The Design Process

Gorsline Building: Site Plan

Typically, we start with a program of the owner’s needs and examine existing site conditions. After understanding the programmatic and physical context, we sketch alternative solutions that will satisfy the program. We will meet to discuss the implications of these designs and get your ideas and suggestions for additional alternatives. After getting your comments on the sketches, we develop a schematic design and estimate that will be the master plan for your work.

The process described above can be as brief as described, or it can require multiple iterations of sketch, meeting, comment, and revision; the number of revisions depends on the complexity of the design issues as well as the nature of the client.

Working With Committees

Albion Presbyterian: Restored Sanctuary

Building Conservation

Greene and Greene Inspired Home: Clinker Brick and Stone Detail

• * Measured drawing preparation for existing buildings
• * Building surveys to determine their condition and preparation of reports and other documents. (Please refer to Some Thoughts on Building Surveys for more information on this subject.)
• * Assistance with grant applications
• * Technical advice regarding conservation techniques required for the preservation of historic materials
• * Preparation of contract documents, assistance with bidding negotiation, and contract administration of contracts for the repair and conservation of historic materials.

Preservation Planning

Town of Avon: preparing for elevator

* Architectural Assessment Reports
* Comparative Analysis Reports
* Condition Reports
* Feasibility Reports
* Historic Resources Reports
* Historic Structure Reports (see link below)
* National/State Register and Local Landmark Nominations
* Cultural Resource Surveys (Reconnaissance-Level and Intensive-Level)
* Streetscape Studies

Learn more about Historic Structure Reports in Preservation Brief No. 43 (The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports).

Cultural Resource Surveys

Bero Architecture prepares reconnaissance-level and intensive-level cultural resource surveys following state and federal standards.  Surveys are important planning tools designed to achieve the following goals:

Greene and Greene Inspired Home: Joint Detail

1. To identify, evaluate, and document historic resources potentially eligible for local designation and/or the State and National Registers;
2. To serve as a planning tool for local and state governments;
3. To expedite OPRHP review of federal and state-assisted projects (through Section 106 and State law 14.09);
4. To raise community awareness and pride;
5. To serve as an incentive for revitalization of historic resources;
6. To serve as a database of information for academic purposes; and
7. To promote historic tourism.

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations are eligible for grants to help fund survey projects.

Resume of Representative History Projects

National Register Nominations

Pittsford Presbyterian Church: rear of nave after restoration

Bero Architecture has assisted clients with research, writing, and editing National Register nominations for a variety of resource types in accordance with state and federal standards.  Clients include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and private individuals.  We have given public presentations in conjunction with OPRHP staff to explain the benefits of listing properties on the National Register.  We have a thorough understanding of the role the National Register plays as a preservation planning and resource management tool at local, state, and national levels.

Review and Compliance

Waterloo Library: Roof Cresting Before

Our services include:

• Documenting and evaluating existing historic resources
• Assessing the effects of proposed projects
• Developing design criteria to avoid and/or mitigate adverse impacts
• Determining unavoidable impact
• Suggesting potential mitigation measures
• Writing the Historic Resources section for environmental impact statements.

Tax-Act Projects

Clifton Springs Library: Entrance Interior

We can help you determine whether your property qualifies for the credits, and help you plan a project that meets the Standards.  We are also experienced with the administrative processes required to claim the credit.

The Preservation of Museum Collections

Aldersgate UMC: Fellowship Hall

View our Resume of Museum Consultations

Federal Qualifications

Chapin Mill: Interior Lower Level