Riley Intermediate School and Northlake Middle School
Location: Northlake, Illinois
Typology: School Additions and Renovations
Date: Spring 2021 - August 2023 (Project Completion)
Software Used: Revit, AutoCad, Bluebeam, PhotoShop
Project Role: Architectural Support
Following the new 3-8 School in Berkeley, I transitioned to a different project just across the train tracks, in Northlake IL. Riley Intermediate and Northlake Middle School was a much different project, where both existing schools received renovations, but we connected the two schools with a large multi-use space and gymnasium. Acting as the middle school cafeteria for Northlake, this addition was intended to be used for after school activities and community events. The team size for this project was very small, consisting of Jessalyn Kelly (PM), Adam Moore (Job Captain), and I with some temporary support staff that were on and off the project. Due to this small team size, I was able to work on tasks both new and familiar to me.
Client: Northlake Middle School and Riley Intermediate School - Berkeley SD 87
Architect: Wold Architects and Engineers (Palatine, IL Office)
Exterior Rendering of Riley Intermediate and Addition (Wold Architects and Engineers)
DEDICATED TASKS
Existing Drawings: Reviewing existing drawings was a large task of mine, whether it was double checking existing modeled elements or modeling in items that were missing.
Vertical Circulation: One fun thing about this project is are the grade changes that take place. The two existing buildings are at different elevations, and with the addition, that creates another elevation, we had to connect these different heights with both stairs and ramps.
(Photo: Isometric Exterior GIF)
Exterior Elevations: Being that I started this project in the CD Phase, the initial design phase was nearly complete, so detailing and double checking brick coursing(s) was left to clean up. This is where I started creating exterior wall sections, understanding parapets, and fire walls.
Code Plans: Creating Code Plans showing egress routes, updating room occupancies, and determining door widths. At this time, Code Plans was a fresher skill of mine. Only working on code plans once before, specifically the Osseo Project, I had many plan review meetings with the team before project issuance.
Construction Administration: The Riley Northlake Project was my first introduction to the CA process. Before construction began, I was in charge of reviewing product data and shop drawings.
(Photo: Addition Construction)
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Construction Document(s): Working on this project right after the DD estimate, I was mainly in charge of detailing, creating plan, detail, section views, etc.. At this era in my career, I was experienced in both the profession but also company standards; reviewing work and making updates, changes, and adding drawings was my main task. This was rewarding when seeing the documents become a reality on when visiting the Job Site on the few trips I made to Illinois.
(Photo: Addition Construction)
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Bidding: Following issuing the 100% CD Set for Bid, the next step was reviewing contractor questions through the Addendum process. When we went out for bid, we ended up being over budget and had to remove scope from the project. I remember removing some interior finishes, such as tile work, and some curtain wall locations. It was a new process for me, just finishing the addendum process before bidding, we basically had another addendum following the bidding phase to reduce costs. I wasn’t in the loop regarding costs at this time, but after going through additional bid openings, relying on your cost consultants helps keep projects on budget.
(Photo: Addition Construction)
Photo: User Group furniture meeting minutes following the Riley Northlake Project being issued. Alongside reviewing submittals and RFIs, I was working on a furniture package for the Berkeley School District with our IL interior design Monica McCrory. This was a great opportunity to not only meet the district but also perfecting my meeting minute skills. With this furniture package, we’d spatially plan, create renderings, pick colors, fabrics, and heights. We essentially issued a drawing set, showing tagged furniture and schedules, along with hundreds of excel spreadsheets.
