Technology:

The design process at CDR Studio is our main focus. Therefore, we have selected software and hardware that optimizes both user functionality and project clarity. Doing work nationally and internationally has meant adding capabilities to work remotely, to allow for electronic distribution of documents and to make use of project-management software that can be used by a whole team of consultants. CDR Studio has selected technologies to optimize our work flow and provide flexibility. As we have grown, we have acquired technology upgrades, additions and new features to provide increased user functionality and to avoid unnecessary complexity that could take focus from the work at hand. In addition to AutoCAD and Revit, we utilize a full suite of software that includes 3ds Max, Rhino, SketchUP, Adobe Creative Suite, MasterSpec and Microsoft Office. All office standards and shared information have been centralized to ensure the experience is consistent throughout the office.

Library:

CDR Studio has two different kinds of libraries within our office, and we utilize outside library sources as the project need arises. We have both a material/resource library and a library of books related to building construction, building technology, construction specifications and building/zoning codes; our library also includes a strong holding of architectural history, theory and design materials. The material/resource library is organized by materials, and we maintain a small selection of all materials used in our completed projects for reference. Typically, we gather materials regularly that we believe are interesting for potential future use. We have a membership with Material ConneXion, whose mission is to be a source for the most innovative and sustainable materials being created today. Our building-construction library is comprised of technical materials either organized by CSI or the specific category of content, such as code manuals. In addition, we subscribe to a number of periodicals and trade magazines, from publishers in both North America and Europe. CDR Studio, in the process of working on a project, will use the library to study building precedents, building typology and building-construction techniques. Much research is web based, although we still find value in the time spent looking at hard-copy material.

Quality Assurance Program:

To ensure client satisfaction, CDR Studio has established a program of quality assurance that relies on checks and balances. Part of this is achieved through the use of a project-management tool that allows for monitoring of our utilization ratio — forcing us to keep an eye on profitability as well as our project goals. More so, this is accomplished through leadership, an attitude of continuous improvement and commitment at all levels.

Staffing:

Our office consists of three partners, two design associates and one administrative associate, five to six staff architects, and one or two interns. All projects will have a partner in charge, and depending on the scale of the project or the timeframe, an associate and staff member will be assigned. We hold weekly office meetings to review the ongoing status of projects, staffing requirements and key issues that have occurred in the past week, as well as potential issues that may occur in the near future. We believe in the value of continuing education, whether through courses, new technology or on-the-job-training. We encourage our staff to take on new levels of responsibility and to enhance their education. The majority of our staff have pursued LEED accreditation for various building types.

Agencies:

CDR Studio Architects has experience working with or presenting to the following agencies:

American Museum of Natural History, New York City
Battery Park City Authority
Hudson River Park Trust
New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation
New Jersey State Council on the Arts, City of Trenton, New Jersey
New York City Board of Education
New York City Department of Buildings
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
New York City Department of Design and Construction (Recipient of two terms of the small firms’ contracts)
New York City Department of Environmental Conservation
New York City Department of Landmarks Preservation
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
New York City Department of Transportation
New York City Fire Department
New York City Public Design Commission
New York City School Construction Authority
New York Restoration Project
New York State Council on the Arts
New York State University Construction Fund
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District