The prime objective of A.J. Luz Associates was to offer as full a range of professional and consultation services in the fields of master planning, architectural design, and the major fields of engineering related to the construction industry. These services are outlined below:
Master planning services provided a comprehensive and logical overall plan for existing facilities or for proposed new construction. After determining the client’s requirements and limitations, influencing factors were evaluated such as location, inter-relations with other facilities, climate, transportation and accessibility, zoning and codes, utilities, population characteristics, taxes and insurance rates and general environment. The client’s requirements were also evaluated from an economics point of view and related to a program of construction and future expansion. The client was then provided with the firm’s counsel and recommendations.
Complete planning, design, contract document and supervisory services were provided the client from the very outset of a building program to final turnover. Services included determining the client’s requirements and general purposes, cost analysis and economic studies, site selection, conference with government authorities regarding building codes, and the preparation of preliminary studies. After securing the client’s approval, working drawings and all related contract documents were prepared and furnished to qualified bidders. Bids were analyzed and if found to serve the best interests of the owner, contracts were awarded and construction supervised to protect the owner’s interests and to insure proper performance by the contractor. When work was completed, services included issuing and securing for the owner the necessary certificates, bonds and guarantees.
A. J. Luz Associates furnished civil engineering services with special emphasis on sub-surface soil investigation, structural design, hydraulics and irrigation, highway engineering and load testing. Engineering staff had extensive experience in the design of commercial and industrial buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, housing developments, bridges, roads, irrigation systems, sewage treatment systems and many other structures. Complete planning, design, contract document and supervisory services were provided for every project.
A. J. Luz Associates offered services in structural design and application, particularly in the field of prestressed concrete. Engineers had undergone extensive training in the field of prestressed concrete, its methods of design and structural analysis and their application to specific problems, under the tutelage of Alfred A. Yee & Associates of Honolulu, internationally recognized structural engineers, and one of the foremost exponents of prestressed concrete at that time.
A. J. Luz Associates offered services in refrigeration and air conditioning, heating and ventilation, the selection of mechanical equipment for buildings, power and steam generation, machine design and industrial plant equipment layout.
A. J. Luz Associates offered electrical engineering services in the fields of power transmission and distribution, illumination, industrial controls, communications, acoustics and electronics.
A. J. Luz Associates was prepared to furnish a wide range of sanitary engineering services, covering water supply, purification and distribution, storm drainage, water conditioning, sewerage and sewage treatment, and industrial treatment.
A. J. Luz Associates offered normal site and location surveys necessary to all types of construction. In addition to these surveys, the firm was prepared in conjunction with other firms to furnish specialized branches of surveying such as hydrographic, geodetic and aerial surveys. Topographic maps of large areas compiled from aerial surveys of photogrammetric methods could also be furnished.
The prime objective of A.J. Luz Associates was to offer as full a range of professional and consultation services in the fields of master planning, architectural design, and the major fields of engineering related to the construction industry. These services are outlined below:
A. J. Luz Associates was prepared to furnish feasibility studies and reports in the determination of the basic requirements of the project and after investigating existing conditions, as well as performing othe related investigations.
The firm assisted the client in the preparation of documents necessary for banks or other lending institutions to finance a project. The client was provided with the necessary technical data for financing and the firm assisted in the selection of the particular plan best suited for the financing of the project.
A. J. Luz Associates offered services in construction management and supervision. Contracts were awarded either administration or on cost-plus basis, and were supervised by a selected staff of architects and engineers depending on the magnitude and complexity of the project.
Fulltime personnel incorporated practically all the skills any client might need to assist him in the successful completion of a project. These skills were available for assignment upon the client’s request where they can supplement his own forces, make a significant contribution to the project, or consolidate complicated fringe activities under a single responsibility. Among the support services offered under special arrangement were: secretarial services, and estimating services.
In projects where it was advantageous to purchase from sources outside the Philippines, the firm has gained valuable experience in purchasing, expediting and shipping of equipment and materials. Particular attention was paid to the maintenance of architectural and engineering standards and the availability of replacement parts from local service agencies.
Estimating services started from budget estimates prepared from preliminary data and studies, through construction cost estimates which may be carried to any desired degree of detail. Over the years, estimates have compared very favourably with the final cost.