Our Services . . . what we do

what are the basic steps involved?

Every architectural project is different, which is what makes our profession so interesting - we are certainly never bored! But, there are some basic steps that most architects follow, regardless of whether the project is residential or commercial. In very general terms, we work diligently to conceptualize the project in the beginning phases, and then continue to develop and refine the design with more details along the way. We start with the big ideas, and eventually end up “in the weeds,” working out the small details as we move through the process.

• Pre-design . . . the due diligence phase. Before we put a pen to paper, we need to understand the problem at hand. In this phase, activities might include a thorough zoning analysis, site visit, measuring the existing conditions, creating existing floor plans, examining the existing structure, a feasibility study, or helping an owner come up with a program (a list of spaces that need to be created with their approximate size) or a project narrative.

• Schematic design . . . the “art” phase. We synthesize all that we have learned during the pre-design phase and start to develop schemes that respond to the owner’s project requirements. Much collaboration happens in this phase between the architect and the owner to arrive at a solution that the owner loves.

• Design development . . . let’s get more real. Arriving at a conceptual design, the architects identify and continue to develop the details that will ultimately be needed in order to build the project. This phase will include the selection of major architectural materials (i.e. windows, siding, roofing, etc.)

• Construction documents . . . the “science” phase. OK, great, we have a design that we love and an idea of what materials we will use. Now, how do we actually build it? In this phase, we develop and decide on the final technical details that a contractor will require to bring the project to life. Many people understand this phase to be where the “blueprints” are created (our drawings aren’t blue anymore, by the way). These drawings, once completed, are submitted to the local municipality in support of the owner’s application for a building permit. They also form the basis of a construction contract with your general contractor.

• Construction Observation . . . our eyes on the construction site. By the time a project moves into construction, the bulk of our work has already been completed - the design is established, and the details regarding how to build it are researched and documented. Our role during construction is to make sure that what we spent much time discussing, researching and designing with our clients actually gets built the way that we collectively envisioned. In legal terms, we remain involved during construction to “ensure construction is progressing in accordance with the contract documents.” We do this by performing periodic site visits, particularly as construction milestones are completed (i.e. foundation, framing, insulation, etc.). Additionally, we are always available by phone for contractor questions as they arise.

what if i require additional assistance?

While the column on the left outlines our basic services, we can (and do!) add value to our clients by performing the following additional services:

• Master Planning . . . figuring out what to build. Many clients approach us without knowing exactly what they need, and that’s okay. We can help with that! We offer a Master Planning service, where we strictly work through pre-design and schematic design phases with you to help identify your options (and we always offer many, many viable solutions to your project’s challenges). This is especially useful if you intend to build your project in phases, or unsure of what the construction possibilities are.

• Bidding . . . assisting you in hiring the contractor. In this phase, you may choose your contractor on your own, or we may help that process by making contractor recommendations. We can assist you select a contractor by reviewing bids and estimates based on the construction documents.

• Renderings . . . 2D and 3D visualizations. You’ve all seen those beautiful images that help to explain how a project will look when it’s completed. Yep, we can do that, too!

• Municipal approvals . . . getting permission to build. If we discover that your project requires acceptance by a municipal board other than the local Building Department (i.e., Zoning Board, Planning Board, Architectural Review Board, etc.), we can prepare the application and documentation on your behalf, as well as represent you at the in-person hearing.

• Construction Administration . . . enhanced involvement during construction. For owners looking for additional assistance, we can be more present and involved during the construction of your project. We can attend weekly or bi-weekly jobsite meetings with the contractor, process shop drawings and submittals, respond to formal Requests for Information, and approve contractor’s payment requisitions, among other construction -related tasks. This is most beneficial for clients not familiar with construction, who are seeking additional assurance that their project is being constructed according to the details in the construction documents.

WHAT WE DON’T DO

It’s important for our clients to understand what we do, as well as what we don’t.

• Build . . . we leave that to a qualified general contractor to construct what we’ve designed.

• Small projects . . . we are currently accepting projects with a minimum construction budget of $250,000.

• Legalization of previous construction . . . we do not clear violations with municipal agencies for past construction work performed without a permit.

• Detailed construction estimates . . . we leave those to the general contractor. We provide basic construction estimates for budget purposes, but we do not provide project take-offs or detailed cost information.