Architecture / Residential Design
“Big Picture” Design
So, why bother with an architect?
Simple: we approach things from a “master planning” perspective. Anyone can solve one problem at a time, but architects are trained to search for the underlying causes of concern and chaos in your current home environment and treat those first. For example, it’s not just about what kinds of cabinets you want, but how you prefer to use the kitchen itself, whether it’s a family hub or a solo task-oriented room. We ask questions, and we don’t offer advice until we’ve listened to you talk. It’s not about us, it’s about you! Understanding you and your goals is paramount to providing thoughtful, personalized plans of action. Picking cabinets is easy - save that for when you’re finished with the hard stuff!
(For more about this topic, read my blog post entitled “Is An Architect Right For Me?”)
Phase One: Pre-Design Services
Have an unfinished attic you wish could be living space? Want to expand that garage or add a backyard cottage? How about adding a second story or making that crawl space a full-height basement? Or a new piece of land that you don’t know what to do with?
Whether you wish to build up or out (or stay within the current footprint of your home) we can perform all kinds of pre-design services to make sure what you want to do is possible (legal) on your lot. This can include:
exterior envelope as-builts (measurements and drawings) of the outside of your current home in “as-is” condition
full interior as-builts (measurements and drawings) of your current home’s interior spaces on all floors
zoning code analysis (code research and allowances for your site)
land use diagrams (showing where and how much can be built up or out on your property in 3D (requires a site survey completed by third party)
Phase Two: Schematic Design Services
Then, we work with you to explore just how new plans might work based on your program requirements. This is called schematic design and may include:
scaled drawings (not computer generated) of different approaches and floor plan layouts that may achieve your goals.
written outline specifications for preliminary contractor pricing which go hand-in-hand with the schematic drawings. These documents are vital to relaying the quality and type of work shown in drawing form, and help contractors offer cost-effective solutions for what you desire.
schematic interior finish inspiration boards (pictures and products that show the look you are going for)
When you are comfortable with the design direction, we can proceed to assembling a contractor pricing package that includes computer generated plans and elevations, details for specific built-in elements (like cabinets or windows and doors) and the written specifications which provide a go-to document for prospective contractors to quantify the types of work and materials needed for your project.
Phase Three: Design Development Services
In this volatile building environment of 2022, contractors are usually the ones dictating the construction schedules at this phase. Depending on the size and requirements of your project, and due to the backlog of work induced by the pandemic, it may be 6-18 months until things break ground for you, which gives us plenty of time for the next phases of design, called design development. These can include:
Collaborating with a structural engineer for producing required seismic design and construction framing drawings
Collaborating with a civil engineer for exterior site construction that involves shoring, trenching, or other required utility design
Assembling a formal set of drawings (with calculations for the above engineering shown) for submitting to the building department in your jurisdiction. This permit submittal set will eventually be used for official inspections and check-ups required by the city or county.
Phase Four: Construction Documentation Services
With your contractor’s assistance, we can also plan for producing a full construction drawing set that includes any details and exterior/interior finish drawings in 3D to adequately document the construction of your project. The scope of this set varies considerably from contractor to contractor, and we work with them to only draw what they feel is helpful and required. They are the experts on how things come together, but if you want something to operate or look a certain way, the architect helps maintain design guidance throughout this process. And, since further detailing and specifying provides a greater amount of information to the contractor, it is also expected that the contractor provide updated pricing for your project every 3-6 months, as they have a much greater “thumb” on the construction economy that we as architects do! This process may include:
Interior finish drawings showing tile layouts, trim and casings, and custom millwork
3D views of interior spaces, especially where complicated forms come together
Construction-level written specifications that go into greater detail than the outline provided during schematic design
Phase Five: Construction Observation Services
When an approved building permit is issued, and a construction set of drawings is available, the contractor is able to break ground and mobilize on your site! We continue to work directly with you and them during construction for regular check-ins (usually one or two weeks apart) to gauge progress, answer questions, problem-solve any unforeseen issues, and review shop drawings from manufacturers. Our involvement provides a level of oversight that the “design intent” of your project is maintained throughout!