Attributes

Experience

Individually, and as a firm, FDA experience covers a complete range of project types:

Individual Experience

Architect Frank Dachille apprenticed and practiced architecture with the firm of Rea, Hayes, Large and Suckling in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in areas of:

While employed as a part-time staff Architect at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, Frank Dachille provided complete professional design services for many projects, some of which include:

Architect H. F. Turnbull, Jr. apprenticed and practiced architecture with the firm of Hunter, Heiges and Associates in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in areas of:

Architect Gregory J. Watt brings to the firm fourteen years of experience with Johnstown Architects and predecessor firms in areas of:

Firm's Experience

In association with H. F. Lenz Co., Frank Dachille Architects has provided architectural design services for numerous projects:

As architects for Lee Hospital, Frank Dachille Architects has provided numerous design services, including:

As architects for U. S. Bank, we have completed various construction, interior design, graphics, and planning projects.

As architects for Nason Hospital, in Roaring Spring, PA., FDA has completed a considerable number of projects including:

As architects for Johnstown Presbyterian Home, FDA completed the following projects:

As architects for Crown American Hotels, FDA has completed many hotel renovations and additions.

Engineering Consultants

Following consultation with Owners, Engineering Consultants are selected based on their abilities and suitability for each project.

Engineering consultants employed by our office include:

• H. F. Lenz Company
  This firm is preferred by many due to its vast experience, diverse capability, and overall excellence. Many years of association with H. F. Lenz Company, involving varied project types, allows effective communication.

• East Hills Engineering Associates (Mechanical and Electrical Consulting Engineers)

• Larry Shirey, P.E. (Electrical Engineering Consultant)

• Chuck Wilson, P.E. (Structural Engineering Consultant)

• Egin Engineers (Civil and Structural Engineering Consultants)

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Staffing Diversity

When determined as appropriate by the architects and owner, consultants are employed to assure proper expertise is applied to all issues of design. The in-house staff of FDA provides the nucleus of the design team with various consultants providing needed assistance. These consultants may include:

Interior Design

Due to past successful work on interiors, the majority of our clients rely on us for interior design and selection of furnishings. Exemplary of our interior design capabilities are:

Techniques

Slide rules, tee squares, and oak drafting tables have been replaced with state of the art equipment as we continue to keep up with new technological advances.

Thoughtful, careful, accurate, and detailed planning is still the basic ingredient for completing successful projects. Techniques augmenting our work include:

• Autodesk AutoCAD Computer Drafting

• Computer Word Processing

• Computer based specifications system with both office generated master specifications as well as purchased proprietary master specifications

• Electrostatic image transfer

• Model Building

• Rendering, using both manual and computer generated methods

• Computer Spreadsheet Estimating

• Three dimensional hand drawing using computer generated images for quick perspective generation

• Automated standard AIA contract production for agreements and project administration

Equipment

Communication

Superior working relationships among various design members have always been the aim of Frank Dachille Architects.

The client's representative, the project architect, and  Frank Dachille, constitute the primary  working team for each project. Other team members, including the architect's staff and other consultants as agreed to by the client, are included on the team as deemed appropriate.

Philosophy

• "Great Architecture is a result of Owners with vision and understanding, Contractors with ability and desire, and Architects with God's help working together."
• "Take good care of the terminals and the rest will take care of itself."
• "Inspired design... excellent execution... with complete communication."
• "The unexamined life is a life not worth living." - Plato

Repeat Business

With FDA's emphasis on the complete and careful execution of each phase of the design and construction process, our clients have demonstrated their appreciation by continued employment of our firm.