Design Q&A

?Are applicants required to be NY licensed architects?
No, it is not required.
?Are applicants required to fill out answers within the word document provided?
Yes, please do fill out answers in the word document provided.
?Does the 15-page limit include graphics?
Yes, the 15-page limit includes both text and graphics.
? In Part B, can the projects described be unbuilt?
Built projects are preferable, since we are seeking architects with construction experience.
?Will the roof continue to function as usable space? If so, is it counted in the total square foot count?
Yes, we anticipate that the roof will continue to function as usable space. It is not included in the rough square footages provided to date.
?Is there a Program Verification or Concept Design phase planned?
The program for the building is being developed now in consultation with the girls’ and women’s rights community and other social justice leaders. Finalists will be invited to submit a conceptual design proposal for the building based on a preliminary program provided by NoVo Foundation and Goren Group.
?Please confirm that we can submit qualifications alone without any collaborators at this time. Question C6 in the Statement of Qualifications says: "If you plan to propose working with professional consultants outside your firm, describe applicable opportunities for women from diverse and traditionally under-represented backgrounds to participate in the project. Provide specific information documenting their work on similar projects." Please clarify the intent of this question.
The winning entrant will have the opportunity to work with NoVo Foundation and the Goren Group to assemble a team of consulting engineers and professionals during the contract negotiations process. We are interested in learning more about candidates’ experience working with women from diverse and traditionally under-represented backgrounds, and thoughts on how to support that intention for this project.
?Do you have a project or construction budget developed?
Shortlisted candidates will be provided with copies of the proposed Women's Building program along with a project budget and cost estimate based upon that concept. The program for the building is being developed now in consultation with the girls’ and women’s rights community and other social justice leaders.
?Which LEED level would you like to achieve? Are you planning that the project meet LEED v3 or v4?
Specific LEED targets have not been defined at this stage.
?Who are the potential organizations anticipated to occupy the building?
The Women’s Building will be home to nonprofit organizations and a number of small, mission-aligned for-profit entities. Once the final program is complete, organizations will be identified through a process that is fair, reflects the values of the Foundation, and aligns with its mission.
?Is there a requirement to use the provided format for the Statements of Qualification?
Yes, please do fill out answers in the word document format provided. Additional pages may be appended to the end, provided that the entire submission is no longer than 15 pages in total.