The design process begins with a comprehensive on-site consultation. We meet to discuss your goals, brainstorm design approaches, review zoning constraints, define costs, and assess the feasibility of your project. This is also an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves and present the work of our firm. Following this meeting we submit a proposal for architectural services.

Once an Owner-Architect agreement has been accepted, we will work with you to develop and refine a vision for your project. Owner and Architect meet to review the property and further define the scope and program requirements. The budget and any constraints for the project are discussed. Existing conditions are determined and documented by site and zoning analysis and by field measuring and drafting the existing structure.

The goal of this phase is to arrive at a feasible and well-defined conceptual design. We will prepare and present rough sketches to show you the general concept with various schemes for your consideration. Models, sketches, or 3-dimensional renderings may be created to explain the design. After you select and approve a Schematic Design, we add information for preliminary pricing by General Contractors.

Your project gains clarity during Design Development as we create a comprehensive set of Construction Documents (CD’s) with architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical scope. We guide your selection of details that go into outline specifications listing materials, finishes, and product schedules. A thorough set of CD’s results in more accurate final bids and a smoother permit review process with fewer surprises during construction.

We help the Owner hire a General Contractor by directing the bid process. We can recommend appropriate contractors and communicate with them to clarify questions. Either the Owner or Architect submits plans for building permit review concurrent with Contractor pricing. The Construction Document package is used to obtain a building permit and may need to be reviewed by local, county, or city jurisdictions and a historic review board.

Open dialogue between the Owner, Architect, and Contractor is key to coordinating construction. We serve the Owner by facilitating regular progress meetings and helping to resolve hidden conditions. We observe construction and assess whether the Contractor is building consistent with design intent. We review Contractor payment applications and orchestrate design or scope changes. Unfinished or improper construction is evaluated and we help direct its completion.