OUR PROCESS
We approach each project as a new, unique opportunity to create a personalized space that reinforces and enhances the ideal lifestyle of its inhabitants. We carefully analyze the possibilities and limitations of your site and budget to establish the best solution for your needs. We see our clients as being a critical part of the design team, and work intently to include them in the process from inception to completion.
We know construction can be a stressful and intimidating process, especially for first-timers. We combine our skills, connections, and professional experience with an easy-going personality to help make the process as smooth as possible. We enjoy designing homes and want you to feel the same.
We believe that everyone deserves safe, thoughtful, and well-designed housing regardless of socio-economic status.
01
DIAGNOSIS
EXISTING CONDITIONS SURVEY
The first step in every project is a comprehensive site analysis. For renovations, our team will measure and photograph the existing space and start to build our digital model. We also perform a thorough inspection of the structure and systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.) to determine which elements may require repair or replacement. For projects in dense urban areas, we’ll explore alleys, utility connections (power, sewer, etc.) and the condition of adjacent buildings. For renovations and new construction, we’ll explore your property to determine optimal views, site access, solar orientation, and relationships to nearby or connected landmarks.
SITE ANALYSIS
Back in the studio, we’ll consult with local building and zoning codes to determine what is legally possible on your site. Variables we consider include site setbacks, lot coverage, permissible uses, maximum building heights, etc. Depending on the jurisdiction, it may be possible to pursue a variance to achieve our design goals.
NEEDS & VALUES CHARETTE (CLIENT INTERVIEW)
Armed with an intimate knowledge of the site and surrounding neighborhood, our most critical next step is getting to know you better. We’ve developed a series of questions that will help you think deeply about your home, your relationships, and your ideal lifestyle. The goal of every project must be to make life richer and more fulfilling. Our process seeks to find the essence of that richness.
02
DESIGN
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Based on the requirements established during Pre-Design, we’ll prepare one or more Schematic Design concepts for the Project. Each Schematic Design solution will include floor plans, elevations, and renderings as necessary to illustrate how we intend to tackle your Project. We’ll meet with you, usually in the space itself, to help you visualize our concepts. Our process allows for flexibility and changes at all times, and Schematic Design may involve a second or third (this is rare) round of revisions to make sure we get it right. Think of Schematic Design as “The Big Picture.” The following steps help us get closer to the details.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
With your approval of the Schematic Design, we’ll develop the floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, etc. and prepare additional details to fix and describe the character of the Project. The goal of Design Development is to create a set of drawings that describe the Scope of the Project. These drawings are often used to begin conversations with Contractors.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Based on the approved Design Development drawings, we’ll begin to create Construction Documents consisting of drawings and specifications that will describe the scope of work and be suitable for filing with the Building Department and for construction by the Contractor. Construction Documents usually include at a minimum: Architectural Floor Plans delineating the existing construction, demolition, new construction, and the cross referencing of details and sections on subsequent drawings; Finish plumbing fixture locations; Reflected Ceiling Plans indicating placement of ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted and recessed lighting fixtures, with associated switching arrangements, and locations for required smoke and carbon dioxide detectors; Details, Sections, Schedules, and Notes communicating, in detail, different aspects of the design relating to construction and/or code requirements; Structural plans including foundation, floor framing, roof framing and braced wall plans as required; Interior and Exterior material specifications.
03
DELIVERY
PERMITTING
Typically we prepare the application for the Building Permit as required by the local zoning code. We will create a Permit Submission Package, including a completed Application for Building Permit, multiple sets of the Construction Documents signed and sealed by the Architect.
BIDDING
We will introduce you to contractors in our network who we feel are appropriate for your Project. Factors we consider are fees, timelines, managment style and even personality. We’re here to help you find a contractor who can deliver our vision in a matter that is consistent with your values. We’ll lead any potential contractors through the site, answer any questions they may have and help you organize their bids.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
We love to see our projects come to life and are available to help you navigate construction. We pride ourselves on having great working relationships with our contractors. Ways we can help include: attending Project coordination meetings with the Client and the General Contractor as reasonably required to assist in expediting the Project and to provide clarification of construction documents; visiting the Project site at regular intervals as appropriate to observe the progress of the work and determine whether the work is in accordance with the Construction Documents; recommending the rejection of any work that is not in accordance with the Construction Documents; reviewing and certifying the General Contractor’s request for payment; reviewing subcontractors’ submittals such as shop drawings, product data and/or samples. The Architect shall prepare supplemental and clarification drawings, as required; and creating a “punch list” of work to be corrected and review the corrective work to completion.
