Bernards, a nationally ranked multidisciplinary commercial builder and construction management company, is currently overseeing a full assessment for the Heard Museum’s main campus in Phoenix. The end goal of Bernards’ assessment is to provide recommendations and system solutions that could ultimately lead to an extension of the museum’s capacity and range in attracting exhibits.

“To further its mission—to educate people about the arts, heritage and life ways of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, with an emphasis on American Indian tribes of the Southwest—one of the Heard Museum’s ongoing responsibilities is the preservation of its irreplaceable collections through proper environmental controls,” says John Bulla, the Heard Museum’s Chief Operating Officer. “Bernards’ full campus facilities assessment will help us make the best possible decisions regarding the environmental preservation of the tens of thousands of pieces of precious art and artifacts our museum contains.”

The project will prove to be special for both Bernards and the Heard, as this is the first full evaluation for the historic institution since its inception in 1929. As part of the assessment, Bernards will provide exterior skin, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and controls assessments integrated in 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) model based on architectural and structural drawings, as well as a 6D Facilities Management Model. Upon completion, the assessment will illustrate long term system costs and building lifecycles for the museum to plan and prepare for future capital expenditures.

“Bernards’ focus is to utilize technology to grow and sustain the museum,” says Mike Rock, Vice President of Bernards. “Our expertise in project assessments and historical renovations will combine to preserve the Heard Museum’s reputation as an internationally known destination.”