We want to do good work.
We are a full service creative, architectural, interior design and more service. We specialize in creating spaces that inspire you to live your best life and do your best work. Our process and perspective comes from the long history we have in graphic design, creative direction, branding, presentation, engineering, construction and film production. Although we may have traded in some of the old hats we used to wear we have kept the all skills gained and continue to apply them to our ever evolving repertoire.
Process.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defines Five Phases of Architecture that are commonly referred to throughout the industry: Schematic Design, Design Development, Contract Documents, Bidding, Contract Administration. We have renamed them and expanded them to Seven, this makes them a little more understandable as to how we approach a project. Also, we’re always happy to discuss an a la carte approach if there are things on our list that you would prefer to do yourself
Phase 1 - Pre Design
This is just background research to better understand how the site relates to the surrounding area, climate, people, and the regulations that affect the project. We track these regulations in a Zoning Summary document and talk to city planning staff if questions arise. Evaluation of scope and objectives and document initial conditions. Clients should expect to be very involved and ready to answer personal questions during this phase. We sometimes give “homework” assignments to get to know you better. Collaborating in this way allows me to better understand your values and needs, resulting in a design that reflects your individuality with optimal functionality.
Phase 2 - Schematic Design
This is the most open and free part of the process, it’s when we start exploring design concepts; it is the time for testing options and getting a general idea of the look and feel. The floor plans and shape of the project will begin to take form. This culminates in a presentation and includes a round of revisions.
Phase 3 - Design Development
Layout completed, dimensions of all spaces finalized, and most materials selected. A structural engineer will be added to the team, and consultants for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems may be needed depending on the complexity of the project. Revisions past this point are billed hourly.
Phase 4 - Construction Docs
In this phase we develop the Design Drawings into a thorough and precise set of Construction Documents. These drawings and specifications have all of the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to communicate the entire design intent to the builder. We show how the building components should be connected, specify all of the materials, finishes, fixtures, equipment, and appliances to be installed, and coordinate our drawings with the structural engineer’s and any other consultant drawings.
Phase 5 - Permitting
During this phase we add to the Construction Documents any additional information required to get a building permit. This is the information needed to show the project complies with the applicable land use, building, and energy codes, and any other applicable guidelines and regulations required by the city or jurisdiction issuing the permit. We submit these drawings along with the various forms required for the permit application to the local plans reviewer, monitor the progress during the review period, and give additional information or clarifications as requested.
Phase 6 - Materials & Negotiation
Order fixtures and materials Present plans and discuss project with potential contractors to determine their suitability of the project. We sit down with the contractor to go over the plans and give them time to digest and come back with questions and suggestions. When the contractor comes back with a price for the job this is where my building experience comes in and we can help determine the best allocation of our resources and look for any padding in their estimate. In some cases it may be necessary for me to employ contractors, in which case we will handle payment of their invoices plus a 20% mark-up, to be reimbursed by the client on a case by case basis. There are almost always going to be design revisions based on the contractor and/or engineer’s findings, this step can be the most difficult and can have a huge effect on aesthetics. Our role as experienced builders and designers usually involves saving the intent of the design to bring it into compliance while also saving money. A few hours of our time here can add up to big savings in the final construction while not significantly impacting the design. Major revisions requiring new drawings at this point are billed hourly.
Phase 7 - Construction Supervision
While most of the architect’s work is done before any building begins, our consistent presence during the construction phase is equally important. We prefer to facilitate payment of sub contractors in order to maintain a strong design influence on the trades. During this phase we visit the job site (virtual visits possible too) at regular intervals to answer questions from the builder and proactively address potential issues (Travel expenses billed as incurred). At the end of the project, we help you develop your final Punch List to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.