HOW WE WORK & OUR SERVICES
Creating or renovating your home is a deeply personal experience. It is a place shaped around how you and your family live. We see the role of an architect as translating your vision into reality. We listen carefully to your goals and ideas, then turn them into a common language that everyone involved can understand and build from. With a comprehensive understanding of the process, including the challenges that often arise, we guide you from start to finish, making the experience not only seamless, but genuinely enjoyable.
How we typically work and what we can do for you:
Initial Consultation
Let’s meet, get to know each other and discuss your project. This is an opportunity to share your project with us, ask questions about our firm and process, and determine if we might be a good fit at no charge to you.
Pre-Design
If it’s a go, we now officially get started on your project determining budget, collecting your needs and wants (Programming), researching your site and existing conditions to see what’s possible (Zoning Research, Feasibility Study, and Site Survey), and gathering any measurements needed to develop As-Built drawings. If not provided, a site survey will need to be completed. You can expect to be very involved during this phase, sharing inspirational images and perhaps doing a bit of ‘homework’.
Deliverables: Program, Feasibility Study, As-Built Drawings, Site Survey (completed by a Land Surveyor)
Duration*: 3-4 weeks
Schematic Design
In this phase, we begin translating your program into conceptual designs with basic floor plans and shapes to give you an overall look and feel. We will meet regularly, typically every two weeks, to see what resonates with you and make refinements. You can expect to be very engaged during this phase as well and begin thinking about interior and exterior materials and finishes (specifications).
Deliverables: Preliminary Site and Floor Plans, Preliminary Exterior Concept, Preliminary Specifications
Duration*: 4-8 weeks
Design Development
Once a scheme has been chosen, the exterior and interior design will continue to be refined with more detail including elevations and renderings working toward a set of plans and specifications. These can then be shared with potential contractors to get preliminary cost estimates and make further refinements as needed. As the project more fully comes to life, you will continue to be very involved in the overall design as well as selecting materials, finishes and fixtures. This is also when we begin coordinating with a structural engineer.
Deliverables: Drawing Set and Specification Document
Duration*: 8-12 weeks
Construction Documents
This phase involves developing the design drawings into a technical set of documents including construction details, technical specifications, and proper code information that is necessary for permit approval and communicating the design intent to the builder. While the design is well developed, clients can expect to be very involved in this phase as well making final decisions on materials and finishes, fixtures and equipment/appliances, and windows and doors. This is where we also help you select general contractors to get estimates from, if needed.
Deliverables: Construction Drawings and Final Specifications
Duration*: 8-12 weeks
Permit Submittal
During this phase, the proper drawings and applications are submitted to the building department. We provide any additional information requested by the building department and make necessary changes. This is also when we help you review estimates and make a final decision on a general contractor, if needed.
Deliverables: Building Permit Applications
Duration*: 6-12 weeks
Construction Administration
While most of our work is done before the building begins, we provide a consistent presence during the construction phase. We coordinate onsite and remote visits with you and the builder to ensure questions are answered and potential issues addressed. These can be weekly or monthly depending on the project needs, but are vital to ensuring your home ends up meeting your expectations.
Deliverables: Team meetings at a regular interval
Duration*: Varies
Project Management
At the center of every project is you. We guide the process from design through construction, coordinating consultants, schedules, and budgets while serving as your main point of contact. Through clear documentation and proactive problem-solving, we handle the complexities to create a smoother, more enjoyable experience so you can stay focused on what matters most.
* Duration can vary significantly by project