KSU BR-90-2601-DP Bailey School of Music & Textiles Chastain Pointe Renovations

Kennesaw State University, operating under the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, is seeking design professional services for Project No. BR-90-2601, the Bailey School of Music & Textiles Chastain Pointe Renovations, located in Cobb County, Georgia. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) solicits comprehensive design services from conceptual design through construction administration for the renovation of approximately 50,000 to 60,000 square feet across two coordinated scopes within an existing warehouse conversion at the Chastain Pointe Arts District. The selected design professional must provide all services including schematic design, design development, construction documents, interior design, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems design, structural design, and cost management. The design professional must be an individual architectural/engineering firm performing a minimum of 50 percent of architectural design services in-house, with optional associated firms providing up to 50 percent of design services. Statements of Qualifications were due January 27, 2026, with finalist notifications issued February 2, 2026; a mandatory pre-proposal site visit was scheduled for February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM; fee proposals from finalists are due February 25, 2026; and interviews are scheduled for February 26, 2026. The evaluation criteria for the RFQ phase are weighted 25 percent for firm stability and resources, 45 percent for relevant project experience and previous performance, and 30 percent for apparent suitability to the project type and owner needs. In the Step II finalist phase, evaluation is weighted 50 percent on design team qualifications and experience, 25 percent on design plan and methodology, and 25 percent on team communications and project solutions. Design services are anticipated to commence in Spring 2026, with construction documents completion targeted for Spring 2027. The project utilizes Design-Bid-Build delivery methodology and will employ a commissioning agent.

The procurement includes requirements for professional liability insurance, E-Verify federal work authorization compliance, and disclosure of any business relationships or conflicts of interest with the Board of Regents and related entities. Proposers must complete required certification forms affirming that the firm and its principal employees have not been convicted of crimes of moral turpitude or felony offenses within the preceding five years and have not been suspended or debarred from contracting with federal, state, or local government agencies. The opportunity encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), with submission of minority status certifications required. Four firms were shortlisted on February 2, 2026: Houser Walker Architecture, LLC; Lord Aeck Sargent Planning & Design, Inc.; PBK Architects Georgia, P.C.; and Walker Architects, Inc. A Notice of Intent to Award indicates that contract negotiations were underway with Walker Architects, Inc. The preliminary stated cost limitation for construction is estimated at $16,500,000, with the design professional base fee approximately $1,100,000; the Board of Regents reserves the right to negotiate fees with the highest-ranked firm and, if necessary, proceed sequentially with lower-ranked firms until mutual agreement is established. The project incorporates requirements of Georgia's Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Construction Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Section 179D energy tax deduction provisions, with proposers required to indicate their intent regarding Section 179D allocation eligibility. All projects target a minimum of 2 Georgia Peach Points for sustainable building practices.