Design Phases
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The schematic design phase begins with gathering and analyzing relevant information to create a detailed program of your needs and requirements. We endeavor to create a design tailored rather than forcing you to adapt to a predefined space to help bring your vision to life. We collaborate with you to create a comprehensive “program” that outlines all necessary areas to be designed within your building. We thoroughly examine applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances that will impact the project, ensuring compliance and excellence at every stage. Additionally, we gather site information, including utility locations (obtained through formal surveys), soil stability (assessed through geotechnical engineering), slopes, views, solar orientation, and prevailing wind directions ensuring every functional and aesthetic aspect is optimized. If your project involves a remodel, we will carefully measure, analyze, and document the existing plans and elevations in a digital format to provide a clear picture of the existing layout, allowing us to envision new possibilities.
Once we have synthesized all of the essential information, we initiate the design process by creating “bubble diagrams” and sketches that depict the fundamental arrangement of each space identified in the programming stage. Concurrently, we develop what we refer to as the "big idea" — the overarching concept that will guide the design throughout the project. This focused vision will ensure we remain aligned with your goals as we work through preliminary CAD (computer-aided design) drawings, bringing clarity to organizational layouts and design concepts. As we transform these sketches into preliminary CAD (computer-aided design) drawings, we strive to clearly convey both the spatial organization and the core concept of your project.
Our goal is to refine these ideas collaboratively until we achieve a schematic design that excites and satisfies your expectations.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
As we transition into the design development phase, we’re committed to transforming our approved ideas into detailed design drawings. This includes crafting well-considered floor plans, building sections, exterior elevations, and site plans that will form the blueprint of your future space. We will also address key structural, mechanical, and electrical systems during this time.
We recognize the importance of operating within a budget; our team will guide you in engaging cost estimators, as needed, or initiating discussions with your general contractor, who will provide valuable insights into current material costs. If necessary, we can explore strategic ways to modify or phase aspects of the design over time, ensuring your vision remains intact without compromising financial realities.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
During the construction documents phase, we prepare the essential drawings required to secure building permits and to accurately guide the construction of your building. Our primary focus is on developing documents that articulate the design intent and communicate to the contractor precisely how the building should look ensuring that your vision is faithfully executed. This will encompass a complete set of drawings and specifications as needed. It's important to note that not all elements are required for a project permit. Though interior elevations and intricate design details may not be necessary for permitting, they are essential for accurate contractor pricing and to fully convey the design intent.
Partnering with us means investing in a thoughtful, engaging design journey tailored specifically to you. Together, we’ll create a space that is not just built, but is a true reflection of your aspirations, needs, and lifestyle.
BIDDING NEGOTIATIONS / CONTRACTOR SELECTIONS
We assist in various aspects of architectural construction administration. This includes recommending several contractors from whom to solicit bids. This process generally begins when the feasibility/schematic design phase is nearing completion. We provide written instructions to bidders, bid forms, and documentation of the results. When a contractor has been selected, we work together with them throughout the remaining design process to ensure that material and construction costs align with the client's budget.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
As an additional service, during the construction of your project, we offer ongoing interpretation of the contract documents and clarification of the intended details to achieve optimal results. If specified products are not available, we recommend suitable substitutions or suggest design adaptations to accommodate new products. In remodel projects, assumptions made in the earlier phases of design regarding existing conditions (such as those within walls or below grade) may need to be adjusted when actual conditions are uncovered during demolition and construction. We strive to resolve any disagreements that may arise between the owner and contractor during construction.
We conduct periodic visits to the construction site to monitor the progress of the work and its conformance with the contract documents. Our goal is to protect you against defects and deficiencies in the work.
Additionally we can review the contractor's applications for payment and make recommendations regarding the amounts due in accordance with the contract.
We review and make recommendations regarding the contractor's submittals (such as shop drawings, samples, and request substitutions), and prepare change orders and other documentation of decisions made during the construction.
