Our Services.
Whether renovating, expanding, or starting from ground-up, we assist clients with the design, documentation, and construction administration phases, up to the moment that they are ready to call their house, their dream home.
1. Pre-Design
We begin this stage with an initial meeting to discuss the client’s needs and hopes for their home, followed by a visual site evaluation, which will aid in the site investigation process.
By the end of Pre-Design, the client shall have a clear understanding of their design requirements, program needs, the local codes and regulations that apply to their project, and where and how much development can occur.
Think of this phase as the “discovery” phase; it is the first and most important one. Pre-Design sets the tone for the project, and we help the client define their goals and priorities so that we are all on the same page.
Furthermore, this stage is vital for site information discovery as we investigate your particular site's constraints and opportunities. We do this by studying local laws, codes, and regulations that would impact your project.
2. Schematic Design.
Based on the “discovered” information gathered during Pre-Design, we develop a couple of design options for the client. Schematic Design is where we get into design elements, dial down areas, building size, ceiling heights, number of doors/windows, etc. It requires on-going communication with the client so that all parties are in agreement before moving forward.
3. Design Development.
Once the designer and client agree on the design's intent, we then introduce the project to outside consultants. Structural Engineers and Energy consultants are common, but additional consultants & specialist might be required on a case by case basis.
We then coordinate all of the consultants’ input and information into the Construction Documents.
4. Construction Documents.
This phase is divided into two sections. Construction Documents, where all the information in the previous stages gets documented for permits, bidding, and construction sets. While Bidding and Negotiation happen when the client and designer solicit bids from contractors and negotiate the construction contract.
5. Construction Administration.
Once a permit is submitted to a building and planning dependency, we assist clients with the follow-up emails and answer questions that the building officials may have to avoid delays in the approval process.
When a permit has been approved, drawings are handed over to the contractor, and construction work can start. During this phase, the designer observes construction to ensure the project is built according to the drawings, design intent, and specifications.
Remodel projects are expected to show discrepancies between existing conditions and what is in the drawings; this phase helps resolve any inconsistencies promptly so that the general contractor's time & fees can stay on track.