Gerard Capell, owner of CDA, is a licensed architect in the states of California and Wisconsin. Gerard is an active member of Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice (SCIP) and a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS).
Excellence in service to others has been a goal of Gerard’s since his days as an Eagle Scout, and throughout his 35 years as an active member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). In 2011 he was elevated to Fellowship in CSI for his contributions to the organization and the profession. He brings this passion of excellence to his clients and their projects.
Increase the knowledge base for your firm to rely on, from a licensed architect and certified construction specifier with nearly 40 years of experience ranging from a rough and finish carpenter to project manager on multi-million dollar schools and healthcare facilities; and who has worked on projects across the United States and in Europe.
Most people are familiar with architectural drawings (or “blueprints”) which define location and quantity of building elements (walls, doors or windows, ceilings and roofs). A construction specification defines the quality of those design components in materials, brick color, type of window frame and glazing, roof membrane type and properties; and workmanship, such as are there any testing or installer requirements that the contractor has to meet.
Capell Design Associates is a VERY Flexible firm, especially with regard to location. We will be relocating from our home of 30 years soon and do not know where we will be next physically. For the past two years we have worked and lived predominately in Chile returning for several months at a time to the US for business, family, and friends. Through this all, thankfully to modern technology we are able to respond to new and current clients quickly and efficiently.
We pay attention to the details for you
At CDA, we appreciate and understand the “big picture” of projects while also being very detail-oriented. For instance, while working with a designer or architect on the desired roofing material for a project, we realize that we must keep in mind other conditions, such as whether or not there will be a commercial grease ejector for a kitchen on the roof which will void many roof warranties. Perhaps your design calls for a mixture of stone, brick and concrete, as seen below, but have you considered that these materials react very differently to moisture and thermal changes? Having someone on “staff” with the experience that Gerard has can foresee possible problems and offer solutions.
Is this your design intent or the result of poor specifications?
