Parette Somjen Architects (PSA) is a full service architectural design firm with 75 full time team members, which include licensed architects, nationally certified interior designers, LEED-accredited professionals, and a licensed building inspector. Our team members hold additional licenses in professional planning and construction, code enforcement, and building inspection. We are comprised of a unique group of talented individuals; each with an unparalleled level of commitment to our clients and to each other. This uniqueness translates into a high degree of success in how we manage our projects and represent our clients in the most positive light. Since our inception, over 30 years ago, the firm remains at the forefront of planning, design, sustainability, budgeting, schedule control, construction administration, and project management.
WHO WE ARE
Through the following highlighted traits, we hope to provide you with a clear picture of who we are and what you can expect, when you engage with PSA in a highly-collaborative project environment:
We Are Relationship-Based: We are proud of our client relationships and understand the time and commitment it takes to preserve a level of confidence and dependability when being entrusted with your projects. One way in which we define success is through longevity of service. A specific example of this longevity is how we continue to serve as Architect of Record for our very first educational client -- a relationship that spans 25-years.
Our Personal Commitment: PSA was awarded the first ever “Above and Beyond” award by the NJ Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO). Nominated by an associate member and client, we were selected for our immediate responsiveness, when called at 2:00AM for an emergency situation on-site that occurred over Labor Day Weekend. As a result of the contractor not properly securing roof drains, water poured into the corridor. A member of our senior leadership team was on-site within 30-minutes of the phone call, on Labor Day, to assist in documentation and with clean-up efforts. This is one of many examples of our ongoing commitment to our clients and to the successful outcome of each individual project.
Clear Communication and a Proactive Approach: Our team is proactive in our effort to serve our clients through constant, clear lines of communication. We believe this “overly communicative” approach allows for issues to be detected early, and for all team members to be able to address any concerns timely, before they become problematic. We listen, respond, and maintain an open dialog from project inception through completion.
Attention to Detail – Resulting in Strong Documents: We have a stellar reputation of preparing strong bidding and construction documents. Part of our process to provide the best documentation includes an internal quality control review conducted by a team member that has not be involved with the project to date. This allows for a clear set of eyes to “poke holes” in the documents and look for flaws. By addressing imperfections head-on, prior to the bidding process, we lessen the potential impact on the project, thus avoiding costly budget impacts and schedule delays. In addition to overall client satisfaction, we have been complimented by contractors alike that frequently bid and execute for the thoroughness of our documents.
Design Philosophy: We believe that good design has a positive impact on projects. Fundamentally, design is about problem solving, and every project comes with challenges and problems that require a design response. PSA is expert at understanding and defining challenges and problems and providing effective responses.