Process
Working with Chris on our renovation project was an extremely positive experience. Being able to work through various versions of our dream house on paper with him before committing to the final plan was so helpful. He did a wonderful job of really listening to our needs and translating them into a beautiful design. His attention to even the smallest detail really brings the entire thing together.
Most people know the basics of what an Architect does; however most are a slight fearful of the unknown aspects of how it all gets done. Hopefully, after reading this brief summary of the process, the unknown will feel a bit more comfortable.
The process of design always begins with defining the problem. Problem is this case is a most wonderful word. Through the medium of floor plans, diagrams, sketches, building elevations, and models, the Architect will explore the sculpture of building as solutions to these ‘problems’. Throughout the design process these drawings will grow in detail and complexity, each iteration feeling more real, and solving more completely your ‘problem’. Once the iterations of design settle down and the plans and building elevations are agreed upon, we move to the next phase of making the art into something real.
This part of the process takes some time- usually several months. The Architect will create a set of drawings and building specifications which will effectively communicate to the contractor how to build every aspect of the design. These same drawings will allow you to apply for a building permit and get hard, accurate costs for the entire project.
What is this all going to cost? Should I bid the project out to several contractors or pick one early on? Who should I choose? Will the Architect be on site during construction? At what intervals should I pay the contractor? How do I monitor quality during construction? How long will it take to build? These are many of the questions everyone who builds needs to know. The answers are also part of the process and are specific to each project. (See Value of an Architect in the Resources section of this site)
Call or email us. We’ll look forward to getting your questions answered.
Architectural Services
Following is a list of services provided by our firm: Design of residential buildings and all their components, site layout, construction consultant, lighting design, specifier of all building components, subcontractor and contractor contacts, bidding and permitting, construction administration from contract signing through the completion of the project.
The following are other services which may or may not be required to achieve the best result with your project. These consultants would be contracted by our firm and their fees included in our Design Agreement:
- Structural/Mechanical Engineer
- Interior Designer
- Landscape Designer/Architect