• 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.

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    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.

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    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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