Certified SBE for Public Sector Projects

Substrata Design is a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with the State of California, positioning us as a qualified partner for public agency projects requiring SBE participation.

Our Certifications & Credentials:

☑ Small Business Enterprise (SBE) – State of California

☑ General Contractor License – California Contractors State License Board (B License)

☑ Structural Engineering – PE licensed in California

☑ Title 24 Compliance – Energy code and accessibility specialist

We are actively seeking subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors and design firms on public sector projects throughout California.

Collaborative Approach

Built for Collaboration

Public projects succeed through strong partnerships. Serving as a sub-consultant, we bring a collaborative mindset to every engagement.

As Sub-consultant:

• Seamlessly integrate with prime consultant workflows

• Responsive to project schedules and coordination requirements

• Clear communication and deliverable tracking

• Experienced with large firm protocols and standards

• Reliable partner for meeting SBE/MBE/WBE participation goals

We excel in team environments and understand the coordination demands of public sector work. Our experience ranges from supporting major firms on large infrastructure projects to leading small-scale community facilities as prime consultant.

Public Agency Services

Wide-Ranging Architecture for Public Agencies including:

Community Centers

Civic buildings that serve as neighborhood anchors. We design flexible, multi-use spaces supporting recreation programs, community meetings, and social services.

Expertise includes: Universal design principles, multi-generational programming, flexible room configurations, durable finishes, efficient maintenance.

Ideal for: Parks departments, community services agencies, neighborhood councils.

Educational Facilities

K-12 schools, libraries, and learning environments. We understand DSA requirements and create spaces that support diverse learning modalities.

Expertise includes: DSA approval process, classroom flexibility, outdoor learning spaces, secure entry design, Title 24 compliance.

Ideal for: School districts, community colleges, educational nonprofits.

Fan Engagement Hubs & Sports Facilities

Visitor centers, sports pavilions, and public gathering spaces that enhance civic amenities and support community programming.

Expertise includes: High-traffic design, way-finding, accessible spectator areas, concessions planning.

Ideal for: Parks departments, sports commissions, tourism agencies.

Pavilions & Temporary Structures

Outdoor structures, shade canopies, information kiosks, and event spaces that activate public spaces.

Expertise includes: Weather-resistant design, minimal maintenance materials, vandal-resistant detailing, modular systems.

Ideal for: Parks departments, transit agencies, event coordinators.

Landscape Design & Site Improvements

Public plazas, streetscape enhancements, park improvements, and civic landscape architecture.

Expertise includes: ADA-compliant paths, sustainable plantings, stormwater management, public furniture integration.

Ideal for: Public works departments, transportation agencies, redevelopment authorities.

Adaptive Reuse of Public Buildings

Transformation of underutilized civic buildings into vibrant community assets while respecting historic character and meeting current codes. 

Expertise includes: Historic preservation, seismic retrofitting, accessibility upgrades, energy improvements.

Ideal for: Municipalities with aging infrastructure, historic preservation offices.

Feasibility Studies & Master Planning

Pre-design analysis helping agencies understand site potential, budget implications, and phasing strategies before committing to full design.

Expertise includes: Site capacity analysis, cost estimating, program validation, community input facilitation.

Ideal for: Capital improvement planning, bond measure projects, grant applications.

As-Builts & Facility Documentation

Accurate documentation of existing public facilities for renovation planning, facility management, and asset inventory.

Expertise includes: Measured surveys, existing condition assessments, ADA compliance audits, deferred maintenance evaluation.

Ideal for: Facility management, capital planning, grant applications.

Full Architectural Service Phases

Complete Project Delivery for Public Agencies

We provide services through all phases required by California public agencies:

Schematic Design (SD)

Conceptual design establishing project scope, spatial relationships, and design intent. Includes cost estimating and community engagement.

Design Development (DD)

Refinement of approved concept with building systems coordination, detailed material selections, and specification development.

Construction Documents (CD)

Complete drawings and specifications for bidding and permitting. Our documentation anticipates contractor questions and complies with agency standards.

Permitting & Agency Approvals

Navigation of DSA, OSHPD, CEQA, or other specialized approval processes required for public projects.

Bidding Support

Preparation of bidding documents, responses to contractor RFIs during bidding, and addenda as needed.

Construction Administration (CA)

Site observation, submittal review, RFI responses, change order evaluation, and closeout documentation.

Public Sector Expertise

Mastering the Complexities of California Public Sector Design and Delivery:

ADA Compliance

Comprehensive accessibility design meeting CBC Chapter 11B and federal ADA requirements for public facilities.

California Building Standards Code

Current knowledge of Title 24 (all parts), California Building Code, and public agency amendments.

Sustainable Design

CALGreen compliance, LEED for public buildings, and strategies for high-performance civic facilities.

Grant Requirements

Experience with documentation and compliance for projects funded by state and federal grants (Prop 68, Parks bonds, HCD funding, etc.).

Subcontracting Opportunities

Add Us to Your Bench for Public Agency Projects

We actively seek subcontracting opportunities with established firms pursuing public agency work. Our SBE certification helps prime consultants meet small business participation requirements while delivering quality design services.

What We Bring as Sub-consultant:

✓ Reliable partner meeting deadlines and coordination requirements

✓ Experienced team understanding large project protocols

✓ Technical expertise in architecture, structural, and landscape disciplines

✓ Responsive communication adapting to your project management systems

✓ Quality deliverables matching your firm's standards

✓ SBE certification supporting your participation goals

Our sub-consultant experience includes:

• Architectural design services on multi-building campus projects

• Structural engineering for public facilities and infrastructure

• Landscape architecture for parks and public space improvements

• Accessibility consulting and Title 24 compliance review

• Construction administration and site observation services

Integrated Project Team

Complete In-House Capabilities

Licensed Architect

California registration, experienced with public sector delivery

Structural Engineer (PE)

Seismic design, structural systems, California-licensed Professional Engineer

General Contractor (B License)

Constructability review, cost estimating, prevailing wage expertise

Landscape Designer

Site planning, planting design, streetscape improvements

Interior Designer

Space planning, finish coordination, accessible design

Title 24 Engineer

Energy code compliance, CALGreen consulting, sustainability strategies

This team structure provides comprehensive services while maintaining the SBE certification that many public agencies require.

Let's Build Better Public Spaces Together

Whether you're a public agency planning a community facility or a prime consultant seeking an SBE partner, we're ready to collaborate.

Download Our Capabilities Statement HERE

We're ready to collaborate on your next public project RFP. Please click here to contact us to start the process.