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Rio Grande Valley

135 Paseo Del Prado, Suite 33
Edinburg, TX 78539

Tel: 956-655-4655
Fax: 956-668-9882
Central Texas

7500 Rialto Blvd., Building 1, Ste. 250
Austin, TX 78535

Tel: 956-655-4655
Fax: 956-668-9882
El Paso

7100 Westwind, Ste. 150
El Paso, TX 79912

Tel: 956-655-4655
Fax: 956-668-9882
Houston

5444 Westheimer, Ste. 1000, Office 1054
Houston, TX 77056

Tel: 956-655-4655
Fax: 956-668-9882
San Antonio

1777 NE Loop 410, Ste. 600
San Antonio, TX 78217

Tel: 956-655-4655
Fax: 956-668-9882

We look forward to hearing about your next project!

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01 services / Project Planning

Facility Planning

As educational environments change, it is important that we adapt for the success of the districts we serve. Providing facilities assessments, master planning, and bond planning services with the addition of Robert Sands enhances our ability to meet the demands of fast-growing school districts. Robert spent 17 of his 29 years as a school district leader and provides a wealth of experience from the district’s perspective. Along with our design success, we master plan for innovative and cost-effective education facilities that focus on educational goals that will engage the students and teachers who use these modern learning environments.

Tool Box:

  • Site Analysis
  • Facility Needs Assessment
  • Educational Adequacy Study
  • Pedagogy Visioning
  • Educational Goals and Specifications
  • Short- & Long-term Facilities Master Plan
  • Bond Referendum Workbook.

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01 services / Project Planning

Strategic Planning

The elements of the process: strategic analysis, strategic choice and strategy implementation. The application of a strategic process in education attempts to utilize best practices and comparison between business and education and examines how this process can be effectively used in educational institutions and modern learning environments.

Tool Box:

  • Discovery and Data Analysis
  • Organizational Review and Study
  • Re-engineering Strategy
  • Compliance Study
  • Strategic Plan.

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01 services / Project Planning

Bond Planning

ERO believes that it is paramount to plan early and develop a step-by-step strategic bond referendum program to win broad-based community support sooner than later to pass a school district bond referendum. ERO and our principals have managed bond referendums with a proven success rate, all due to well-organized early bond planning: from facility programming to community engagement. We assist with the development of facility planning and programming, and all community engagement data and marketing tools, as well as help coordinate and implement the bond campaign.

We are most proud of our work at Seguin ISD. After two bond failures and a 67% voter rejection, Seguin ISD engaged the services of ERO in the summer of 2013 and within three months in November passed an $85 million new high school bond referendum with a 67% voter approval.

Tool Box:

  • Bond Committee Facilitation
  • Bond Planning
  • Programming and Cost Estimating
  • Design, Renderings & Materials
  • Community Engagement Strategy
  • Implementation of Bond Plan.

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02 services / Architecture

Planning and Site Analysis

Planning and site analysis are the informational foundation on which successful projects are built. Facility assessments and site analysis study building and location conditions to establish the data Owners need to understand the physical condition and adequacy of the buildings and site to serve the needs of users and the community.

ERO adds value to this process with our vast design and construction experiences and knowledge of building and other codes. Our skilled staff uses such technology as the 3D laser scanner to determine what systems are hidden behind walls and assess the condition of the structure. We use model analysis to replicate real-world building performance. We compare costs for repair and renovation against new construction. The facility and site data allows problems to be defined, creates baselines for master planning and ensures dollars are optimized to the extent possible.


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02 services / Architecture

Space Planning and Programming

The facility planning process delineates the need for facility improvements and capital investments to support current and future educational/[civic] program. (CEFPI Guide for Educational Facility Planning).  It also provides the community with objective information about the commnity’s educational /[civic] program and the type and style of facilities required to support the needs of the program.

A strategic facilities planning approach generally is organized into two phases with six basic steps. While these components are organized and discussed in a particular sequence, it is important to understand that they all are closely intertwined and generally overlap in sequence.

As an outside consultant, we gather relevant facility data and identify such characteristics as adequacy and sufficiency. Once data is properly categorized and ranked, then our client can begin the interactive process of review opinions and criticisms. As outside consultant we facilitate these interactive sessions in order to reach an understanding and agreement on a plan.  The plan is developed into a formal presentation and referred to the local authority having jurisdiction for approval and implementation.


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02 services / Architecture

Design

ERO produces high-quality designs using experienced talent and market-leading technology. The use of Autodesk REVIT 360 3D software creates visualizations, photorealistic renders and physical models that communicate and streamline the design process.

We believe that form follows human need. Our design approach differs from other firms in that we measure the performance of people, not space: our emphasis is on creativity, productivity, comfort, learning, collaboration and privacy, flexibility, health, and sustainability.

Our goal is to build environments that balance health, culture, life and work while supporting the brands and long-term business strategies of their owners. The building environment is constantly changing, and we recognize that effective design depends on innovative and fresh ideas. Through intelligent planning and creative problem-solving, we design spaces for both beauty and performance.

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02 services / Architecture

Construction Administration

ERO's approach to business is holistic. We are unique in that we have many in-house services, including construction administration  (CA), resulting in more cohesive and coordinated projects. The staff has exceptional construction experience and are invaluable as constructbility references. They are OSHA-certified in safety and keep the workplace safe. The CA team takes great pride developing and maintaining successful contractor relationships and are very responsive to contractor inquiries. During the construction phase, our CA team tracks the history of all construction phase activities including submittals, RFI’s, ASIs, cost proposals, supplemental instructions, change orders, and action items/responsibilities. They pride themselves on their ability to maintain positive and productive working relationships with contractors to the advantage of the Owner and future projects.

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02 services / Architecture

Programming

ERO believes that programming is the key to design solutions that meet or surpass client and community needs and expectations. What sets us apart is our understanding of public financing, attention to cost, deep respect for the land, people and history and holistic approach to each design project. We view our clients and members of the community as design partners in each phase of our projects. We believe their input and influence are critical to the success of our projects.

Programming is the research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work to be designed. We approach programming as an Owner management process that is focused on problem seeking which ultimate solution provides a cost-efficient solution for the long-term arrangement, appearance, harmony, functionality, and location of buildings or additions. The solution also finds the best way for denizens and the community to experience, access and use the buildings. The aim of programming is to provide a single, clear roadmap for all project partners to execute in successful project delivery. 

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02 services / Architecture

Cost Estimating

Cost estimating begins with the development of a document which describes the project scope basis, definition of risks, pricing basis, methods, qualifications, assumptions, inclusions, and exclusions. The information is stored in our databases for reference, review, and reuse. ERO uses UniFormat and Cost Link in its estimating process. Uniformat estimating applies unit-cost data to building-system and component site elements. This systems approach uses a hierarchical structure of cost elements, beginning at Level 1 with basic systems, such as Substructure, Exterior Enclosure, and Interior Construction, and proceeding to successively more detailed subdivisions of these systems at Levels 2-5. The resulting levels of detail not only serve to structure cost information but facilitate additional estimates as the project is developed through the other phases. ERO updates the cost estimates most often at five intervals; but at a minimum, estimates are developed at the completion of schematic documents, design documents and at 75% of the construction documents.

From the programmatic perspective, ERO has earned a successful cost estimating record that falls within an impressive less than 2% range of actual cost. To develop estimates, we maintain a database of regional costs based on actual bids. We track marketplace trends to understand the variability and relative supply and demand affecting materials and supplies on the purchase price. We refer to RSMeans for city cost index guidance. 

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03 services / Design

3D Models, Renders and Integration

ERO’s Design and Visualization Lab is a creative studio for development of dynamic graphics that blend both technical skill and artistry. Our staff is exceptionally skilled in creating graphic content that integrates various design considerations and requirements. 3D visualization enables the creation of interior and exterior content with full control over every aspect of the image right down to the reflections on the surface of a material. The software permits the designer to offer project options rapidly, produce designs with greater accuracy and obtain design approvals faster. The photo-real detail of the 3D visualizations facilitate decision-makers in understanding and evaluating the proposed project.

The ERO team uses digital tools to design for optimal energy efficiency, leading to spaces that promote reduced environmental impact and significant improvements in utility costs. Energy modeling and performance analysis also heightens the human experience of spaces and furthers the integration of design solutions for better overall systems performance.

ERO designers also focus on continually evolving the firm’s visual communication workflow, practices, and standards. These specialists explore, test and apply various technologies and services, from hand-drawn sketch integration to photorealistic renders and virtual reality systems, developing the best way to represent any facet of design for a particular context.

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03 services / Design

3D Point Cloud Scanning

The 3D laser scanner is an important advancement for the modern technology-assisted architectural and engineering design processes. The laser scan provides a non‐contact, faster, higher‐accuracy, practical and cost‐effective technique to produce 3D point cloud information on existing structures that is easy to retrieve.  Heretofore, manual reporting and interpretation of such data have been labor intensive and subject to personal judgment and experience, and prone to error.   

With 3D laser scanners, the x-y-z coordinates of the spatial data are collected in the time it takes a laser beam to hit the surface and return. The 3D point cloud data sets are comprised of a significant number of data points that are unstructured and densely and non-uniformly distributed. The data create high resolution images, either in gray-scale or color; color for reflex intensity information. Computer vision algorithms are used to analyze the data to recreate building systems or assess conditions accurately with identification of structural or other such engineering condition indicators as cracks, displacements, and deflected shapes point. The data sets facilitate historic preservation, as-built documentation, and direct query of 3-dimensional spatial data. The post processing of the data sets develops architectural drawings and building models as needed for the design process.   

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03 services / Design

BIM Documentation

When Autodesk© Building Information Modeling (BIM) became available to architects in 2010, ERO quickly adopted the new platform and even served as a testing site. Seeing the benefits of the new Autodesk Revit 360 (A360), all of our employees began designing directly in 3D. On staff, we have some of Texas’ few AutoDesk Revit Architecture and AutoDesk Revit Structural Certified Professionals.

A360 has become a powerful tool that has revolutionized the drawing production process and strengthened workflow. It enables ERO to look at 3D views of the project, refine the design to make it more efficient, and isolate sections, structures, and systems. All project participants are able to access the design and construction information in a single platform to collaborate, seek systems caches and efficiently manage all disciplines involved in the process which reduces the likelihood of additional costs. BIM project success provides the operations and facilities teams with tools that enable end-users to analyze space-related data, lifecycle data, preventative maintenance scheduling, and perform cost analyses. 

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03 services / Design

Sustainability

ERO applies sustainability principals in all of its work. We recently completed the first LEED Gold education facility south of San Antonio – the new Texas State Technology College University Center in Harlingen. This unique facility was awarded the Associated Builders and Contractor’s Excellence in Construction and the Engineering News Record Excellence in Design. Other award-winning sustainable designs include EL Furr High School, (LEED Silver) in Houston, Donna 3D Academy in Donna, Zapata County Museum of History and Zapata County Educational Technology Center.

Our building sustainability measures are intended to lower energy; water; waste disposal; emissions; operations and maintenance costs; and construction waste, while increasing the productivity of the building and health of building occupants. ERO has extensive experience including incorporating strategies into our designs such as:

  • Building orientation for increasing natural lighting, maximizing structure angles in harsh environments to avoid extraordinary heating; gathering solar energy; and using prevailing winds for cooling
  • Landscaping features to create natural cooling
  • Passive systems to reduce energy consumption (daylighting, natural ventilation, and solar energy)
  • LED lighting (reduce energy and improve health)
  • Energy-efficient MEP systems (reduce energy consumption)
  • Incorporating wall systems for thermal mass and fenestrations (windows, glass, and doors)
  • Construction materials such as low-VOC paint, paperless gypsum wallboard, recycled-content insulation, galvanized metal studs, finishes without formaldehyde, brick or block and finishes of recycled materials
  • Low water consumption landscaping
  • Low-flow restroom systems
  • Building envelops such as high EV concrete to remove heat passively or air barriers that assist air permeability and reduce uncontrolled air movement through the envelope
  • Highly reflective roofing systems.

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03 services / Design

Code Analysis

As a full service architectural/engineering firm we constantly encounter Federal, State, and Local rules and regulations in order to earn plan approval and construction acceptance. We work with cities for zoning, building permitting, inspecting and record keeping. We assist building owners with complying with energy consumption, energy efficiency and catastrophic area wind standards the State of Texas promulgates. ERO understands the goals of the Federal government requirements for complying with the Davis-Bacon Act for remuneration, Small Business goals for inclusion requirements or OSHA for workplace safety. We use third-party design standards, sometimes adopted by governments, whether as International Commercial Code, Whole Building Design Guide or Texas Accessibility.

Although occurring during every phase, a very intensive building code checking process covers every building code related items and details during the design document phase. Design documents are checked rigorously against locally- adopted building codes and design criteria related to circulation, energy, lighting, and others.

The building code review process continues by revising previous building design data and checking design compliance at floor and space level. The building area, height and the number of stories, affect the fire protection systems required, means of egress and so on. Floor areas determine occupant loads for each floor level and the number of required exits for each floor and the travel distance between exits. The data for each space, defined during the programming phase, is applied and tested through room-by-room layouts that suggest furniture arrangements and illustrate reflected ceiling plans. This is done to initiate coordination with mechanical and electrical disciplines.

These data include but are not limited to:

  • Occupancy and construction type of all spaces
  • Construction details that reflect the relation and connection between building materials and components
  • Layout and height of the building
  • Number, height, and area of floors
  • Circulation routes including location; type and size of elevators; and stairs and ramps
  • Intensive occupant load analysis
  • Number, type, and size of exit doors
  • Travel distances to exit doors and areas of refugee
  • Locations, sizes and types of openings in exterior and interior walls
  • Level of fire hazards among adjacent spaces
  • Topological information (i.e. spatial relations between building components such as separation, adjacency, connectivity, and intersection)
  • Zoning Ordinances and ADA related items.

Codes we use include:

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

  • International Building Code, 2018 which is issued by the International Code Council (ICC)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Codes, various 2016, 2017 and 2018 with emphasis on NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes
  • Texas Health and Safety Code §388.003(e)
  • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Elimination of Architectural Barriers Act (may 2017)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act, 28 CFR Part 35 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services
  • Factory Mutual standards for roof systems and wind design (2016)

STRUCTURAL DESIGN

  • International Building Code, 2018 which is issued by the International Code Council (ICC)
  • ACI – 318, building code requirements for reinforced concrete
  • AISC Specification for Steel Buildings – Allowable Stress Design, (2016)
  • Concrete Masonry: Building Code Requirements for Concrete Masonry Structures, American Concrete Institute, ACI 530-02

MEPF DESIGN

  • International Mechanical Code,(2015)
  • International Plumbing Code (2015)
  • Texas Health and Safety Code §388.003(e)
  • National Fire Protection Association National Fire Codes, with emphasis on NFPA 101 Life Safety Codes, 2016 Ed., and including all referenced standards
  • Factory Mutual standards for protection sprinkling

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03 services / Design

Permitting

ERO has completed more than 325 public sector projects engendering extensive governmental permitting experiences. These projects include new construction, additions, renovations, rehabilitation, code compliance, improvements, re-roofing, and repairs. We have worked in dense urban environments where staging is required and safety considerations are heightened. We have worked in occupied buildings where the users and visitors need to be protected from noise, pollution, physical dangers and construction scheduling interrupting operations. We accelerate project schedules to minimize the time the public is exposed to construction conditions and meet opening events. 

We work with local governments to gain zoning approval; zoning compliance; health and safety permitting; water permitting; utility permitting; and inspection for all of our public-sector projects. We work with the State of Texas on transportation, environmental, energy and such special regulations as wind hazard permits. We seek federal permits for such activities as 404 for Discharge of Dredge Material or Fill or modifications to federal public works and military bases.

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03 services / Design

Value Engineering

Value Engineering is a creative, organized effort directed at analyzing designed building features, systems, equipment, and material selections for achieving essential functions at the lowest life-cycle cost consistent with required performance, quality, reliability, and safety. Value engineering is a systematic method to improve the "value" of the project by using an examination of function. Essentially, value is the ratio of function to cost. Value is manipulated by either improving the function or reducing the cost.

Value engineering is a structured technique commonly used in project management. Some methods used in value engineering include reducing production time, reducing expenses, using existing resources more efficiently, and improving product quality. As project managers, we seek to maintain the quality and aesthetics of the project while containing or minimizing costs. As structural engineers seek to reduce costs, minimize the schedule, or increasing design economy. When applied to the construction process, value engineering has enormous benefit for developers. 

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04 services / Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering

ERO’s structural department brings over 35 years of structural analysis and design experience. ERO has experience with a diverse project base including K-12 schools, higher education, municipalities, and government buildings. In additional to structural design, ERO houses powerful 3D laser scanning to provide structural forensic studies for existing buildings. ERO consists of three licensed professional engineers (PE) in the State of Texas, and one licensed structural engineer (SE) in the State of Illinois. Our engineers have structural design experience with structural steel, concrete, prestressed concrete, masonry, and wood building structures. Our engineers have design experience in hurricane-prone wind regions and in areas with seismic activity. Our engineers are all registered Appointed Qualified Inspectors (AQI) with the Texas Department of Insurance. Our engineers are creative, innovative, and are fully capable of managing structural engineering projects.

ERO utilizes the latest 3-dimensional engineering software packages to aid in the structural design for our projects. We are power-users of RISA-3D, RISAFloor, RISAFoot, SAFE 2016, and EnerCalc as well as our own in-house programmed, macro-enabled Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to accelerate computations and design. To design some of the most complex geometrical architectural features, we will utilize finite-element analysis (FEA) software to provide solutions. In additional to engineering software, ERO houses multiple Revit Certified BIM Specialists that utilize cloud-based BIM technology such as Revit, AutoCAD, Robot, Navisworks, and Advanced Steel.


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05 services / Community Engagement

Engagement & Public Involvement

Engaging the community early in discussions regarding facility improvements is a critical first step to success. We help assess, develop and implement effective strategies for making compelling presentations that demonstrate the evidence of need, articulating those needs, engaging the community, and winning broad-based community support for public improvements.

ERO has an award-winning, full-marketing and community engagement department with dedicated leadership that has a clear mission. That mission is maintaining community information and involvement.

Working with full-service in-house graphic design, web development and video production tools, our team:

  • Makes information and engagement far-reaching
  • Involves all stakeholder groups
  • Makes public meetings readily accessible
  • Enables meaningful collaboration and sharing of ideas
  • Demonstrates participant input is valued
  • Builds and achieves consensus
  • Uses multiple engagement techniques for complete community coverage.

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05 services / Community Engagement

Media Services

ERO compliments our communications services with a set of broadcast, print and Internet media services. Our staff is highly-experienced in multi-media production technologies and augments our services with an aerial drone mounted with a camera to record digital photos or videos. We are capable of producing television or radio advertisements, content, presentations (printed and projected), posters, flyers and news releases. 

We produce digital documents for our clients' uses whether montages or conceptual renders. Most commonly we produce video logs and video productions. Our videos, often posted to You-Tube, extol the successes of communities with whom we collaborate or explain the values or triumphs of their projects. Our skilled staff are capable of video voice over and sound effects for full professional results.

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Our Capabilities

Simply put, we enjoy surpassing the expectations of our clients!

We're interested in hearing from you. Please contact us.