Our Unique Approach to Fountain Design
CMS acts exclusively as a design consultant, and like most landscape architecture firms is structured for consultation, design, construction document production, and construction administration. As such, we are dedicated advocates for architects and their clients. By not providing installation services, component supply, or proprietary designs, we are able to provide a wider array of solutions to unique projects. We produce discrete sets of biddable fountain plumbing and electrical drawings and specifications. Our documentation is noteworthy for its comprehensive approach and unique style.
The majority of our clients are landscape architects, but we are equally knowledgeable in working with our architectural clients. Returning clients provide more than 80% of our work, illustrating the difference a truly complete set of construction documents can make by easing communication among team members and reducing costs in the field.
We design water features comprehensively and economically, while emphasizing the importance of long-term viability and natural resource conservation. As industry standards evolve, design requirements place increasing importance on environmental and social awareness. At CMS, we consistently strive to reduce potable water usage and design to the highest health safety and accessibility standards.
Scope of Services
Consultation
Our Scope of Services meshes well with the professional services of our clients. With decades of experience in the landscape architecture community we are conversant with the methodology, issues, and overall goals of our clients, whether starting in Schematic Design, Design Development, or directly into Construction Documents. We draw from our significant library of projects to provide contextual feedback on elements such as water aesthetics, stone colors/finishes, and feature geometry. Providing this service early in a project can prove valuable later in the design process, reducing design changes and associated coordination.
Design Development
When requested, CMS can produce a Design Development package to assist with coordination and pricing. On less complex projects, a DD package can serve as a basis for a design/build contractor. Design Development documents typically include:
- Schematic piping diagram
- Equipment space layout plan
- Pool fitting location plan
- Site electrical lighting layout plan (if required)
- Single line electrical power diagram
- Performance specification for fountain control system
- Fountain Plumbing and Electrical specifications comprising 40-60 pages
International Design Development
For our international projects, we can provide an Expanded Design Development package that blends our design services with local engineering. CMS acts as the liaison between the design team, local engineers, and contractors. CMS produces annotated piping schematics, generic details to indicate design intent, electrical drawings, and plumbing and electrical performance specifications for use by the local engineering team to produce the final construction documents. Thereafter, CMS is readily available throughout the construction documentation review process to insure an orderly transition to the local team.
Construction Documents
Our construction document package is designed to mesh seamlessly into the project document set, taking its place with those of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and other drawings. Fountain design is somewhat prototypical in that familiar mechanical and electrical components are incorporated and arranged in ways that may be unfamiliar to other disciplines. For this reason, our drawings are unusually comprehensive and detailed. This approach can help eliminate many clarifications and RFIs, while simplifying the contractor’s pre-construction work. The straightforward and inclusive nature of the documents supports the installing contractors in carrying out a thorough installation even if their fountain construction experience is limited. Construction Documents typically include:
- Schematic piping diagram
- Equipment space layout plan and sections
- Pool fitting location plan and coordinated piping plan
- Installation and fabrication details for all subassemblies and pool fittings
- Site electrical plan with lighting layouts (if required)
- Single line electrical power diagram
- Electrical equipment elevation
- Equipment space power and control plan
- Fountain control system narrative for use by control panel programmer
- Fountain Plumbing and Electrical specifications comprising 40-60 pages
Construction Administration
Our Construction Administration services include the review of fountain plumbing and electrical submittals, plus assistance with RFIs, clarifications and change orders. We provide on-site review of construction and can assist with adjustments, troubleshooting, and instruction of maintenance personnel. Site visits are always followed with a comprehensive report and punch list.
Who We Are
We have always strived to make CMS a collegial, comfortable office environment without a rigid hierarchy. We think this promotes discussion and continuing reevaluation of design and administrative issues, allowing our combined talents to develop the most appropriate solutions.
The roots of CMS are traced back to 1964 when Richard Chaix oversaw the fountain division of the engineering firm Beamer Wilkinson. In doing so, Dick effectively established the concept of an independent fountain consultant, providing an unprecedented level of expertise and professionalism to the landscape architectural community. Dick’s open personality and genuine interest in advancing the state of the art allowed a free exchange of ideas with industry professionals and clients. This open approach is still very much part of the CMS philosophy.
In 1981, with the addition of Tom Mallonee, Richard Schuder, and Diane Schuder, the partnership of CMS Collaborative was formed, bringing enhanced design, technical, and coordination abilities to the firm. 2001 saw the retirement of Richard Chaix, Richard Schuder, and Diane Schuder. Today the firm continues as CMS Collaborative, Incorporated.
Each session provides an in-depth discussion concerning the inclusion of water features in your design by considering factors that advance Sustainable Sites and LEED credits, overall feasibility, budget, safety and maintenance. CMS provides lunch for the attendees and we enjoy brainstorming your designs with you especially as they relate to architectural and environmental concerns, and how the designs might promote LEED and Sustainable Sites points. CMS offers two Sessions: Giving Back
Through Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA), we hope to make a difference by supporting sustainable engineering projects in developing rural areas. CMS is also working with Water.org to bring awareness to the world’s #1 health problem and create accessible, safe water supplies to communities world wide.
