This is done by determining a client’s functional needs and investment goals for a building and then developing design options which create an effective balance of initial construction/renovation costs and owning and operation costs. The design alternatives are accompanied by a financial proforma, usually in the form of a net present value cash flow analysis. In this manner, the firm can provide a client with the means of making well informed cost-effective decisions.

A number of factors are considered in this asset oriented design approach. Initial construction or renovation costs may be controlled during design, for example, by:
   · minimizing exterior surface to enclosed volume ratios
   · maximizing the ratios of usable versus non-usable floor area
   · judicious selection of exterior materials
   · efficient and cost effective structural systems
   · well coordinated structure and mechanical/electrical systems
   · selection of building materials and systems which minimize construction time
   · minimizing the size of space without sacrificing usability

Owning and operating cost may be minimized by:
   · energy-efficient design and systems
   · materials and equipment with longer operating lives and lower maintenance costs
   · space designed for ease of adaptability to changing uses

Revenues generated by building sales or leasing are also highly dependent on the design of a building. These are potentially increased through architectural design by first developing a thorough understanding of the components of market demand for a building and then designing the building to meet those demands. Understanding market demand for a particular building and location can be accomplished by performing an independent market analysis prior to design, by working with the owner’s marketing representatives and/or working with brokers who will eventually be selling or leasing the building. Architectural factors which influence sales and leasing revenues include:
   · flexibility
   · security
   · comfort
   · visual quality
   · amenity level
   · finish materials
   · furnishability
   · views and orientation

The attached diagram illustrates the firm’s overall asset oriented design approach.