WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN?
WHAT IS A MASTER PLAN AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Master Planning is a management tool used to ensure that an asset - typically existing or future land and buildings - is leveraged into first class outcomes that positively impact those who enjoy the resource. At its best Master Planning provides an inclusive, dynamic platform to seek and engage stakeholder input. Master Plans provide organizational focus, and can help identify and define strategies in areas such as fundraising, operations, marketing and community outreach. The end goal is a Plan that is exciting, realistic and feasible. A Master Plan should be undertaken by a specialized consulting firm who understands and can facilitate, engage, negotiate and synthesize the data into a logical and attractive plan that speaks to the mission and vision of your organization. A Master Plan is intended to be a long-term tool that transcends internal professional or volunteer leadership transitions. With significant financial investment on the line, a quality Master Plan can mitigate the risk of poor space planning and ensure that operations and service delivery align with future dreams.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN CREATING A MASTER PLAN? A thorough Master Planning process includes a series of steps or phases designed to solicit input from your organization’s professionals and volunteers, as well as leverage the consultant’s expertise. The Plan must take into account programs, accommodations, food service, health care, budget, legal codes and variances as well as the service needs and aspirations of your organization itself. Infrastructure items such as roads, paths, utilities, communications and security must be thoughtfully incorporated to tie your unique community together. The Plan should respect the land, ideally emphasizing that the buildings and the natural world can compliment one another. Achieving these complex relations requires time, creative thinking and substantial input and interaction between the client and the consultant. Master Planning facilitates new ideas and creates opportunities to uncover dreams that have not yet been given proper attention and consideration. It is this deliberate, persistent protocol that ensures your organizational history, culture and tradition is cherished, protected and perhaps updated for generations to come. During Master Planning your organization has the opportunity to dream big and bold. It is at the nexus of these ambitions that the practical realities of trends, market forces, budget and operations come together and the final product comes to life. Simply put, a comprehensive Master Plan prepares and propels your organization to success.
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN CREATING A MASTER PLAN? After recognizing that a Master Plan is a must-have value-added investment, the first step is identifying who will provide these planning services and be your partner for the entirety of the process. We encourage you to seek references, speak to the planners themselves and ensure your patterns of communication are in sync. Look at their body of work and years of expertise. Master Planning can be a complex and nuanced process but its potential impact is deep, rich and long-term. Master Planning provides guidance to capital projects that often have significant dollar value. As such, Master Planning is not the time to cut corners. A well-executed Master Plan can have an impact that is far reaching and provides for the frugal use of financial resources. When guided by an experienced team the process promises to be delightful and the outcomes inspiring.
CONTACT A MEMBER OF OUR CAMP TEAM TO GET STARTED Greg Copeland | Jackie Kaminsky | Melanie Spreen | Jessica Gaone | John Simpson
camp@domokur.com
" Here at the Y we work with lots of vendors, suppliers, and groups. We get great satisfaction when we can call one of these providers a partner. We look at Domokur Architects as a Partner with this YMCA...I would highly recommend Domokur for any site planning, capital planning and architectural work needed." -Mr. Bill Barringer Director of Facility Development YMCA of Greenville
“With little practical experience in the methods utilized in developing a master plan, we were very concerned about how the process would evolve. Your professional attitude in guiding both management and the Board of Directors through the process and helping us to make decisions regarding the future of our facility was much appreciated.� -Ms. Nancy Garran Executive Director Cape Cod Sea Camps