welfare, sanitation and safety. Specific issues that we address include:

  • Fire protection
  • Life safety
  • Means of egress
  • Security
  • Accessibility
  • Sanitation
  • Traffic and parking
  • Requirements for earthquake, hurricane, tornado and flood resistance
  • Energy provisions
  • Installation methodologies
  • Building occupancy classifications
  • Room sizes
  • Construction materials

Schematic Design & Design Development

During Schematic Design alternative floor plans, exterior designs, structural and MEP systems, and lifecycle cost analyses are developed in accordance with the general design parameters set forth during Conceptual Design and Space Planning. A preferred schematic alternative is selected based on reviews involving client representatives and the design team. During Design Development, this alternative is refined to the level where the structure can be built. Plans, wall sections, three-dimensional models and other drawings are developed. This effort is supported by state of the art computer technology, utilizing the latest generation of software programs for BIM (Building Information Modeling), estimating, scheduling and document control.

Fundraising

It is smart to begin the design process early. That being said, funding is often times not yet in place when architecture begins. Therefore, after conceptual or schematic design is complete we can prepare all of the tools required to assist our clients with their capital campaigns, including drawings, color renderings, digital and physical three-dimensional models. We also can deliver community, board and special interest group presentations and facilitate learning sessions to support your fundraising efforts and educate prospective donors.

Conference Center Concept Study, Hiram College

Construction Documents

Based on the client’s approval of Design Development drawings, we prepare Construction Documents which are the working drawings and specifications that will be used to construct the building. In this phase we also assist our clients in the preparation of bidding forms, the conditions of the contract, and the form of agreement between the owner and contractor.

Cost Estimating

We design all of our projects using Building Information Modeling (BIM), a three-dimensional modeling software. Because the model contains accurate and real data about building materials, systems, construction methods and so on, we are able to automatically develop quantity take-offs that can be used to generate cost estimates. This can be done at any time, but we typically provide a preliminary cost estimate during Conceptual Design and then a more accurate estimate once Construction Documents (CDs) are 50% complete and then again once CDs are 90% complete. We constantly update our vast database of cost information to ensure the accuracy of these estimates. For large and complex projects, we may engage an outside cost estimating consultant.

Assistance in Bidding & Negotiation

Assistance during Bidding and Negotiation is a continuation of our efforts to provide excellent service to our clients. During this phase of the project, competitive bids or negotiated proposals are sought as the basis for awarding a construction contract. We prepare the advertisement or invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, the bid form, and the proposed contract documents. We then manage the procurement process, including contractor vetting and award.

Construction Administration

During Construction Administration, we coordinate all construction activities, directly managing the construction process with regular, on-site supervision. We conduct meetings, answer questions and RFIs (Requests for Information) from the contractor, issue addenda and clarify information.

Westmoreland County Community College | New Kensington Education Center

Engineering & Consultant Coordination

We bring most value to our clients when we focus on our expertise – architecture. Therefore, instead of providing engineering services in-house we use an outside team of engineers and specialty consultants, with whom we have worked on hundreds of projects. During all phases of design and construction, we coordinate these consultants, which may include:

  • Structural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Plumbing & Fire Protection Design
  • Site/Civil Engineering
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Topographic Surveying
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Design
  • Food Service Design
  • Acoustics Design
  • Audio-Visual Systems Design
  • Lighting Design
  • Wayfinding & Signage Design
  • Building Systems Commissioning

Interior Design

Interior design is the trade of planning the layout and furnishings of the architectural interior. At CFB, we provide these services in-house. Our designers develop furniture space plans and select and specify interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. During the process, we prepare drawings, sketches and sample boards for our clients to communicate the proposed image and visual environment and to gain approvals.

We research the marketplace on an ongoing basis to identify the trends, products, materials and policies that impact the interior environment and have an extensive materials resource library.

In addition to executing the vast majority of our projects with BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, CFB also provides 3D Building Information Modeling to building owners, contractors, and clients as a separate service, if desired. We can model existing buildings and convert CADD or hand drawings into 3D. Please contact us for more information.

Historic Restoration

Historic restoration is a process in which a building is restored to its original historic character. Restoration is often required for buildings that have undergone unsympathetic renovations, additions or modifications over the years. CFB has completed restorations on many historic buildings on college and university campuses, national landmark buildings, commercial and government buildings.

Somerset County Courthouse

Sustainable Design

Celli-Flynn Brennan is committed to sustainable design. At the start of each project, we talk to each of our clients about their goals and discuss sustainable design strategies that may be appropriate for their project, including building siting, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, alternative energy sources, on-site power generation, rainwater harvesting, and on-site waste management such as green roofs that filter and control stormwater runoff. We present the cost implications of all alternatives and help our clients decide what strategies are right for them.

LEED Documentation

Celli-Flynn Brennan embraces the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program as the benchmark for sustainable buildings. We aspire to design all of our projects to be sustainable and when LEED certification is established as a project goal by the client and project team, we provide documentation services. The majority of our professional design staff members are LEED Accredited Professionals.

Energy Modeling

By using the latest in BIM software in conjunction with a powerful suite of software applications, we can predict how a building concept will perform and operate once built – maximizing quality and encouraging innovation while minimizing the environmental footprint.

Our process enables our clients to understand how the building will perform and our architects and engineering consultants to make well-informed design decisions quickly. Using the information generated by our suite of analysis tools, our clients can:

  • Consider the consequences of different design options
  • Assess their risks by exploring “what if?” scenarios throughout the design process
  • Improve building performance and occupant satisfaction
  • Reduce capital and operating costs
  • Minimize the environmental impact of building design, construction and operation.

Environmental Graphics

Sustainable building design can be more than the right thing to do environmentally and socially, it can also be an educator. Therefore, we can provide our clients with the design of Environmental Graphics if those types of features are desired within the building. These may include kiosks, touch-screen displays and artwork to display measures of energy and water consumption, heating and cooling loads, and so on.

Specialty Services

The Walkabout


The Walkabout is a one-of-a-kind service for high level administrators which provides detailed insight into how to maximize campus assets to influence enrollment. During this one- to two-day session an expert campus planner works directly with the institution’s president and senior-level administrators to

  • Review strategic growth initiatives.
  • Walk the campus, including a windshield survey of remote areas.
  • Review the history of architectural planning and growth, providing an executive reaction to current or projected plans and discuss inherent values and weaknesses.
  • Discuss the most pressing planning issues such as renovation, new architecture or town/gown interaction.
  • Review the condition of competitive elements that assist in recruiting: residence halls, campus center, health and fitness center, food venues, etc.
  • Suggest a strategy for planning and designing the next improvement efforts: review methodology, process and possible outcomes.
  • Conduct an exit interview to review observations, make first recommendations and discuss the future.

After the Walkabout, our clients have a more complete view of how to leverage the existing competitive advantages of their campuses as a cultural landscape and a clearer understanding of best practice process when considering new improvement efforts. All findings summarized in a written report. Below is a list of selected institutions that have benefitted from the Walkabout:

  • Peace College
  • Central Methodist University
  • Marywood University
  • Eckerd College
  • McPherson College
  • Our Lady of Fatima Parish
  • St. Andrews Presbyterian College
  • Central College
  • Olivet Nazarene University
  • Valley Forge Military Academy & College
  • Roanoke College
  • Sandhills Community College
  • Our Lady of Holy Cross College
  • University of Mary
  • Monmouth College

To learn more about the Walkabout, contact Celli-Flynn Brennan today.

TotalSphere


Total Sphere is a consulting service for higher education institutions which is aimed at enhancing student recruitment and retention. It is based on the concept that campus culture, academic programs, enrollment management, development and physical spaces are indisputably symbiotic and that the recruiting team, physical plant managers, development officers and academic deans must work cooperatively in order for the institution to advance in the competitive college market.

TotalSphere begins with a campus scan. During this phase we:

  • Conduct an in-depth interview with the institution’s president
  • Interview key administrators in all of the cabinet positions that surround the president
  • Walk the campus with senior administrators, looking at buildings and landscape
  • Study competitive facilities
  • Analyze tuition discounting, net tuition revenue and past enrollment performance
  • Investigate why the freshman class is smaller than projected
  • Review alumni giving and fundraising potential
  • Study current academic programs and trends and identify new programs that may be considered
  • Deliver a graphic and written plan for improvement

Following the Scan, we work to develop a solid action plan to guide implementation of selected ideas and solve immediate needs. We create high level strategic goals and a process to achieve them. We deliver an effective tool that leads the institution to new approaches and capabilities, allowing it to move from the present to a position of distinction. To learn more about the TotalSphere, contact Celli-Flynn Brennan today.