Our Process

Behind every successful project is a thoughtful and collaborative design process. This guide outlines the key phases of our architectural services so you know what to expect from the first conversation through the completion of your project. Whether you're building a custom home, planning an addition, or transforming an existing space, our process guides you through an intentional framework to turn your vision into reality.

Initial Consultation

This no-obligation meeting is an opportunity for us to learn about your project, understand your goals, discuss your vision, and answer any questions you may have. It's also a chance for you to get to know us, learn about our design process, and determine whether we're the right fit for your project. By the end of our conversation, you'll have a better understanding of the next steps and how we can help bring your ideas to life.

Pre Design

Pre Design is all about gathering information, analyzing, and creating a database before starting the design. We'll begin by visiting the site to analyze the features and document existing conditions if the project involves an addition or renovation. Next, we conduct a preliminary zoning and code review to ensure the proposed project is feasible and to identify potential challenges. Finally, we learn everything we can about the project (what types of spaces will be included, preferred materials, likes & dislikes, client lifestyle) through conversation and our client questionnaire.

Schematic Design

This is where your project begins to take shape. Using everything we've learned during our initial discussions, we'll develop design concepts for your consideration. At this point, the concepts will focus on the overall building shape, spatial arrangements, and general appearance. We'll meet to discuss each concept together, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and how they align with your priorities. In many cases, the preferred design combines elements from multiple concepts into a refined solution.

At the end of this phase we’ll typically have a preliminary site plan, preliminary floor plans, sketch elevations, and preliminary digital renderings.

Design Development

Taking the preferred concept established in the previous phase, Design Development begins to refine the design and dive deeper into the details. We will begin thinking about wall assemblies, building materials, and interior finishes. One of the most exciting parts of this phase is the advancement of digital renderings and visualizations to test ideas and help clients understand how the project will look and feel. Simultaneously, we will develop and integrate the building's structural, mechanical, and other building systems by engaging professional consultants as needed. Throughout this phase, we schedule multiple client meetings to review progress and work through the many decisions to be made.

At the end of this phase we’ll typically have a site plan, floor plans, elevations, preliminary building & wall sections, and digital renderings.

Construction Documents

This phase fixes all of the information about the project into a comprehensive set of construction documents that is used to obtain permits, solicit contractor bids, and build the project. Think of it like an instruction manual for building your new home, addition, or renovation. We continue coordinating with professional consultants, as needed, to ensure a fully coordinated design. We finalize the site plan, floor plans, elevations, building & wall sections, finish information, and a variety of other critical details. Finally, a quality control review and code compliance check are done to ensure the documents meet all relevant codes and ordinances.

At the end of this phase you will have a complete set of construction documents that serves as the roadmap for bringing your project to life.

Bidding and Negotiation

Having a good builder on board will help to price your project fairly and make the construction process much less stressful. While it is recommended to engage a contractor during the design process to weigh in on major decisions, refine pricing along the way, and strengthen trust between all parties, a contractor can also be selected after the construction documents are complete by a competitive bid process in which two or more contractors submit their prices to win the construction project. In either scenario, we can assist in distributing the construction documents to qualified contractors, answering questions about the design, and help you compare proposals to ensure they are aligned with your budget and the scope of work.

Construction Administration

During construction, we remain involved to help ensure the design is being built as intended. This phase includes periodic site visits, coordination with the contractor, and review of shop drawings, submittals, and product selections as needed. While the contractor is responsible for construction 'means and methods', our role is to support the process by upholding quality standards and resolving any design issues as they arise on site. Keeping the Architect involved during construction is highly recommended to achieve the highest standard of quality with your new project.

If you're ready to begin your architectural journey, today!