Altermatt Associates, Inc.                                       Clackamas High School Auditorium       Consultants in Acoustics             |   home About Us   |   Services   |   Coordination   |   Contact Us How?      Acoustical services are considered by Altermatt Associates, Inc. to be a creative support resource for the client.   As such, the method of project administration is flexible depending both on the project and the specific area(s) of evaluation.  A "conference - plans evaluation - conference - final review - specification" process, with intermediate steps repeated as necessary, is often appropriate.  In some cases a formalized report is desirable.  In others, working conferences and summary letter reports may suffice.  In all cases, it is our intent to provide services which are timely, practical and effectively address all concerns of the architect/owner, yet do not neglect other areas that we might determine to merit consideration.      Acoustical recommendations are normally developed following discussions to define the expected use and design concept for the project.  Alternate approaches or treatments are developed for review.  The chosen alternative is then detailed along with the provision of drawings and specifications for incorporation into construction documents.  Specific expected tasks would be detailed in the Scope of Work of our consulting service proposal for the project. When?      Acoustical input can be provided at any stage.  However, it has been most advantageous to be brought into the project as early as possible.  Although only a small amount of time may be spent in the early phases of the project, the directions determined and guidelines provided therein can often assure achievement of acoustical objectives with fewer architectural restrictions in later phases.  This is especially true for theaters, auditoria, churches, presentation spaces, etc.  The size, shape and structure of these rooms, the arrangement of separate spaces relative to each other, the presence of exterior noise sources, the HVAC conceptual design, and the sound system concept and means of incorporation into the room structure, all may have significant impact on the basic design. Out-of-town Clients      As a regional consulting firm, much of the work at Altermatt Associates, Inc. is for out-of-town clients.  We understand the requirement for close coordination between members of the design team.  In order to smooth the communication process, we commonly use procedures of 1) simultaneous plans review during long distance telephone conferences,  2) fax or express delivery of detail and specification information, and 3) e-mail.  Our experience has shown that with careful planning, efficient project management, and close communication, the limitations of "distance" can cost-effectively be eliminated.