REGULATORY AGENCY EXPERIENCE
As specialists in designing education facilities in the State of California, the Baker Nowicki Design Studio deals daily with the regulatory authorities that oversee the design and construction of educational facilities in California. These include the Division of State Architect (DSA), California Department of Education (CDE), the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC), and the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). Additionally, our work throughout Southern California brings us into regular contact with most local agencies such as Departments of Public Health, City and County Planning, Engineering, and Traffic Departments, Local Fire Marshals, Public Utility providers and Water Districts. We understand the regulatory authority as well as the expectations of these governing authorities and can efficiently obtain necessary approvals.
Julie Zimmerman, leads our Education Funding Services Department and has secured over $1.7 billion from the State for New Construction, Joint Use and Modernization projects. She works closely with our client districts and OPSC to ensure that our districts receive the maximum funding allowed under School Facility Program (SFP) regulations. Since OPSC regulations and policies change frequently, she continually monitors new policies and how those changes affect school projects.
Julie Zimmerman
Our team has excellent relationships with staff at CDE School Facilities Planning Division. We know Title 5 criteria and the policies that require the safe and adequate design of school projects. We fully understand the process that needs to be followed to allow for the timely approval of plans by CDE.
Our team works extensively with the Division of the State Architect, and has processed hundreds of projects through DSA. We maintain positive working relationships with DSA management and staff and can effectively address issues that can affect project approvals and timing. Our in-depth understanding of the CEQA process, California Building Code and the CAL Green Code requirements allows us to effectively negotiate code issues with DSA to achieve an optimum and code-compliant outcome for each project.
“Julie has been invaluable to the District. Her working knowledge, communication, organizational skills and uncompromising work ethics enable maximum funding for our projects.”
Sandi Burgoyne – Director of Planning, Poway Unified School District (Retired)Partner
