Master Planning: Do You Need it?

Architecture encompasses both strategy and planning. From the start, owners, architects and construction management must work together to find a cohesive project that fits everyone’s standards. The need to put thought into the planning process may seem obvious, but some don’t realize just how helpful the art of master planning can be to any given project. Architectural Master Planning is the critical first step in any design process – whether that’s an entirely new project from the ground up or a redesign of an existing facility. Master planning is creating a framework in which the entire project proceeds. Headed by a lead architect, a project’s planning phase views the whole picture through detailed work. The process involves examining the design and style of the building, surrounding infrastructure, legal requirements and much more. It should also extend to include identifying the core purpose of the project and specific goals. By creating a master plan, your entire project is that much more likely to go the way you want it!

Master Planning Maximizes Your Facility

A master plan from CMBA Architects will help identify your future targets years down the road along with the steps you’ll need to take to reach them. A CMBA master plan guarantees you a level of consistency for your project and ensures your shorter-term activities protect and preserve your long-term goals. Today’s needs won’t necessarily reflect your future needs, and a great master plan accounts for this. By choosing to get a master plan you aren’t only working to envision an ideal future, you’re receiving a viable strategy for moving toward it.

A Functional Master Plan is Powerful

At CMBA, we use Upward Thinking to fuel every master planning project. Each master plan is organized around three components to help you get a longer view of your future facility. These same simple steps translate perfectly to school districts, college campuses, senior living providers, hospitals and beyond!

Change is Good!

It’s not all about goals far out in the future. In fact, it’s very common to place a bigger emphasis on changes that need to be addressed immediately. That being said, many of our clients see the value in a long-term plan to updating or changing their facilities. Wherever you are in the process, a master plan will help get you there.

Simple is Often Better

These plans are often best when kept simple. Simplicity allows for the greatest level of flexibility and keeps costs at a minimum. When implementing phases in the future, there is a very good chance your needs will have evolved from what you know today. We prepare for this with an approach that is customized to your needs and involves space utilization studies, program condition assessments and projections of future needs that will help define phases and projecting costs. Your organization and the industry that it operates within will continue evolving in the years ahead. That’s why it’s so important to embrace a strategic approach to development with master planning. Are you in need of Master Planning for your project? Get in touch with the team at CMBA Architects to see how we can bring your ideas to life!

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