We developed planning template to guide layout and development of temporary communities to meet emergency housing needs around the globe. One- to four-bedroom units and can be combined as apartments, or configured as separate units.

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Our design uses a single housing unit as a building block, to foster a neighborhood sense of scale and identity for temporary prefabricated, modular communities. The template clusters these units around community facilities and recreation areas to promote residents’ interaction and to enhance security.
On the smallest scale, 10 housing units surround a common courtyard. At the next level, 10 clusters, accommodating 100 families, define a central open space where recreational areas, community services and parking lots are located. Ten of these 100-family compounds, for 1,000 families, can be grouped around central services such as shopping, medical facilities and schools to develop a community of 1,000 families. The template includes plans for traffic circulation and parking.

Our prefabricated, modular panel system complies with international building codes, manufacturers’ standards, NFPA life safety codes, and the UFC 3-600-01.  Each bedroom and living room unit can be delivered as a flat-pack, with windows, doors, and wiring pre-installed. The kitchen/bathroom units can be delivered with furnishings and fixtures. Flat bed trucks can deliver unit components to any location around the globe. Assembly of flat-pack units or kitchen/bath units takes 30 minutes with a 2-ton forklift and two crew members.

We designed pre-fabricated units for private engineering firms and construction contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. The units accommodate working groups of 50 civilian and/or military personnel at a project site for up to 10 consecutive days in self-supporting communities. Placing accommodations directly at construction sites saves time and casualties, eliminating the daily commute from the base camp to the project site and back again, reduces opportunities for assaults on transports en route.  Intended for use near construction sites, living units can accommodate construction crews rotating in five to ten day shifts.

Pre-manufactured flat panels are assembled into modules for sleeping, offices, support spaces, dining/training/recreation, and waste management, each complete with furniture, utilities, computers, video and communications equipment, and MWR facilities. Built to withstand harsh Middle East climate conditions, the modules maximize mobility, flexibility and quality. The design includes sand berms engineered for perimeter protection.

Mobile camps can also be used as small stage operation camps for rapid deployment of Special Forces and for emergency crews organizing humanitarian efforts. A three-truck convoy holds all the modular components to build a 50-man camp. The units can be easily disassembled and transported by flat bed trailers, to the next construction site location.

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We documented existing conditions for 275 units of the Historic Family Housing Quarters housing military personnel, as architectural subconsultant to Balfour Beatty Communities Inc., (formerly GMH Military Housing). The earliest residences date to the 1850s; others were built between 1900-1940. Units include a mix of housing types, from single-family houses, for generals and officers, to duplex, triplex, four- and five-plexes, and two-family apartment buildings.

Our surveys followed the methodology developed by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and National Park Service Guidelines for Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration and Reconstruction of Historic Buildings.

Surveys focused on identifying the contributing historic elements, building materials, form and conditions. Work included:

• Photographic documentation of the site and landscaping details;
• Photographic and graphic documentation of each residence highlighting historic details, building materials, form and condition;
• Notation of damage to architectural details and elements, structural and mechanical system deficiencies;
• Written assessments of exterior and interior building conditions;
• Verification of each building's dimensions and re-calculation of each building's area;
• Cataloguing photos and assessments

The surveys were used to identify architectural elements unique to each historic house and to catalog common elements. We then developed recommended treatments to meet SHPO standards and current building code requirements.

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We prepared a preliminary design for a new Visitors Processing Building. The design integrated the visitors’ center with new security requirements for entrance at the main gate. Our solution allowed for flexibility to accommodate future upgrades to the Air Force Base’s security system.

We prepared the drawings using Hanscom Air Force Base Design Standards. The submission consisted of floor plans, elevations, wall sections, building sections, roof plan, outline specification and construction cost estimate.

We prepared a preliminary design for a new Visitors Processing Building. The design integrated the visitors' center with new security requirements for entrance at the main gate. Our solution allowed for flexibility to accommodate future upgrades to the Air Force Base's security system.

We prepared the drawings using Hanscom Air Force Base Design Standards. The submission consisted of floor plans, elevations, wall sections, building sections, roof plan, outline specification and construction cost estimate.

Our scope of work included program analysis and architectural design services to improve efficiency of operations. As prime architect of record, our solution called for an  addition and renovations. The addition includes a drill hall, kitchen area, concrete vaults for arms and supply storage, and an indoor rifle range. New classrooms were “floated” on a second level within the existing drill hall space. Administrative offices were relocated adjacent to the new classrooms. Other improvements included code upgrades for safety and accessibility. The design meets National Guard Bureau regulations for armory design and construction.

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We provided design development services as architectural subconsultant, for four major buildings plus storage facilities to meet the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)’s requirements for flexibility, to allow for future expansion and to serve a mix of battalions of varying composition. We followed general Army space recommendations and the Ft.  Drum Design Guidelines for color and materials in the design of the following modular buildings:

• Dining Facility includes kitchen and multipurpose space for dining & assembly space for 240 people, with the capacity to serve over 500 à la carte meals, three times a day.
• Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility’s design facilitates repair and service work.
• Battalion Headquarters’ design without interior columns allows moveable partition arrangements for multiple uses. The design supports future building expansion at each end and a future secure command platform at mid-building on a mezzanine level.
• Company Operations Facility Building gives each unit direct access to command support offices and training rooms including a hardstand area attached to the base building. Our one-story design allows for future expansion at either end.

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As part of a design-build team, DiGeronimo served as Architect of Record for the Vehicle Maintenance Facility for the Aviation Brigade at Ft. Drum, NY. The facility consolidates units at one location, close to the airfield. The project includes 88 work bays and five administrative areas in two new major buildings. In addition, the project includes organizational storage buildings, unit storage buildings, and Class IV storage buildings.

We completed documentation for the architectural design of all buildings and prepared the design for interior spaces, including submission of color boards. This project is designed to maximize sustainable design and development practices. The VMF’s design received the Bronze Certification under US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sustainable Project Rating Tool (SpiRit), a precursor to LEED certification.

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We provided programming and architectural design services under an IDQ prime contract to consolidate a number of Coast Guard training facilities. We prepared a program and subsequent design solution to address anticipated teaching and classroom requirements to meet a three-fold increase in student handling capacity.

Our design relocated administrative spaces and classrooms for Aids-to-Navigation Training and Electrical Training facilities to renovated space in a single building on Governors Island. Both training facilities offer “hands-on” training space using full size mechanical and electrical equipment.

Additional work included architectural design services for Coast Guard-owned, Governors Island buildings:

• Building 333 renovations
  We provided design services for renovation to meet NYC Historic Landmarks Commission’s guidelines and requirements, as the building is registered with the Commission.
• New Laundry/Storage building
  We designed a new building, coordinating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, civil engineering design and construction management services.

As architectural subconsultant for this 35,000 sf design-build industrial laboratory, we provided full architectural design services from preliminary design studies through design development, design detailing, construction documents and construction coordination. Scope of work also included demolition of three existing buildings on the site.

The building’s program features large-scale, open-plan industrial workshops, laboratories, offices, administrative and common areas. Laboratory spaces were designed as environmentally enclosed and controlled areas for testing and inspections. The open space houses computer-controlled test frames, laboratory benches, specialized test equipment and laboratory hoods. Administrative spaces include modular office layouts, conference rooms, locker rooms and kitchen areas.

The open workshop area accommodates a partial overhead bridge crane, melting/casting equipment, swaging equipment, rolling mills, presses, wire drawing equipment, vacuum air and hydrogen furnaces, general machining tools, CNC machines and electrical discharge machines. The facility is designed to meet specific material handling capabilities and to accommodate future change and expansion.

We renovated classroom space used by the Navy to train personnel to operate and maintain aircraft carrier catapult and catching equipment, fire trucks and rescue apparatus.

Our work included programming space needs, establishing building codes and equipment requirements. Our design encompasses new classroom layouts, mechanical systems and code upgrades.

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Under an IDQ prime contract, we provided architecture services to renovate various buildings at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) in NY.

• Facility Security, VAMC, Northport, NY
  We prepared contract documents, including plans and specifications, for a complete design of perimeter and interior security access systems. Our scope of work included a fully integrated cardkey system for all building perimeters and selected interior applications and replacement of key-based hardware systems for the remainder of interior spaces in the thirty-five buildings on the campus. We specified all required hardware, firmware and software for an integrated cardkey security system. We performed construction period services including submittal reviews, Requests for Information, site visits, and “As Built” drawings.
• Histology Lab Rehabilitation, VAMC Northport, NY
  As Prime Architect, we designed a 7,600 s.f. renovation for the histology lab in Building 200. Our design consolidated existing first floor laboratory areas and moved the histology lab from the basement. We renovated the vacated basement area to serve as office space. The scope of work includes HVAC, sprinklers, toilets, architectural finishes, space planning, new modular laboratory design, electrical, and other systems.
• Warehouse Ceiling, VAMC, Bronx, NY
  We provided full architectural services to replace a warehouse ceiling. The scope of work included installation of a new suspended ceiling, code upgrades to lighting, electrical, fire protection and HVAC systems and tie-ins to the local air handling unit. The project was phased to provide a minimum interruption of medical center activities and coordinated to minimize utility systems outages during installation.

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We provided design services for the full renovation of Bronx Hub Station. Renovations included interior and exterior repairs, security upgrades, and modifications to bring this Station up to date with U.S. Postal Service design standards and ADA compliance.

Exterior repairs and modifications included:

• Addition of a fence enclosure for vehicle storage
• Repair, cleaning, and waterproofing brick finish on exposed surfaces
• Replacement of the exterior sign to display the current corporate signature
• Addition of door decals in accordance with U.S. Postal Service Graphic Guidelines.

Interior renovations included walls, ceiling finishes, and lighting fixtures. We replaced furniture and modified interior finishes, to meet new U.S. Postal Service standards for lobbies. New furniture and fixtures included ADA-compliant customer desk to match the existing traditional desks, signage and graphics to identify service areas. To increase security, we removed scales from the parcel pass-through windows at full service workstations and filled the cutouts with bullet-resistant assemblies.

Our firm successfully phased and completed this full renovation without interruption to postal service operations.

We completed all work under an IDIQ contract for processing and distribution centers in New York and New Jersey.

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We provided architectural services for renovations, repairs and assessments as prime Indefinite Quantity Contractor. The Center is a state-of-the-art processing and distribution center that serving over 2.1 million customers across four counties. Over 900 employees process 1.9 billion pieces of mail annually using 56 pieces of equipment. The center is the sixth largest facility in the New York Metro Area.

• Cafeteria Renovation
  We provided complete design and construction management for a renovation that included all new commercial kitchen equipment and furnishings. The cafeteria serves a total of 3,000 people in three shifts and is approximately 10,000 sq. ft.

• Administration Building Restoration
  We designed the complete interior and exterior restoration and repair in phases so that existing postal operations were minimally impacted. Improvements included masonry repairs, insulation installation and window replacement for energy efficiency, ceiling replacements, and paving replacement.

• Security Study
  We conducted field surveys and interviews with personnel to assess security deficiencies and required improvements.

• Platform Loading Area Resurfacing Study
  We performed a conditions assessment made recommendations for remediation for the 350,000 sq. ft. platform area, which serves all the facilities’ incoming and outgoing materials handling. We recommended resurfacing the entire platform, repairing dump holes.

We completed all work under an IDIQ contract for retail postal centers in New York and New Jersey.

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We provided design and construction services for the expansion and resurfacing of the Center’s parking lot.

Our scope of work included:

• Boundary and topographic survey
• Site plan submission to South Hackensack
• Project plans and details
• Plans and applications submission to Soil Conservation District.
• Plans and details submission to Township and to the owner.

We completed all work under an IDIQ contract for retail postal centers in New York and New Jersey.

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We provided architectural design and construction services to comply with National Federal Preservation Guidelines to replace and upgrade the facility’s HVAC system. The building is a landmarked structure built by the Work Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930’s.

We designed the mechanical system and specified equipment to meet U.S. Postal Service Green Building Program goals, reducing energy costs for the facility. The system included computerized temperature sensing controls and cycling of outside air. During construction, an on-site trailer housed a temporary system to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Our scope of work included:

• Contract documents
• Assistance with contractor selection
• Construction period services, contract administration
• Change order reviews
• Contractor’s schedule and cost progress reviews
• Operations and maintenance manuals compilation

We completed all work under an IDIQ contract for retail postal centers in New York and New Jersey.

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We worked closely with the U.S. Postal Service to design a new Main Post Office for the town. Our design achieved architectural approval from the town and from U. S. Postal Service. We adhered to regulations mandating that the post office’s design complement the architectural character of the town.

Negotiations between the U. S. Postal Service and the town resulted in the addition of a second floor to the facility, to be leased to the Pompton Plains Board of Education.

We were the prime consultant under a stand-alone contract for this project.

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We provided architectural services for the complete renovation of the town’s Main Post Office. We were the prime consultant under a stand-alone contract for this project. Renovation costs totaled $1,340,000.00. In addition to completing design of the renovation to meet the objectives of multiple parties, we phased construction to ensure that postal operations were not interrupted.

Upgrades included a new carrier platform, separation of customer and postal parking into two lots, and redesign of the building’s entry. We designed a  new, enlarged platform to accommodate full-size postal vehicles, for the first time.

Exterior work included retaining special details in the exterior brickwork and metal work, reflecting the town’s preferred architectural style and scale for the downtown area. Combined improvements to the site, to the landscaping and the larger streetscape resulted in the aesthetic enhancement of the entire area.

Interior improvements included upgrades of employee facilities to meet safety standards, of work area lighting, and work room expansion. We also upgraded the retail lobby service counter to include a new Store of the Future.

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We designed the exterior and interior restoration, including a new roof, new windows, painting, brickwork repointing, and platform resurfacing. We also repaired the ADA-compliant ramp and replaced railings to conform to new U.S. Postal Service standards. Interior work included replacement of workroom lights and refinishing of wood floors.

We completed all work under an IDIQ contract for retail postal centers in New York and New Jersey.

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We completed a comprehensive restoration of the U.S. Post Office and Court House, a five-story limestone and brick clad structure that houses the Federal District Courts and serves as Newark’s main post office and distribution center. This historic building, built in 1934, is listed on New Jersey’s State Register of Historic Places and with Newark’s Historic Landmarks Commission.

AWARDS

• The New York Construction News Award, Presented by
  New York Construction News Magazine, December 1998
• Honorable Mention A/E Expo ’98 Design Competition Historic Preservation,
  Presented by the U.S. Postal Service/New York Facilities Office, 1998
• Bronze Award for Excellence in Architecture,
  Presented by the American Institute of Architects, October 1997
• New Jersey Golden Trowel Masonry Award,
  Presented by the International Masonry Institute, October 1996

Repairs included window replacement, using over 100 different styles, shapes and sizes to maintain the building’s historic integrity, masonry and stone repair, interior and exterior door replacement, historic lobby repainting, historic lighting fixture restoration, and marble and aluminum repair. Whenever possible, work was performed by hand, employing traditional methods to ensure compatibility with the original workmanship.

Sustainable methods included re-using existing door hardware, refurbishing and retrofitting lighting fixtures with energy efficient bulbs.