Innovative Design Process

Virtual Design + Construction
SGA is one of the few leading architecture firms in the nation to utilize the transformative project delivery methodology called Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). VDC bridges the divide between design and construction to deliver imaginative design alongside cost-efficiencies, predictable outcomes, and speed to market. Learn More

Buildable Design
Design, production, and implementation of our ideas are tied together, allowing us to translate award-winning designs into coordinated, construction-ready documents. The key to our heightened standard is a firm-wide adoption of Autodesk’s Revit software for Building Information Modeling (BIM) that allows SGA to be highly efficient on assignments.

Alternative Project Delivery
SGA is unique among our peers for our knowledge and implementation of alternate project delivery methods. From traditional to innovative and our collaborative efforts in IPD and VDC, we are skilled and comfortable working within various scopes and practices that fit the goals of a project.
Schedule + Cost Saving Results

Speed to Concept
By using the latest technological advances, SGA closes the gap between design intent and the client’s understanding of highly efficient decision-making. Seamless integration of software into our modeling process produces real-time rendering and virtual simulations that encourages on-the-spot design reviews for time-saving results.

Certainty of Outcome
We deliver on results and improve on predictability, saving clients time and money while also mitigating risks. By commanding the power of VDC, architecture and interior design teams can create a model to anticipate construction conflicts, resolve inconsistencies, aid in fabrication, dramatically reduce waste, and bring collaboration with construction teams to new levels.

Proven Results
SGA’s BIM model surpasses other mock-ups in terms of quality and completeness. It is representative of the actual conditions that are to be constructed.
People + Partnerships

Partnership with Builders
SGA believes the best results come from team-building and collaborating together. It’s a mentality and approach that is rare within the industry, and one that empowers all roles to collectively innovate to achieve superior outcomes.

Approach to Public Approvals
We approach public approvals confidently and strongly believe in early engagement with city officials and community groups. Helping clients navigate the public approvals process and collaborating with regional organizations brings an added value of expertise that enhances concept and development efforts.

Collaborative Problem Solving
SGA thoughtfully selects the right people and organizations to create and innovate the best solutions. We partner with highly-skilled consultants to provide and implement project-specific solutions.
Sustainability

Passive Buildings
SGA is designing academic facilities that meet the high standards of energy-efficient Passive House buildings. By using the continuous insulation throughout an airtight building envelope, high-performance windows, balanced heat and moisture-recovery ventilation, a minimal space-conditioning system, and solar power, they are able to reduce energy costs by 50 to 80 percent.

Zero Carbon + Net-Zero energy
The energy conservation measures taken through our Passive House buildings are the first step towards net zero energy/carbon-neutral buildings. SGA’s expertise in implementing highly-efficient measures such as airtight buildings, all-electric heating and cooling systems, strategic exterior shading and LED lighting will help save energy and combat climate change through smart design.

EARLY ADAPTATION
SGA has their eyes and ears on the rapidly evolving sector of sustainable design. Our team is focused on empowering our clients to take full advantage of the newest sustainable technologies and knowledge, like strides in mass timber, resiliency, and decarbonization. Because many of the markets we serve, like life sciences, are on the cutting-edge of their own industries it is important for our team to match their expertise from a sustainability perspective.