Mission
Since the company’s inception, Cogdell & Mendrala Architects has maintained a reputation for creative, budget responsive design solutions while providing unsurpassed service to its clients. Founding partners John Mendrala and Don Cogdell established the firm with a mission - to critically study each solution, engaging a collaborative methodology - that continues to this day. Company Overvi
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With a twenty year history in higher education design, including over 20 projects on six different campuses in Georgia, CMA brings dedication to thorough programming, innovative design, exacting documentation and vigilant contract administration. CMA has a broad range of experience with numerous academic project types, including laboratories, general classroom facilities, specialized learning centers, student service centers and libraries. A continuous and open dialogue between the client, its representatives, and the design team is the primary ingredient for the success of every project. Each CMA team is led by a firm principal, and consists of experienced staff members selected to meet the needs of each specific project. As a result of this collaborative effort, utilizing staff and outside team members with a long history of working together, many of our projects come from repeat clients such as the Board of Regents, the Chatham-Savannah Public School System, the Housing Authority of Savannah, Savannah Christian Preparatory School, Live Oak Public Library Board, Hospice Savannah and the United States Postal Service, just to name a few. Cogdell & Mendrala projects are characterized by efficient organization, cost effectiveness and durability. Planning and designing buildings with a high level of finished quality; structures that anticipate the future through maximum flexibility; and overall architectural excellence using minimum financial resources, are all characteristic of our practice. CMA’s designs are characterized by their efficient organization and ability to be cost-effective. We have an outstanding record of budget responsiveness and accurate documentation which is important in minimizing unexpected costs related to Change Orders. We work from the project commencement to ensure the scope of work realistically matches the project budget. In collaboration with our cost management firm, we closely monitor materials, methods and systems on an ongoing basis to achieve the greatest value for each dollar spent.
