OKE-THOMAS + ASSOCIATES, INC.
Who Are We?
OKE-THOMAS + ASSOCIATES, INC. was established in 1996 as a construction management firm. We have grown to provide complete architecture, planning, construction management, and design-build services. With this background, we have experience in every aspect of the design and construction industry. We appreciate the different but complementary roles of all involved in the building process.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES
We provide the construction phase services as follows:
Planning: On a construction basis, the process requires a scope-of-project meeting. This meeting occurs after the project has been bid and notice award has been received, or after a project has been negotiated. The project is reviewed by a construction executive for size and scope. This will take 3-5 days varying by availability and workload. A staff meeting is then set to review the overall scope-of project and to select who is available from the project side, quality control side and project supervisor side. As projects may vary by size and scope, an assistant may also be required for the project manager and/or prject supervisor as well. This project team is the start to a project and begins the task of organizing the work to be completed.
Organization: Varying by project, these personnel are assigned and a time-line for organizing the set-up of the project is set. As projects vary by size and workloads, this will range from 1 to 3 weeks. During this 1 to 3 week period, the construction schedule is created so that a time-line is established. This is to include time as may be required for plan development, permitting, mobilization, etc, so that each task is assigned a time frame and is accounted for. This helps to organize the project task early on and develops a map to follow. This is then presented at the next meeting for oversight and review. As stated above, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after te initial meeting. After the project has a firm schedule set, tehn the team is set for action on the project.
Controlling and Executing: The team leader (usually the project manager) is then in charge of controlling and executing the activities throughout the project, other than the field operations. He will report directly to a construction executive bi-weekly or as needed to update the prject status. Again varying by project, the project manager tracks all costs, administrating, RFI’s, RFQ’s, etc. This information is then coordinated with project supervisor to assure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
OKE-THOMAS + ASSOCIATES, INC. uses a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve harmony between form and function. Our staff establishes a close, working relationship with clients from the beginning when goals and objectives are discussed and limits determined. Our design process helps build confidence that the chosen solution is the right one for the client and, most importantly, the end-user.
We understand that a design is something skillfully and systematically planned; it requires thoughtful study and time. In addition, we understand philosophy in terms of studying the relation of ideas and objects and the wisdom which comes from developing sound designs.
Our approach is to design the highest quality architecture possible, giving clients professional services of the highest caliber. This includes attractive design within a planned budget. Quality architecture not only meets the programmatic, functional and spatial requirements of clients, but also results in a pleasing and well-balanced environment. Our objective is to design a look clients can be proud of.
A successful building project requires the involvement of many different disciplines, such as architectural services, engineering, planning and contracting.
At OKE-THOMAS + ASSOCIATE, INC., we compose a project design team which combines our expertise in architectural design with the experience and knowledge of other consultants in various disciplines. We select members of the team with great care to ensure the best mix of available talent and expertise.
While the design team consists of many competent and skilled individuals, the most important aspect of the team is the client. OKE-THOMAS + ASSOCIATES, INC. stresses open communication between the firm and the client. As a design firm, we strive to offer an individual approach to each project by making sure the lines of communication between our staff and our clients are open and direct. We believe that responsible project management and successful completion of a facility that meets and exceeds expectations should be one and the same.
Specialized Experience:
Our office specializes in interior renovations, building additions including exterior renovation and new facilities including demolition and general building component design.
We have worked with several government entities including State of Missouri Design and Construction Office, US Army Corps of Engineers and US General Services Administration.
Work Load Capacity of the Firm:
We have a group of competent and experienced in-house professional, technical and support staff to provide for your design needs. We pride ourselves in providing timely services and our work load will not affect our ability for on-time delivery.
Past Performance:
Our office has worked on several local public entity projects including Housing Authority of Springfield, City of Springfield and Springfield R-12 School District.
We’ve also worked on public projects outside of Springfield such as University of Missouri, Columbia. Army Corps of Engineers in Kansas City and General Services Administration in St. Louis, MO.
Familiarity with Springfield & Southwest Missouri:
OKE-THOMAS + ASSOCIATES, INC. is located here in Springfield. We have been a part of the community and Southwest Missouri since the firm was established. We continue to work with the entire city and public entities and we are very familiar with local building codes and ordinances.
Electronic Format Capability:
Our office is in the forefront of electronic technology. All construction documents including specifications are electronically disseminated and all drawing documents are produced in auto-cad and Revit format.