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Gatewood, Hance & Associates (GHA) was formed in 1976 by the merger of Lee E. Gatewood, Architect and Don Hance, Architect. L.D. Gatewood was named a Partner in 1976. September 1, 1989 Lee Gatewood retired and his interest in the firm was purchased by the remaining partners. Don Hance became the Managing Partner of the firm. In 1995, L.D. Gatewood retired from the firm. In June 1998, William Utz joined the firm and on January 1, 1999 the present partnership was formed between Don Hance and William Utz.
 HUA is an established architectural firm providing design and planning services for projects throughout the state of Illinois with an established reputation for quality architectural and planning services on a wide range of projects including schools, banks, office buildings, libraries, churches, multi-family housing, government buildings, institutional and industrial work. Clients include school districts, individuals, corporations, land developers, state and federal agencies.
HUA maintains a permanent full time professional staff who have experience in a wide range of project types. Most of the key personnel at HUA have numerous years of experience in the construction field. This experience and the emphasis placed on complete and well detailed contract documents insures the production of quality projects and yields better bids and fewer problems during the construction phase.
 Each project is designed for a specific client to satisfy their individual requirements and HUA has become proficient at designing affordable projects that are well suited for their intended use. All of the projects designed by HUA fall under the jurisdiction of one or more of the many codes and regulatory agencies now in existence in the state. We are well versed in working with these codes and can interpret their requirements to the best advantage of the client.
The firm is organized in a manner that allows staff members to work independently on individual projects, or collectively as a team when necessary to meet scheduled deadlines for large projects.
- This efficiency and versatility allows HUA to provide better service with less cost to the client.
- This also allows HUA staff to be well versed in all aspects of project delivery.
- All work is performed utilizing CAD systems which allows for more efficient production and more flexibility in the design process. The database created during this work can also be effectively utilized by the Owner for facility management and master planning.
- Most of the consultants with which we work are also CAD based for effective coordination of the work.
- HUA maintains the philosophy that, above all, a building must fulfill its intended function. Good design dictates that the building be well suited to the users needs and these needs must take priority over other design considerations.
- HUA is a local firm with a commitment to serving our clients. Should problems arise, we are available to assist our clients not only during the construction process but after the project is complete.
- HUA is committed to the construction of quality buildings, designed for individual clients. All projects are unique because of the specific requirements of the client and must be designed to satisfy those requirements.
Management Approach
- HUA applies a two person Design Team concept for all major projects. A principal and a project manager follow the project from initial design through construction to maintain efficiency and continuity in the relationship with the client.
- Consultants may be used for the mechanical / electrical / plumbing engineering services. HUA will oversee design continuity throughout the design / construction process.
- HUA will provide on-site observation services for the Project, including architectural construction and coordination of on-site observation services of the Consultants.
Cost Estimating
- HUA takes pride in the ability to prepare realistic estimates for projects. Seldom are bids received over our estimates.
- As early as possible estimates are prepared based on design parameters established to date with the Owner.
- Prior to bidding the project an updated estimate is prepared reflecting the final project scope.
- We normally suggest that contingencies be included to cover bidding and design variations.
- Alternates are often used to allow adjustments when necessary to meet funding limits or to identify the cost of specific portions of the project.
Observation
Construction observation will be provided by qualified on-site field observers. The precise format and schedule of services in this area will be negotiated and scheduled prior to concluding the contract negotiations with the Owner.
Scheduling
Precise scheduling is essential to a projects proper conclusion, both in the design phase and during construction. An appropriate timeline will be developed as a part of the Programming and Program Analysis Phase. This schedule would be monitored continuously through all Phases of Design and Documentation.
Quality Control
Quality control will be a major priority throughout the duration of the project and will include the following steps:
- Initial consultation with the Owner and designated Staff Members in an effort to identify project criteria and priorities.
- Preparation of a detailed program statement and projected time schedule.
- Review of applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.
- Preparation of construction documents
- In-house reviews to coordinate the work and identify potential problems.
- Field visits to coordinate field conditions that exist at the site.
- Cooperative reviews between the A/E and all consultants at key points of development.
- Joint reviews with all consultants, the Owner and Staff to review and confirm project requirements.
- Specific procedures will be developed to suit the particulars of the Owners’ project budget.
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Hance, Utz & Associates
1013 S. Nineteenth Street
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 235-4181
info@hanceutz.com
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