Needs Assessment & Master Planning

Start your project with a firm understanding of your organization's needs

In addition to providing construction and pre-construction services, Carl A. Nelson & Company also is able to provide clients with pre-project services in the areas of needs assessment and master planning. This work is most valuable when organizations know change is coming — but need clarity before committing to scope, funding, or delivery.. 

Depending on market and location, terms like feasibility study and programming may be applied to this type of project planning. Regardless of vocabulary, these services are available to clients across market segments, although they are most commonly sought in educational and healthcare projects.

When engaged as a consultant to help plan a project from the concept stage, our experienced team will work with the client's leadership and other stakeholders to help determine what building improvements — be it new construction, an addition, renovation or some other solution — presents the best option to address an identified need. This support can be delivered regardless of project delivery method.

What this means for owners

• Clearer alignment between early priorities and realistic project cost.
• Fewer surprises during permitting and construction through better early decisions.
• More confidence in phasing, operational impact, and long-term facility performance.

That’s how we approach planning at Carl A. Nelson & Company — Deliver Value. Build Trust. Repeat.

Needs Assessment

Working independently or with design professionals and other consultants, Carl A. Nelson & Company will gather a wide range of information to inform the client of its needs and lead the decision-making process about future changes to programming and facility operations. Depending on the client's unique needs, these assessments may include:

• preliminary cost estimating;
• interest surveys;
• space utilization / programming;
• market conditions (i.e. demographics, enrollment);
• ADA accessibility;
• code review;
• structural systems;
• electrical and mechanical systems; and
• site conditions.

When appropriate, our recommendations are grounded in constructability and real-world installation realities — helping owners avoid preventable issues before design and construction are locked in.

Master Planning

Carl A. Nelson & Company collaborates with stakeholders to process the information developed in the needs assessment phase and create a comprehensive facilities master plan. We assist the client in evaluating and prioritizing options to determine the short-term and long-term goals. By providing accurate cost data for potential facility changes, Carl A. Nelson & Company gives confidence to the process for the client to make vital decisions about the future.