About Us
We are a young and dynamic accessibility consulting company. We take pride not only in what we do, but how we do it as well. Having received our license in 2010, we have been able to apply our knowledge in numerous projects, whether it is architectural design, plan review, inspections, or serving as expert witness.With a history in architecture, we do not only tell you any deficiencies you may have on your project or property, but we are also able to find possible solutions to alleviate such deficiencies. Our goal is to provide the greatest amount of accessibility to the end user, taking into account various types of disabilities that the user may have, all while understanding the owner's financial burden and the design constraints that may be present.
Our Work
When it comes to accessibility, anything from the most basic to the most detailed question can be answered, using any of the various accessibility codes. Consulting services are provided for projects of any size, and at any phase of design or construction. More importantly, in the state of Texas, plan review and inspections can be performed as mandated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.Some of or past projects include:
• Plan Review and Inspections throughout the state of Texas as required by TDLR
• Assessment report for local Wendy's franchise - El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Assessment report for Ascarate Park - El Paso, Texas
• Assessment report for El Paso County Coliseum - El Paso, Texas
• Design services based on UFAS for Housing Authority of the City of El Paso - El Paso, Texas
• Expert consultant for various civil action cases - El Paso, Texas
• Accessibility Improvements at various buildings in Fort Bliss - Fort Biss, Texas
• Transition plan for the El Paso Independent School District - El Paso, Texas
• Transition Plan for the City of Ann Arbour, Michigan
• Transition Plan for the University of Texas at Austin
• Transition Plan for City of Evanston, Illinois
• Transition Plan for Montgomery County, Ohio
RAS Forms
• RAS Fee Schedule• Project Registration Form• Proof of Submission Form• Owner Agent Designation Form• Request for Inspection Form
Online Payment
Online payments coming soon.
Help
Is this your first time hiring a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS)? You must have a lot of questions. Below you will find some information that would hopefully answer some of them. If you still have more questions, please reach out.Why should I worry about accessibility?
It is estimated that 1 in 4 adults in the United States have some type of disability. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) defines "Disability" as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment." By this definition, growing old brings in itself a lot of disabilities. Having a disability is not a matter of "if", but a matter of "when".Why do I need to register my project?
The state of Texas passed a law that came into effect on June 1, 1994 with the purpose of eliminating architectural barriers and allowing people with disabilities to have more access to spaces and facilities.Do I need to register the project?
All private and public projects, with the exception of Federal projects, with a construction cost greater than $50,000 must be registered with the Texas Department of Licencing and Registration (TDLR). There are other exceptions to this rule, and we'll be happy to help you out.Does this mean that projects with a construction cost of less than $50,000 do not need to comply?
Not at all. All projects (with a few exceptions) must still comply with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) regardless of construction costs. The difference being that projects that have an estimated construction cost of less than $50,000 do not need to be registered.You say RAS, TDLR, and TAS as if you knew what I meant.
TDLR is the state agency which has the authority with all matters regarding the Architectural Barriers Act. TAS is the set of design guidelines that must be followed in order for a project to be deemed "compliant". A RAS is a third-party private contractor who is registered with TDLR to perform plan reviews and inspections on behalf of the State. If you still have questions, you may read the (long and boring) Architectural Barriers Law and the Architectural Barriers Administrative Rules. You might also want to have a look at the Texas Accessibility Standards.Now that I know why I need to do this, how do I go about doing it?
There are three basic items that are needed: payment of fees, forms, and design drawings. I'll break it down so you may understand it better.
- Fees: There are three fees associated with a project. The first is a flat fee of $175 that covers the state's cost for the registration of the project. The second fee covers the plan review. The third and last fee is for the site inspection. These last two fees are based on the construction cost of the project. All fees may be paid together, and we offer a variety of payment methods.
- Forms: There are a vast number of forms that need to be filled out. Do not fear, not all of them will apply to you. All forms can be filled and signed online using a computer, tablet, or mobile device. These are the basic forms:
1. Project Registration Form: This is the most important form that is required. This is what a RAS uses to register a project with TDLR. You may also register the project yourself, in which case this form is not required. This form does not require a signature, and therefore can be filled out by anyone.
2. Proof of Submission Form: This is a requirement for architects and engineers in the state of Texas. Whoever is the lead designer of the project (usually the architect) needs to fill this out and sign it.
3. Owner Agent Designation Form: As a RAS, we are obligated to send all correspondence to the owner of the property, being that they are ultimately liable for the project. However, in many cases the owner does not, or cannot, deal with all the details pertaining to accessibility compliance. In which case, they may designate an agent who will have direct line of communication with the RAS and TDLR. This agent is usually the architect, but may also be an engineer, contractor, tenant, property manager, or an employee of the owner. If this form is used, it must be filled and signed by the owner.
4. Request for Inspection Form: This form is used to request an inspection. It can be filled out at the same time as all the other forms, or later when actual inspection is being requested. It is recommended that this form be filled out if and when the inspection fee is paid. This form must be filled and signed by the owner or the designated agent.
4. Other forms which might be required at a later date include the Proof of Inspection Form, Inspection Response Form, Variance Application Form, Special Registration Form, among others. Not all the forms will be required, and we will help you out if and when we need them.
- Design Drawings: in order for a plan review to be performed, we will need a set of construction documents. A "set" consists of all the drawings and documents required during the construction phase, such as architectural, civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, landscape, and specifications. In order to produce a more complete and thorough plan review report, it is suggested that all drawings of all trades be provided.I am overwhelmed with all this information, and you did not explain yourself very well. Can I just reach out to you instead?
Of course! I am available via email at [email protected] or via text or call at 915-209-2580.
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Thank You
We look forward to working with you on your next project.