• Comprehensive Services

      As you build the facility for a new school you're juggling multiple priorities - site selection, project entitlement, financing, adapting prototypical drawings, and overseeing construction. These activities all require your time, energy, and financial resources.

       

      Arete Design Studio, Ltd. understands the multiple demands that you face. That's why we partner with preschool owners to provide a multilayered suite of building development services. From initial planning to final walk-through, we guide you through the building process to eliminate ambiguity and manage the details that are required to complete your project.

      Development Structure

      Offer multiple development options that fit with your goals.

      • Own Option.  We offer design-build / turnkey services that provide you with direct involvement in the project development. In this scenario, you select a site, execute the purchase agreement, and then, we assist you to develop a building according to specifications, licensing requirements, and a mutually-agreed-upon completion date.
      • Lease Option. If you would rather minimize your real estate risk, we can offer a lease agreement structure that requires less involvement from you. In this scenario, we partner with you to select a site, execute terms of a lease agreement, and then purchase and develop the space according to specifications and licensing requirements. In turn, you lease the space for the school. This option will require an indemnification agreement to cover the project through approvals and entitlement.

      Resourcing

      Provide resource assistance to support the project.

      • Development Partners. If helpful, we can connect you with potential developers and brokers to support the construction of a new school.
      • Licensing. We assist with licensing by providing architectural documents, as needed.
      • Financing. We can identify prospective sources for debt and equity financing.

      Entitlement

      Establish a strong foundation for the building project.

      • Site Analysis. We can assist you with site evaluation to help you select the best site for your project.
      • Zoning Process. We administrate the zoning process, including administration of required submittals, assembly of planning commission packages, presentations at relevant municipality meetings, and negotiation, as necessary, with stakeholders.
      • Incentive Negotiation. We identify potential incentives provided by municipalities and assist in related negotiations.

      Design + Construction Documents

      Design a school that meets your needs.

      • Site Planning. Everything from building orientation to traffic flow, we develop a site layout that utilizes the site's unique features to adhere to requirements and accomplish your vision for the school.
      • Architecture. Our architects will collaborate with you to translate your vision into a facility that meets the needs of your students, families, and teachers.
      • Requirements. We understand the early education specifications and requirements and integrate them into the project development.

      Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing

      Design cost-effective building systems.

      • System Evaluation. If you plan to retrofit an existing structure, we will help you evaluate the existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. We will provide recommendations on required upgrades and replacement, along with a budget for completing the work.
      • System Concept Design. If you plan to build a new structure. we start by conceptualizing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the building. We'll scope out system requirements and develop a related budget.
      • System Design. We develop construction documents to send out for contract bids, obtain building permits, and assist in construction.
      • Construction Administration. We provide you with construction administration support.

      Construction Oversight

      Guide the building process to conclusion.

      • Construction Team Selection. We partner with you to interview potential contractors and other relevant professionals. Having years of experience in this sector, we know the right questions to ask, and we can provide insight into your selection process.
      • Check-in Meetings. Once construction begins, we regularly meet with the building team to identify potential issues, address them early, and support the construction process.

    • Our Experience

      We bring 20 years of experience designing and planning childcare centers & schools.

      Goddard School

      We recently partnered with a Chicago-based franchisee and GSI's local project manager to assist with the project development process. Together, we worked through site selection, village approvals, design & construction documents, development, contractor selection, and construction.

      Crème de la Crème

      Crème de la Crème is a privately-held childcare company with facilities in 8 different states. Crème facilities average 21,000 s.f. and offer diverse activities to students and families. Arete served as Crème's corporate architect and partnered with its owners to oversee the development of facilities across the country.

      Children of America Preschool

      Children of America provides care to children from 6 weeks to 12 years old and has 12 locations across the country. Arete Design Studio worked with Children of America's Chicago-based team to design and build several facilities in the Chicago-area.

      Private + Parochial Facilities

      Arete Design Studio has served several private and parochial institutions to conceptualize, design, and develop new school facilities. Through these partnerships, we've developed an understanding of design and end-use needs for childcare facilities.

    • Licenses

      Charles E. Smith, ALA, NCARB is licensed in 30 states.

      Current Licenses

      Alabama

      Arizona

      Colorado

      Connecticut

      Florida

      Georgia

      Illinois

      Indiana

      Iowa

      Kansas

      Louisiana

      Maryland

      Massachusetts

      Michigan

      Minnesota

      Missouri

      Current Licenses (cont)

      Nebraska

      Nevada

      New York

      North Carolina

      Ohio

      Oklahoma

      Pennsylvania

      Rhode Island

      South Carolina

      Tennessee

      Texas

      Virginia

      Washington

      Wisconsin

       

       

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