ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS

a simple philosophy

The Architectural design process is a communication process. Our philosophy is simple – listen to the client and produce their dream, not ours. Listening is the critical and key element in drawing from the client their sense of home, building or place. The end product is purely a result of combining the clients’ visions and dreams with our stylistic influences to create a unique home or building that totally reflects the individual desires, character and personality of the client while being a direct response to its’ site and surrounding environment. The process is part Architect but must be all Client. We have not succeeded unless the end-product is one with the Client. The process created for each specific client will be as individual as the home crafted from its outcome. It is truly a total collaboration between owner/client, architect and any other members of the team that may be involved – interior designers, engineers, landscape architects and contractors, subcontractors and product suppliers.

Initial Meeting

Prior to preparation of a proposal for architectural services or execution of a contract, this is an introductory meeting that allows both parties to meet and have an informal discussion about the Client’s vision of the project and introduction to the scope of work. The meeting presents an opportunity to determine compatibility between Client and Architect and provides the architect with the information necessary to understand the proposed project and to formulate a proposal/contract to the Client.

Depending on the project, this first step may be handled virtually or via email. Whether the meeting is physical, virtual or via email, the Client will be provided a Pre-Project Questionnaire from the Architect. This document will provide the Architect with the information about the project and scope of work in order to develop a formal proposal for architectural services.

Site Selection/ Site Analysis

This process may have already taken place by the time the architect and Client first meet. If not, if established as part of the scope of work, the Architect can help the owner with the actual selection of a lot or property. If the property is already in possession of the Client, the Architect will evaluate the property and recommend to the owner the best location for the home or building.

Initial Site Visit

After execution of the contract, unless the Architect and Client reviewed the property during the site selection process, the first step is to visit the site. The purpose of the site visit is to familiarize the Architect with the conditions, opportunities, and constraints relative to the site. This site meeting will help to visualize the potential project and building site location and maybe even help establish the initial conceptual design thoughts.

Educational

A continuing process of educating, informing, and enlightening the Client during the programming and design processes to assist in furthering their creative vision and ability to learn to “think outside the box.” This phase will include recommending books, articles, and reference materials to increase client involvement and enjoyment and to stimulate the development of ideas. The process may involve visiting other projects or reviewing photographs of homes or businesses with similar concepts, feel or detailing.

Programming

The Architect will provide the Client with a multiple page questionnaire designed to solicit ideas, thoughts, concepts, and information from the Client. The idea is to provide the architect with as much information possible about the Client’s wants, desires, and needs relative to function, aesthetics, layout, room relationships, details, schedules, and budgets. The answers from the questionnaire will be converted into a written program that will be used as an evolving design guideline throughout the design process.

Schematic/Preliminary Design

This stage includes several meetings between Client and Architect to produce a clear design concept reflecting the programmed wants and needs of the client. Documents during this phase may include such items as simple “bubble” diagrams and freehand sketches and should take the project through a conceptual site plan, floor plan and exterior elevations.

Design Development

Design development is a further delineation of the schematic/conceptual stage. Its purpose is to further refine the documents produced during that stage and to refine concepts, confirm building areas and preliminary contractor pricing to ensure the project is still on the right track before completion of construction documents. Drawings would move from freehand to computer produced CAD documents at this time. Several additional meetings between client and architect will take place during this stage.

Loose 3-D or “Sketch-Up” type renderings could be produced at this time as an aid in studying shapes and forms and to help identify potential construction conflicts.

Construction Documents Phase

During this phase, the Client and Architect will meet several times to review and approve the various architectural drawings that will be ultimately used for construction of the project. The amount of drawings and level of detail provided will be dependent upon the established scope of work criteria. Such things as construction and product specifications and color and material selections may be a part of this process as well if requested by the Client.

3-D or “Sketch-Up” type renderings could be produced at this time as an aid in studying shapes and forms and to help identify potential construction conflicts and as presentation or display products.

Consultant Coordination & Documents Review

During the course of the design and construction documents phases of the project, and as may be required for permitting, a number of consultants may be required to provide service, information, data, or documents. Such consultants may include, among others, surveyors, land planners, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers, lighting, kitchen, audio-video and security consultants, landscape architects, interior designers, and ADA (handicap accessibility) plan reviewers. We can either assist the Client in recommending and/or obtaining consultants for these various phases of work, or we can coordinate, monitor, and review the work of the consultants on behalf of the Client.

Contractor Introduction/ Identification & Evaluation

We assist the Client in identifying appropriate contractors for the project, introducing them to those we know could provide the proper level of service for their project, or assist in evaluating contractors chosen by the Client.

Bid Process/ Contractor Selection/ Contractor Negotiation

In this phase we handle the bid process and contractor selection/negotiation process completely or we can assist the Client in whatever portion of the process would be of benefit. This phase would include distribution of plans, reviewing plans with the contractor(s), evaluating contractor bids or cost estimates, and awarding the contract to the selected contractor.

Contract Administration/ Construction Observation

This stage occurs during construction of the project. We come out to the project site on a pre-determined schedule and number of visits to observe the work being performed by the contractor. Our role would be not as a construction inspector, but to ensure that the home or building is being built according to the construction documents prepared for the project. At the end of each month, or according to whatever construction draw schedule has been pre-determined between Client and contractor, we would review the contractor requests for payment and approve the draws for payment by the Client or lender, as the case may be.