Areas of Practice
Land Use Planning
Land Use Planning is both the conservation of resources and the organization of development in our communities. The conservation effort ranges from preserving open space and scenic corridors to historic places and structures. For development, the focus is to define the best method to integrate various land uses in a compatible manner and establish rules for these corresponding uses within various Districts. There are many cases where the conservation effort and development overlap. Our role is often to advise a client on the scope of these rules and the feasibility of developing a project in a particular district.
site plan development
Site Plan Development encapsulates the responsibility of an architect or civil engineering in the layout of a project. Both disciplines are tasked with meeting the land use design criteria established by the respective jurisdiction and developing the project to meet the client’s needs. And, whether the project is in a city or the country it is always important to consider the surroundings in the preparation of a Site Plan. This is especially important for access, grading, drainage and utilities that are our specialty.
civil engineering
Civil Engineering is the basis of our business. It is an interesting field because of the broad range of projects we can provide assistance in developing. These include the most visible infrastructure, the design of roads, sidewalks, parking facilities and accessible routes, to the less apparent layout of underground utilities, especially storm drain and wastewater systems. Integrating these features with the overall development of a house, business or other structures is part of our expertise. As with function and form in architecture, we strive to engineer this infrastructure to function in balance with its surroundings.
erosion control
With our beautiful streams and the pristine ocean surrounding the Hawaiian islands, Erosion Control and Best Management Practices are very important to implement during and following construction. National and local laws have been created to minimizing and eliminating sediment and/or pollutants from leaving a property as part of protecting our environment. Preparing the necessary plans, reports and permits and documenting the site conditions during construction are part of the services we provide.
Land use permitting
Land Use Permits can be an essential part of a project development. These are required for certain projects in specific Districts. County and State agencies establish different Districts and requires different types of permits in the evaluation of allowing the development of a project. These permits may be processed administratively, require presentation(s) to community associations or representing the client at a public hearings before a board or commission. We have worked successfully throughout the State preparing land use permits and representing clients in every aspect of the application process.
building permits
Building Permits are the most familiar and anticipated permit. While this can be the only permit required before construction can begin, it is important to know that other permits may be required as part of the development. As the liaison for the client, we keep in close contact with the County permit division to make sure the applicable permits are reviewed in a timely manner and all comments are addressed to receive approval for the permit(s).