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This is an
outline of the various phases of an acoustic architecture design project
by PMI. The phases are shown chronologically and are presented here as a
guideline. Some projects may require a different sequence.
1) Questionnaire form: Following
a request by a potential client, a questionnaire form is dispatched by
PMI, and is to be filled out by the potential client.
Click here for the
questionnaire.
2) Completed questionnaire and plans: The potential client is
to return the questionnaire to PMI, along with complete architectural
plans of the project, and any photos that may be available. PMI must
receive complete and accurate architectural plans before continuing with
any further phase of the project.
3) Site visit: Upon request of the potential client, PMI can
conduct a site visit of the project, and help complete the questionnaire
form. PMI can also document the project site by taking physical and
acoustical measurements and photos. The potential client will pay PMI
for time and expenses for this site visit, at the standard hourly rates
outlined in the Work Agreement.
4) Proposed agreement: Upon receipt of the completed
questionnaire+plans+pictures, PMI will evaluate the scope of the
project. PMI will then propose a contract outlining the project scope,
an estimate of costs, and a retainer deposit amount.
5) Completed agreement: The potential client is to review the
agreement, and if it is acceptable, return it signed to PMI, together
with a payment of the retainer deposit amount. If the agreement is not
acceptable, PMI and the potential client will negotiate in good faith a
more acceptable agreement.
6) Project time scheduling: Once the signed agreement,
retainer deposit, and architectural plans are received by PMI, the
project will commence with an assignment in the time schedules at PMI.
7) Information gathering: For most projects PMI will collect
additional data from the client, the architect, the interior designer,
the builder, the equipment vendor and the installer. This information
will be added to that gathered in the questionnaire form and site visit,
for use in the engineering and design phases
8) Engineering: At the calendar time scheduled in item #6
above, acoustic engineering of the project will commence. See the Design
Steps listed below.
9) Initial design: Results of the engineering calculations
will lead to an initial design proposal. This proposal will be sent to
all those concerned with the project including the client, the
architect, the interior designer, the builder, etc. Comments and
reactions to the proposal are to be provided back to PMI by the deadline
indicated on the proposal document. The client or his/her representative
is to sign off on the initial design, along with any requested
modifications.
10) Revised design: PMI will revise the initial design if
needed, and produce a more detailed plan set for the project.
11) First detailed plan set: The first detailed plan set will
be presented to all the parties concerned with implementation of the
project. The presentation will typically be done in person by a PMI
staff member, and it is expected that at least the following parties
will attend the presentation: the client, the architect, the interior
designer, the builder, the equipment vendor, and the equipment
installer. Comments back to PMI are expected by the deadline indicated
on the plan set documentation. Requested modifications will be
implemented in a second detailed plan set.
12) Second detailed plan set. This second plan set is to be
considered the final revision, and will incorporate all comments from
all parties’ reactions to the first detailed plans. All concerned
parties will receive printed copies of the final plans. The client is to
sign off on receipt and acceptance of the final plan set. Electronic
versions can be made available to architects, for incorporation into
master design and construction plans.
13) Change orders: Occasionally
during the project, conditions will change and will thus affect the work
of PMI in unforeseen ways. Such changes that will result in additional
work will cause PMI to generate a change order form to be signed by the
client. The change order will result in additional fees to be paid by
the client for implementation of the changes.
14) Site inspection: If agreed to by the parties, PMI will
conduct site inspections during construction to verify that its design
is correctly implemented, to answer any specific questions, and provide
guidance. If any modifications are need to the construction, PMI will
generate a Field Report and provide copies to those parties concerned.
15) Support: PMI shall provide an agreed-upon amount of time
in support for the project to answer any specific questions, and provide
guidance to those parties implementing the design. Extended project
support time can be arranged for an additional agreed upon consulting
fee.
16) Final
inspection and calibration:
If commissioned to do so, PMI shall dispatch a staff member to perform a
final inspection and calibration of the Audio and/or Video system. PMI
will fully document all the phases of the calibration and provide a
report with measurement data to the client, showing that the project
meets the objective performance goals of a high quality installation.
Design Steps:
PMI creates
acoustical environments following a carefully established procedure. The
procedure steps are:
-
Dimensions
selected for smoothest bass response
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Wall
structures for ideal isolation and reduced resonance
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Noise
control for full dynamics
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Internal
treatments for controlled sound reflections, echoes, and
reverberation
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Speaker
placement that enhances performance
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Listener
placement for smoothest soundfield
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Visual
parameters for sharpest picture details
- Site
visits and calibration services for optimal results
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