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 :
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.