Board recommends LAN Associates as architect of record for long-range facility plan

The Secaucus Board of Education on a vote recommended LAN Associates to serve as the district's architect of record for the long-range facility plan and related capital projects, following presentations from two firms on design approach, building systems and project delivery.

Board members voted in favor of the recommendation with six yes votes and two abstentions; the appointment is subject to a contract the board president said will be drafted and returned for approval at the May meeting.

The decision matters because the district must complete an updated long-range facility plan and is planning near-term capital work including HVAC and electrical upgrades, secure vestibules, roofing and site improvements. Board members and administrators said the district seeks a single vendor able to provide architecture and engineering in-house and to coordinate mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) work as part of large and small capital projects.

Two firms presented. DMR, represented by Pradeep Kapoor and his partner Kurt, emphasized student-centered interiors, STEAM and vocational spaces and the firm's experience with LEED and sustainable design. Kapoor told trustees, "A successful project is when you can realize your client's dream ... the project is on budget, and the project is on schedule." He described examples including collaboration hubs, a biomedical lab with a 3-D table and vocational facilities such as a landscape-design shop at Bergen County Technical School.

LAN Associates presenters described a full-service, in-house approach to architecture and engineering. Matt Wolf, identified in the presentation as assistant vice president, said the firm keeps architecture, MEP, civil and interior design under one roof and uses 3-D building information modeling (Revit) to reduce conflicts and change orders. Tom Weghard, who leads LAN's MEP team, described a recent focus on HVAC upgrades, ventilation and electrical-service improvements that districts have prioritized post-COVID to improve indoor air quality and reduce building-related issues.

Trustees asked about sustainability, security and flexible space. A trustee asked whether DMR's designs included energy-efficiency measures and LEED options; Kapoor said DMR incorporated sustainable design principles into projects and that pursuing LEED certification is an option the firm can support without major redesign. Trustees also discussed secure-entrance vestibules; Kapoor listed multiple local projects where DMR has implemented secure entries.

Board discussion also touched on timeline pressure for the long-range facility plan. One trustee said the plan is expiring and the district needs a coordinated, timely approach to both planning and capital work. The acting superintendent and business administrator reported that some mechanical and site upgrades are already on the district's short-term list and that contractors and utilities have long lead times for certain equipment.

A trustee moved to recommend LAN Associates; the motion passed on roll call with the following votes recorded: Mister Bartletta ' yes; Mister Bolonino ' yes; Miss DiDetta ' yes; Mister D'Ambre ' yes; Miss Geller ' abstain; Miss Howard ' yes; Mister Lewis ' yes; Mister Lyons ' abstain. The board directed that an architect-of-record agreement be drafted and returned for consideration at the May meeting.

What happens next: the board will review the draft architect-of-record contract in May and continue development of the long-range facility plan and project scopes, including HVAC, roofing, secure entrances and other capital improvements.