THE PROCESS

 

• As-Built Drawings

For renovations and additions, the project starts first with creating as-built drawings. We spend time at the home and measure, photograph and document the existing structure and then create floor plan, exterior elevations and roof plan drawings of the existing conditions so that we can start the design process with the most current and accurate information about the existing conditions.

• Schematic (or Conceptual) Design

Schematic design is perhaps the most important time we spend interacting with clients. At this stage, we have frequent discussions in order to keep clients abreast of our work and direction and we are creating the concept and flushing out the best design. During this time, we present drawings that describe design ideas with respect to your budget. Throughout schematic design we expand your design options to ensure the project design is exactly what you want.

• Design Development

After reviewing the options completed in schematic design, we all work together to choose a future design direction. In most cases, we find that the chosen direction is a compilation of several ideas from the schematic design phase. At this point, we continue to define, through plans, elevations and sections, the size of rooms, types of materials, and exact placement of the building. During this phase, we study the whole building as a system, including discussing your sustainable/”Green” options, and discuss specific construction issues which may affect the final project. During this phase, a fairly accurate cost of construction may be obtained from the drawings we prepare.

• Construction Documents

In order to convey all of the discussions, decisions and drawings that result from schematic design and design development as precisely as possible, a set of detailed documents are prepared. This set informs the builder of the appearance and construction detail of the trim, built-ins, doors, and surface elements. These documents outline the expected level of quality, both in written and drawn format. Construction documents ensure the final drawings match the desire you ultimately envisioned after working through the design process. They also ensure the bids you receive from contractors reflect the details and quality you expect. In addition to securing design decisions we made, construction documents also minimize change orders and stressful snap-judgments made on the job site. At the end of this stage, we continue to work with you, as your advocate, to select a contractor (when necessary).

• Bidding, Permitting & Construction Observation

During this stage we operate as our clients’ advocate to ensure work is performed to the standards and quality described in the contractual documents we prepared. As part of our role, we answer contractors’ questions, communicate details when requested and make regular job site visits. Since the actual construction is often a busy and stressful time for our clients, our presence during construction is usually appreciated!

 

Choosing the right architect is absolutely essential to a successful project. So, it’s vital to find an Architect who listens and understands your style and needs. Once you’ve decided, here are a few simple things to do before meeting with us:

TIPS ON PREPARING FOR YOUR DESIGN PROJECT 

 

Collect an Idea Portfolio

Go through magazines, either pulling out or marking pages that have pictures that appeal to you. Or you can collect digital images and create Pinterest boards that can be shared with us, or Dropbox, or save the photos to send to us! The most comprehensive portfolios would have pictures in each of a number of categories, such as Exterior Appearance, Kitchen Ideas, Bathroom Ideas, Landscape Ideas, Window Ideas, Flooring Ideas and so on. However, if you do not have time to make an extensive collection, any pictures you provide will be extremely helpful. These photos will help to inform us of your style and general likes and dislikes. There are many great resources for inspiration on the internet too – like Houzz and Pinterest. Many of our clients create and share a Pinterest account with us as we start working on a design for their home.

Form a List

Create a list of some of the uses that you want your new project (house or building) to fulfill. This list could include things like the number of family, guests or employees who would normally be using it, and the types of requirements you have for dining, entertaining, working, solitary activities, and recreation.

Through work and discussion with us this list may change, however an initial list to get the ball rolling and open topics for discussion makes our meeting progress more efficiently. It’s good to create a “must have” list as well to really focus the conversation on what we absolutely must include in the new project. 

Realistic Budget

It is important to know in advance what your budget will be.

Some people make the mistake of choosing design features that far exceed their budget. This results in ’shock and awe’ when the construction cost is revealed, and disappointment when the project has to be scaled back to a realistic cost. We will be advising you, all the way along in the design process, the relative cost of your plans.

It pays to be totally honest and realistic about your budget with us. Designing on paper and working through budget issues in design is always more economical than design changes in the field during construction.

Open Your Mind

Having an open mind as design kicks off is the last but possibly the most important part!

We are trained to creatively design a project that meets your needs, while it reflects your unique requirements and tastes. If you are too prescriptive, you are not maximizing our talent and resources to create something that is uniquely yours!