The Design Process (or what to expect)

Architectural projects typically have 5 phases; pre-design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.

       Pre-Design Phase includes :
  • Developing a project program.
  • Helping you to hire a surveyor, then study the site survey of property and existing conditions, if any, related to program requirements, zoning requirements, HOA requirements etc.
  • Measuring existing conditions, if any, and creating existing drawings in AutoCad.
  • Documenting visible existing structural conditions, if any, relevant to proposed renovations/additions.
  • Documenting relevant visible existing plumbing and electrical conditions, if any.
     
    Schematic Design Phase includes :
  • Developing options as appropriate.
  • Reviewing and evaluating all options; developing new version(s) from preferred aspects of original schemes.
  • Identifying preferred scheme; documenting the preferred scheme in plans, exterior elevations, and sections.
  • Reviewing plans and elevations with builders/contractors to develop a preliminary construction budget.
  • At this point you may choose to work with a particular builder on a negotiated basis to follow through with construction or you may competitively bid the project once the construction documents have been completed.
  • If the project is over budget at this point, program and/or design must be re-evaluated.
     
    Design Development Phase includes :
  • Developing approved schematic design in AutoCad.
  • Meetings as required to review and identify all final construction materials, doors, windows, finishes, and appliances and appropriate fixtures, etc. that affect development of design.
  • Producing accurate ¼” floor plans, elevations and sections for final design approval.
  • Producing interior elevations of interior spaces for design review as necessary; identifying and designing built-in casework, etc.
     
    Construction Documents Phase includes :
  • Coordinating work of consultants.
  • Meeting to review all remaining design issues associated with the Design Development drawings.
  • Finalizing window and door types and sizes, ceramic tile finishes, kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, etc.; review lighting fixture and electrical layouts.
  • Producing all necessary architectural and engineering drawings for permitting and construction.
  • Producing all necessary Window, Door, and Finish Schedules.
  • Producing details for construction and Specifications for project.
     
    Construction Administration Phase includes :
  • Assisting Owner in selecting and hiring a contractor/builder.
  • Visiting job site to observe construction and review per the drawings and specifications.
  • Developing additional details for construction as required to aid the contractor in construction; answer contractor questions by telephone or email as needed.
  • Reviewing contractor requests for payment at the owner’s request.
  • Performing final punch list after contractor has achieved substantial completion. This means reviewing the work to be sure all is done per the drawings and specifications.