Who We Are:
THOMAD Engineering is a client-focused structural engineering design and consulting firm. Since establishment in 2003, we have been always committed to providing excellent services always above and beyond expectations.
To learn more, spend a 'moment' at our website! |
'Structural Moments' is a monthly e-newsletter published by the staff of THOMAD Engineering to our valued clients, associates, and colleagues in the A/E/C industry. |
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Greetings!
As we near the end of 2010, it is interesting to look back and see just how much have changed for us in one short year.
Over the course of this past year, we have seen a city that could not expand fast enough turn around and focus on what it already has. The focus has shifted to improving, remodeling, renovating and changing the use of existing properties as many large projects started a few years ago sit unfinished. This new dynamic has found its way into our office as well.
Despite these changes and shifts in our daily routine, we have remained fairly busy and mindful that there is always work to be done; the type and magnitude of work has simply changed. We are spending more time focusing on how to improve what we do than we have in past years. We have also committed to only practicing in our area of specialty, structural engineering design and consulting, and by doing so continue to develop deep expertise in the field.
 Every cloud has its silver lining. For us, staying productive, positive and investing in the future is it. What has been the silver lining for you? We would love to hear your positive experiences over the past year.
Sincerely,
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| Focus on: Remodel, Tenant Improvement, and Adaptive Reuse Projects |
 | | Ogden House hotel in downtown Las Vegas gets a face lift as it becomes the El Cortez's Cabana Suites Hotel |
There is often more than meets the eye in a remodel, tenant improvement or adaptive reuse project (RTIARP). Changing a structure's use for another often requires changes beyond the immediate scope of work, such as a more comprehensive analysis of the entire structure or adjacent structures. These project types largely differ from new construction and require special design skills and construction considerations.
Lack of as-built documentation of the existing building will make working on these projects especially challenging. It leads to even more extensive field observation and data collection work. Discoveries of undocumented or unexpected field conditions are also commonly encountered. On the spot resolution of field issues are often required in order to avoid delays.
From the beginning, make sure the project design team is aware of these challenges and will pledge to deal with them in a high spirit of cooperation. Some of the important questions that must be raised early in the planning and development of the project are as follows.
- How old is the existing building? Are there as-built construction documents available? How complete and reliable are they?
- Under which codes was the existing building designed? Which code will be required for the RTIARP? Will there be any conflict?
- How to best ensure not disrupting business operations, when the space must remain open during construction.
- Can any material from the existing building be reused in constructing the new project?
- Should we design the structure to make it flexible for the owner or occupant to easily deconstruct or change the use of the space in the future? What are the possible future uses of the space?
- Which sustainable methods can be implemented in the designs?
Featured below are a few notable remodel projects completed within the last year. |
| Notable Remodel, Tenant Improvement and Adaptive Reuse Projects: |
Gold's Gym, Fullerton, CA
Adoptive Reuse and Retrofit of an existing commercial store to accommodate a new athletic facility complete with a new outdoor pool.
Hobby Lobby, Henderson, NV
Adoptive Reuse and Retrofit of a former large grocery store structure to accommodate a new Hobby Lobby arts and crafts retail store.
Latino American Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV
Adaptive Reuse and Retrofit of a sports motor equipment store structure to accommodate a new funeral home.
Click here for a gallery of similar projects and success stories |
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