PIPs and Architectural Collaboration
As part of the regular remodeling cycle, hotel owners collaborate with architectural firms to bring their properties in line with new brand specifications. The DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, facing a major renovation, sought the expertise of AO Architects in Orange County, California, to execute the required changes outlined in Hilton's Property Improvement Plans (PIPs). Brenda Gutierrez, a Senior Project Manager at AO Architects, highlights the fundamental role of As-Built plans in this process.
Streamlining the Design Process
AO Architects, responsible for translating brand guidelines into tangible renovations, relies on PPM for As-Built surveys. The As-Built plans provide a comprehensive foundation for the design process, enabling architects to explore structural details and plan modifications efficiently. Brenda emphasized the time-saving aspect of partnering with us and ensuring accurate and reliable deliverables.
“It helps us work efficiently when PPM completes the As-Built survey. We’ve worked on several projects with them and their accurate deliverables free up time for us to focus on the design process.”
As-Built Scope of Work
- Floor Plan
- Electrical Plan
- Interior Elevations
- Reflected Ceiling Plan
MEP Plans and Investigative Work
AO Architects uses MEP, or mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans, to determine what can and cannot be done while keeping important building components in place. Once they compile this information, they release the drawings to the rest of the team to begin designing. For this remodel, they removed the coffee bar and replaced it with a full-service bar, which made it important to know where the drains were located and where electrical components ran through the area. The As-Built drawings enabled AO Architects to do investigative work to let engineers know where to make their new MEP connections.
The DoubleTree Hotel completely renovated the reception desk from one long piece into three standalone pods. They also completely gutted and renovated the restaurant.
Unveiling Architectural Discoveries
During the renovation, architectural nuances came to light. The team discovered a hidden 1970’s-style glass ceiling while implementing new ceiling designs. The As-Built plans guided the architects through navigating unexpected elements and adapting the design to accommodate existing ventilation systems. Such revelations underscore the importance of thorough As-Built documentation in minimizing surprises during the renovation process.
Efficiency and Reliability: The PPM Difference
Brenda praised PPM’s efficiency, citing the checklist-driven approach that ensures all project requirements are met. Scaling plans onto single sheets, as opposed to dividing them into quarters, streamlines readability and reduces ambiguity. She noted our commitment to addressing specific concerns demonstrates our dedication to providing comprehensive and accurate As-Built plans.
Quality Assurance Insights From PPM: A Glimpse Into Drafting Challenges
Colin Maloney, PPM’s Seattle Regional Director, not only managed the scheduling of this project but was also the Quality Assurance specialist for this project. We interviewed him about his experience, and the memory of this massive project remained fresh in his mind.
"The sheer scale of the place and all the work to be done would be intimidating if we didn’t have experience working on so many large hotel projects. You have to compartmentalize each section, work patiently on one at a time, and be sure to not sacrifice quality - all while trying to meet the overall deadline!"
- Colin Maloney, Seattle Regional Director at PPM
Q&A With the Quality Assurance Specialist
What did you most enjoy about working on this project?
The onsite contacts were AWESOME at this place. They were super cooperative, so that made the field portion much easier. My favorite part about working on large-scale projects is looking at the finished plans when everything is complete.
What was the most important element to QA on this project?
Making sure that all the requested areas were included and that the information was complete within those areas was critical. We measured only a small amount of guestrooms, but we did all of the common areas, which was a major part of the project.
We had to closely check that each scope of work was correctly layered as well, so the command “Layerstate” in AutoCAD could be used to view each scope segment by itself.
What was most unique about this property?
The shape of the building was wild, and there were height/elevation changes throughout it. So, we needed to make sure that all the angles were correct and that all the information in the building made its way onto our plans.
As-Built Plans Make Hospitality Renovations Possible
In the intricate dance of hotel renovations, As-Built plans emerge as silent orchestrators, facilitating seamless communication between architects and engineers. The DoubleTree Hotel project exemplifies the precision required for navigating complex structures and ensuring efficient collaboration. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the need for accurate As-Built plans remains indispensable in designing spaces that blend aesthetics with functionality.