Services We Provide
HighRise Access Consulting provides independent façade access consulting services for both New Construction and Post Construction assets (existing buildings). We specialize in the planning, design, and performance across a multitude of façade access systems; including building maintenance units (BMUs), roof-mounted rigs, rolling gantry systems, monorail systems, davits & pedestals, self-powered platforms, fall arrest anchors, bosun chairs, horizontal life lines (HLL), automated robotic cleaning systems and other permanent façade access equipment used for routine high-rise maintenance such as window washing / cleaning, façade glazing operations and façade restorations—supporting architects, developers, and property managers worldwide.
New Construction Façade Access Services
Architectural Design with Façade Access Integration
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Preparation of a Concept Design Façade Access Report to clearly explain the maintenance and access planning options for your project.
Develop and review multiple façade access concepts aligned with architectural design intent, site constraints, and phasing strategies.
Identification of efficient, cost-effective, and design-integrated access solutions.
Clear comparison of pros and cons for each access approach to assist with an inform selection prior to Schematic Design.
Early review of structural loads, spatial allowances, and potential conflicts with façade and building systems.
Identification of constructability and long-term maintenance risks early to avoid late design changes.
Input to ROM cost ranges for each access concept.
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Further development and comparison of the selected façade access strategies, including building maintenance units (BMUs), roof window washing rigs, davits and monorail systems with self-powered platform, fall arrest anchors and horizontal lifelines.
Refinement of the schematic layouts to further support the projects suspended equipment options.
Close coordination with façade consultants, structural engineering teams, and MEP teams to discreetly integrate access systems and identify conflicts early.
Project-specific review of applicable façade access codes and standards based on jurisdictions.
Review of roof and parapet design to confirm anchorage locations, equipment reaches, and safe user access routes.
Early review of design complexities and operational challenges to minimize RFIs and field conflicts during later phases.
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Detailed coordination and drawings of BMUs, davit bases, tie-back anchors & monorail systems with added structural anchorage concepts to building components and equipment power outlet specs and locations.
Engineering review of system performance, load requirements, equipment maintenance and structural integration of code requirements and standards to ensure long-term compliance.
Planning for future maintenance, replacement cycles, and lifecycle serviceable costs.
Identification of potential design conflicts with façade elements such as mullion tracks, intermittent stabilization anchors (ISAs), architectural fins and/or mechanical systems.
Detailed development of façade access equipment specifications.
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Preparation and review of façade access drawings and specifications required for bidding purposes.
Clear scope definition for façade access equipment contractors.
Finalization of equipment travel paths and parking locations.
Integration of final operational considerations, including equipment maintenance access.
Coordination to resolve RFIs and constructability conflicts.
Vetting of façade access contractors through interviews or factory visits.
Review of bids and assistance in awarding of the façade access equipment contract.
Coordination with end-user stakeholders (property management / operation teams) to resolve and capture operational concerns.
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Review of shop drawings and façade access submittals for scope accuracy and code compliance.
Response to RFIs related to all aspects of the façade access strategy.
Reviews of change orders or design changes by contractors.
Field coordination and inspection support to ensure installation meets design intent, safety standards, contractual obligations and operational requirements.
Manufacturer factory visits for factory acceptance testing.
Verification of equipment anchoring, tie-backs, and load testing compliance.
Review of final manufacturing designs to resolve early identification of issues to prevent costly delays and future redesigns.
Ensuring equipment maintenance and serviceability is thoroughly organized for longevity.
Finalize field testing accompanied by an engineered field report capturing all relevant incomplete items given contractual obligations.
Post-Construction Façade Access Services
Support for Existing Buildings & Property Managers
For existing buildings applications, user safety, code compliance, operational efficiency, and cost-effective maintenance are key for long-term success. Our goal is to ensure that our clients have a team which can help them navigate the challenges relating to their façade maintenance equipment, by managing service providers, and identifying potential costly hazards.
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Comprehensive evaluation of window washing rigs such as BMUs, davits, monorails, self-powered platforms, bosun chairs, fall arrest anchors, tie-back anchors and horizontal lifelines.
Assessment of system condition, performance, and recommendations for replacements, repairs, and/or system upgrades.
Identification of personal safety risks, operational limitations, and potential litigation risks.
Evaluation against OSHA, ASME A120, NY State Department of Labor Advisory Standard (AS)-101, CAL-OSHA, EN 1808, and local AHJ standards to ensure systems are code compliant.
Assessment of individual component service life and replacement/refurbishment planning for costly parts such as hydraulic cylinders and pumps, motors, PLCs, VFDs, and wire ropes etc.
Assisting client in prioritizing repairs, upgrades, or replacements for cost efficiency and building budgetary planning.
Long-term capital planning to support future building budgeting.
Recommendations in maximizing window washing system performance and cleaning cycles.
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Development and review of preventative maintenance programs.
Review of existing inspection documents, OEM Operation Manuals (O&Ms), As-Built Drawings, Electrical Schematics, Wire Rope Certifications, Annual OSHA Certifications, and 10-Year equipment assessments to ensure their accuracy and conformity.
Detailed review of equipment design intent, stakeholder usage expectations, and regulatory obligations to develop a 3, 5, 7, 10-year maintenance plan.
Review of service providers inspection protocols to ensure they meet the required maintenance needs of the equipment design characteristics and OEM service intervals.
Field visits to oversee service provider inspections to ensure contractual obligations are met.
Oversight of suggested equipment upgrades or repairs by service provider.
Optimization of maintenance schedules and cleaning cycles to reduce downtime and extend lifecycle.
Assist with access strategies given user experience and building complexity.
Review of service providers contractual obligations and assist resolve disputes.
Negotiate repair costs and provide alternative solutions for long-term equipment component lead-times to limit downtime.
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Independent review of BMU and façade access service contracts.
Evaluation of repair scopes, pricing, and recommendations.
Development and management of service contract bid packages.
Support during vendor selection and contract negotiations.
Review of service providers technical understanding of equipment management.
Ensuring service providers deliver value and follow technical requirements.
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Guidance on mandated inspections and testing intervals for façade access systems.
Oversight and coordination of
OSHA annual certification
New York State Department of Labor (DOL) AS-101 inspections
Davit & anchor load testing certifications
10-year equipment re-certifications
Development of remediation strategies to bring systems into full compliance.
Review of New York State Department of Labor (DOL) Compliance Letters & Cease-Use Orders.
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Technical analysis of façade access equipment failures or disputes through engineering analysis.
Expert consulting analysis and reporting for litigation or insurance claims purposes.
Development of documentation for equipment performance, such as calculations, drawings, testing certificates.
Development field or lab testing criteria for litigation purposes.
Defensible technical opinions to support potential negligence or gross negligence, fraud or breach of contract by equipment suppliers or service providers.
Why Choose
HighRise Access Consulting?
Deep knowledge of codes, standards, and
AHJ requirements. Independent, full-circle façade access expertise from New Construction and through Post Construction.
Knowledge
ExpertiseExperience with façade access equipment design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance,
and remediation.
Proven track record on landmark
high-rise projects worldwide.
reliabilitY
Supporting architects, developers, property managers, and building owners to reduce risk and costs while maintaining project integrity.
supportWhy Choose HighRise Access Consulting?
KnowledgeDeep knowledge of codes, standards, and AHJ requirements. Independent, full-circle façade access expertise from New Construction and through Post Construction.
Expertise
Experience with façade access equipment design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and remediation.
reliabilitYProven track record on landmark high-rise projects worldwide.
supportSupporting architects, developers, property managers, and building owners to reduce risk and costs while maintaining project integrity.