Architect required

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOW ONLY ACCEPTING REVISED/DETAILED BIDS FROM SHORTLISTED FREELANCERS WHOM WE HAVE CONTACTED. NO NEW BIDS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (to supplement original description below)

Unfortunately the links to our software provider's website, which gave more information on the required draughting process, were removed by the moderator. These can be found by searching for the Sketch-Up plugin on the iesve website. The White Paper describes the methodology in detail.

The geometry required is quite simple, essentially being the planes that enclose the different room volumes. There is no need to model features such as gutters. Windows and doors are normally just holes in the walls, i.e. there is no need to create a window or door, just the structural opening.

For all buildings other than dwellings, we would require rooms to be separately partitioned, as they are each interrogated independently. For dwellings, usually we only need to partition the dwelling living area (I will provide a definition in due course) from the rest of the dwelling.

We understand that, even though we are only initially requesting a submission of interest, peopleperhour's website requires you to include a fee. These will be ignored at this first stage.


Introduction
xxx provides sustainability consultancy for the built environment. A small start-up business, we are innovative, ethical and collaborative, forming flexible, long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with likeminded people.

A significant part of our workload involves creating virtual models of new and existing buildings, to analyse their environmental performance, for example daylight levels, temperature or energy consumption. Since we are currently very busy, we would like to subcontract the model building.

Outline Brief

We would provide a set of the architect's General Arrangement drawings in DWG or DXF, and we would require a Sketch-Up model. In order for us to then import it in to the analysis software we use, IES's Virtual Environment, the Sketch-Up model has to be created in a specific way. This is not difficult but it is important. It requires the use of the free Sketch-Up plug-in, which can be downloaded here: xxxxx-Building/SketchUp-plug-in (use "Download plug-in" link on RHS). The requirements are described in detail here: xxxxxxx(please note that we require "thick-wall" modelling rather than "thin-wall" modelling).

Person Specification

The work will usually be required quickly, and always to a very high level of accuracy (in some cases, the models will be used in compliance work).

There will probably be a need for different types of communication so, as well as permanent internet access and an email account able to handle large attachments (at least 10 MB and ideally larger), a UK telephone number, a Skype account and fluent English are imperative.

Terms of Engagement

All projects and information issued should be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Generally, engagements would be project-specific, on a lump sum basis. Variations to fees would only be considered in the event of (a) a change to the scope or (b) revised information being issued, and should be agreed in advance. All proposed fees should clearly identify any VAT being charged (we are VAT registered).

We are not seeking to recruit an employee and we do not wish to incur any liability in respect of PAYE or NI. You would invoice us upon completion of the project. Our standard payment terms are 30 days.

Programme

Noon tomorrow (19/04/2011): deadline for submission of expressions of interest, Please write 2-3 short paragraphs covering:

• Introduction;
• Any relevant experience; and
• Response to the outline brief, including any queries.

15:00 tomorrow (19/04/2011): issue of request for quotations, to a shortlist, for three different projects:

1. A two-storey leisure centre (~ 5,000 m²GIFA);
2. An office extension (~ 1,500 m²GIFA); and
3. A block of flats (~ 3,000 m²GIFA).

These requests will provide more detailed information, including the drawings.

Noon Wednesday (20/04/2011): deadline for submission of quotations.

23/04/2011 to 30/04/2011: deadlines for completion of the work

We look forward to hearing from you.