Our Design Process
It’s never too early to include us in the planning of your new shelter. From the start, Shelter Architecture Unleashed uses our design process to help you make informed decisions regarding every phase of your project, from site selection, to design and construction.
We Are Your Starting Point
People often ask us when they should bring an architect into the shelter planning process.
You should always contact us at the very beginning.
Shelter Architecture Unleashed can advise and guide you regarding practically all aspects of your shelter project planning. We help clients save time and money by assisting with site selection, needs assessment, and space planning. Choosing the right location is crucial, and infusing our expertise early in the process is essential to meeting your overall goals while remaining on budget and on schedule.
Shelter Architecture Unleashed will manage the planning and design process using the highest standards. Contact us first to get on the right path to a successful new shelter.
Needs & Capacity Assessment + Programming
We start by listening and learning. Together, we explore your mission, current operations, animal population, staffing, workflows, community needs, challenges, and future goals. We evaluate your existing conditions and develop a detailed program that defines the spaces, capacities, relationships, and priorities needed to support your mission.
Schematic Design
We transform the program into design ideas that reflect your mission and how you operate. At this phase we begin to define building organization, animal and staff flow, public experience, site planning, and the character of the shelter. We work collaboratively with your team to test ideas, gather feedback, and establish a design concept and budget that work together.
Design Development
During design development, the selected concept becomes a more detailed design. We continue working with your team to refine room layouts, animal housing, materials, equipment, building systems, and finishes. Decisions are evaluated not only for appearance, but for function, durability, animal welfare, staff efficiency, and long-term value.
Construction Documents
The design is translated into a set of detailed drawings and specifications needed to build the project. We coordinate the architectural and engineering systems and incorporate the operational requirements, codes, standards, and best practices developed through our work with your team.
Bidding & Permitting
We help guide the project through bidding and permitting. Our team answers questions, coordinates with regulatory agencies, and helps evaluate contractor bids. Clear communication and well-coordinated documents help minimize surprises as the project moves into construction.
Construction Observation
Our involvement continues throughout construction. We observe progress, answer questions, review submittals, and help resolve unexpected issues while keeping your goals, operational needs, and design intent at the center of the process.
Expert Guidance From Start To Finish
Throughout every phase, collaboration remains at the heart of our process. We don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all shelter. The best facility is one that grows from an understanding of your mission and is thoughtfully designed around the people, animals, and community you serve.
Unleash The Possibilities For Your New Animal Shelter
Do not wait to involve us in your animal shelter project. Our years of experience in this specific field can prove invaluable. When you contact us early in your planning process, we can assist with:
Renderings For Fundraising Efforts
Needs Assessments
Conceptual Master Plan
Preliminary Cost Estimating
Building Programming
Permitting Processes
Site Selection
Demographic Support
Convenience For Clients And Staff
Future Growth Assessment
Topography, Access, Easements, Right Of Ways
Utilities, Survey, And Zoning Considerations
Signage
Let Shelter Architecture Unleashed help guide the planning and design of your shelter or kennel. Call us at (704) 756-3540.
