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As published in the North Bay Business Journal, Feb. 21, 2005: Schurter, Inc, Santa Rosa "Can we save this beautiful oak tree?" That wasn't the first question that came up when Jim Murphy & Associates started the design-build project for Schurter, Inc., but it was certainly one that played a strong role in the ultimate design of the company's building and in the character of the project itself. But first a little background. Schurter, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of the Schurter Group, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical components - fuses, connectors, circuit breakers for equipment, witches. The company's U.S. operation, which is devoted to marketing, sales, and warehousing of products, had been in a crowded Petaluma building until Schurter, Inc. purchased a nearly-two-acre lot on Aviation Boulevard in north Santa Rosa. The Schurter, Inc. representatives approached Jim Murphy in summer 2000 about constructing their new U.S. headquarters building, working under a design-build agreement. This meant that JMA would act as the central point of contact for design, planning, and construction decisions. JMA would actually hire the architect, who would then report to JMA and work directly with the JMA team throughout the project. In this instance, a design-build agreement was a perfect solution to the problem of finding a way to not only save a 150-year-old, wide-spreading, and picturesque oak tree, but to actually integrate it into the overall site plan. The architect chosen for the job, Ken LaFranchi, worked with the contractors to develop alternative designs.  "We drove stakes into the ground and threw out lines, to see what building configurations might work with the tree," says Jim Murphy. They considered two-story and one-story designs. They took parking and circulation requirements into account, along with access require-ments for fire-fighting and city equipment. They worked with the company's changing wish-list of building uses such as the employee cafeteria and a gymnasium, and the need for a flexible design that would accommodate more office space in the future.What resulted, after intensive consultation among owner, architect, and JMA as the design-build contractor, was a handsome one-story, L-shaped building, with the oak tree at its apex. The right-angle corner at the apex was shaved to a shallower angle to accommodate the huge old tree. The oak spreads over the back corner of the building; defining an area where employees can enjoy their lunches or a quick break at picnic tables beneath its massive branches and generous shade. A simple design change in the architectural plans was not all that was needed to save the oak tree. The JMA team consulted with an arborist about maintaining the tree's health with a building so near to it. Some traffic circulation behind the building would be necessary in the case of fire. So a narrow, one-lane driveway was installed to meet that requirement, but with a special design that would do no damage to the tree's roots. "We floated interlocking pavers on a layer of fabric, so water can seep through to the roots," says Jay True, vice president of JMA. The style of the building was set by Schurter, Inc. and to some extent determined the choice of Ken LaFranchi as architect. A metal building company worked closely with the JMA team and LaFranchi to ensure that the floorplan and structural requirements could be realized. The open frame structure in the metal building presents a "techy" look, which expresses the technical bent of Schurter, Inc. and its customers. Construction of the metal structure was not only economical; it also allowed the integration of wide and airy spaces and flexibility of spatial uses throughout the building. When Schurter, Inc. took occupancy of the brand-new building in December 2001, the company had the facility it wanted, on schedule and within budget. For Jim Murphy and his team, these successes result, to a great extent, from the design-build arrangement. "It worked for everyone," says Jim. "For the architect - better feedback, and earlier in the design process. For the owner - streamlined process, and the assurance that the building would actually be what was expected. And for the contractor - heightened influence on the process, and lowered risk." Jay sums up the benefits of design-build projects: "Time, quality, and money - those drive every project. In a design-build project, we stay on top of all three in a very active way." Making sure that all parties are on board with all decisions, and that decisions are made when needed to stay on schedule, actually expedites what can be a very long process. The Schurter, Inc. project is a good example of decisions being made by all involved, and usually together. "Doing a project of this size in 16 months, from preliminary schematics to move-in day, is proof that it can work," says Jay. So, the tree saved, it hovers behind the building, forming its backdrop and providing a pleasant space for employees. Besides creating a good place for employees to work, the company also realized a couple of other important goals: making a statement about its commitment to environment, and succeeding, through its work with Jim Murphy & Associates, in making a very good real estate investment. |