Design Process

INTRODUCTION

The design process outlined below is a guideline that achieves the greatest level of success in meeting your vision for your project. The process allows for a great deal of interaction between the architect and the client. We find that following these steps allow the client to fully participate and develop their vision even if they have never built or had any previous design experience. We consider our roll as translator of all the ideas, feelings and requirements for your project. We work closely with our clients to determine their needs. We value the input of every person involved in the project. We listen to the viewpoint of any person that impacts the design so that we fully respond to the client’s needs.

Phase I – Pre Design

Your dream begins with your vision and needs for your home. First, we visit the sign and perform a thorough code review. Then, the designer helps you do develop a “program” or basic requirements. We begin with a program questionnaire that allows us to create a list of basic necessities and functional elements such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc. In addition, we also discuss concepts and ideas that are important such as style, spatial relationships and much more. Budget and schedule are also determined including critical documentation such as survey and soil reports.

Schematic Design

Finally, we go to the drawing board. We begin with conceptual floor plan sketches. Here, the designer space plans until the design meets both critical requirements from the questionnaire as well as responds to all the ideas discussed.

Phase II – Design Development

Floor plan – The designer translates his sketches and ideas and develops a detail plan to scale. Plans are incorporated into AutoCAD, a computer drafting program that gives us accurate room proportions and dimensions. Fine details are incorporated into the floor plan. The final plan is colored and presented to the client along with other illustrations of spaces and details to assist in conveying and imagining all concepts. Once the client responds to the plan, the designer fine-tunes the design to meet the final vision and expectations.

Elevation

The designer then develops exterior elevations based on the client’s style and taste. We pride ourselves in capturing the historical characteristics, rhythms and proportions of each style. A colored concept is prepared to demonstrate the scale and depth of the home and they are presented to the client. Once again the client responds to the drawings and approves the final design.

Phase III – 50% Construction documents

The designer meets with the owner and discusses and reviews detailed building options with the client. Because building methods and materials greatly effect budget, the client is educated on options they have for the project. The approved design is then further detailed for construction. Design specifications are created that communicate materials and construction methods for each aspect of the project. The architect works with the engineers to begin developing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing drawings. When the engineering is laid out the designer meets with the client to redline and make final revisions to the engineering plans. The designer assist the client in relaying their options for buildings systems.

Phase IV – 100% Construction documents

Final engineering and all details are completed. The final plans will consist of all the necessary drawings and details to communicate the accurate construction of the client’s home. The plans consist of floor plans, exterior elevations, foundation and structural drawings, cross sections, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans. Other information includes site plan, wall sections, construction details and optional interior elevations. Final documents are reviewed with the owner and are ready for permitting and construction. All applications, product approvals and city required documents are delivered.

Construction Phase

The architect’s role continues throughout construction. The architect periodically reviews the construction progress, interprets drawings and reviews shop drawings as required.