Where to Begin? Framing the Feasibility Study

Where to Begin? Framing the Feasibility Study

Starting a renovation or new construction project can feel like standing at the edge and staring into the abyss. For many organizations, this first step is both exhilarating and daunting. As soon as you consider embarking on a facilities project, the questions come rushing in: How much life is left in our current space? How much room do we actually need to support our goals and vision? How do we stay ahead of the curve with evolving technologies? How much will it cost? These are just a few of the big questions that need to be tackled.

At Apeiro Design, we take pride in helping clients navigate this exciting journey with confidence, using feasibility studies to provide the clarity, insight, and inspiration needed to take that crucial first step.

The Three Key Questions of a Feasibility Study

We break down the feasibility study process into three essential questions:
Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How do you get there?

1. Where Are You Now?

The first step is diving deep into the present. We roll up our sleeves and get hands-on with your space—examining public areas, back-of-house operations, rehearsal studios, mechanical rooms, storage spaces, and everything in between. We seek to comprehensively uncover your facility’s strengths and challenges. This phase involves assessing a wide range of physical infrastructure including structural integrity, electrical systems, and the circulation of people and materials throughout the space.

By interviewing a wide variety of users—from staff to patrons—we gain diverse perspectives and a thorough understanding of how the space functions. From there, we create a detailed space program and report that quantifies current utilization, offering a clear baseline for future planning.

2. Where Do You Want to Be?

Next, we dive into the future. This is where imagination is allowed to run wild, and the fun really begins. We gather input from your staff, board members, patrons, and key community members to explore possibilities you may never have considered. We push the envelope, diving into hypothetical scenarios and asking thought-provoking questions to challenge existing assumptions and spark new ideas.

This phase results in dynamic narratives that capture all the exciting possibilities we have uncovered. We also start to sketch out your “greenfield” space program, offering a blueprint for your future vision. Even at this early stage, you will walk away with a powerful understanding of project scope and the tools to inform ballpark estimates of cost.

3. How Do You Get There?

Now it is time to bring your vision to life. Using the insights we have gathered, we transform ideas into tangible concepts. With our deep expertise in both renovations and new construction, we will create massing studies, concept layouts, and stunning renderings to give you an understanding of what is possible.

We do not stop at just one idea—we present multiple options to show you how different strategies can all lead to exciting outcomes that meet the functional and aspirational needs of your organization. These are not final designs, but rather visual tools to help you envision your future space. To bring even more precision to the process, we collaborate with specialized cost estimators to provide bespoke cost models, factoring in local markets and material costs. We can also fold in other expertise, such as operational and market analysis, to offer a complete picture.

Milwaukee Rep Theatre Feasibility Study, 2020

Tailored Solutions for Every Unique Project

No two projects are alike, and that is exactly why we tailor each feasibility study to meet the unique scope, needs, and aspirations of our clients. The final presentation becomes a foundational document that can serve as the first step toward assembling your larger design team, kickstarting the next phase of your project.

We are passionate about engaging with our clients early in the Feasibility Study phase. This collaborative start builds a strong foundation and sets the stage for a lasting, successful partnership throughout the entire project.