How We Design
We generally follow a three or four step design process consisting of a pre-design phase, a schematic design phase, and a construction documentation phase. Depending on the scope scale of a project, we may also include a designed development phase between schematic design and construction documentation to further develop the plan before proceeding to the final documentation.
Pre-design is usually a brief phase where we have a conversation or two to firm up the program the location, the budget and establish the scope of deliverables (drawings, detail, details, 3-D models schedules, etc.).
The schematic design phase is where we get into the meet of the design process and prepare plans elevations, 3-D concepts, and images that help advance the design conversation.
Design development, if needed, is a more detailed version of this step that allows us to more fully flesh out the ideas before proceeding to construction documentation.
Construction documentation happens, largely behind the scenes, producing the working drawings from which your builder or contractor will work. Schedule one or two page term meeting during this phase to familiarize you with the drawing set, to review details, elevations, and schedules to get clarity on any outstanding items.
Pre-design
When we kick off a new project, we begin with an initial meeting either in person or on a video to talk about the basics of the project. We want to learn about you, your family your specific needs and desires for how you want to live in your home.
Each family is different in composition, personality, and how they envision being together in their home. It’s the job of architecture to respond to and understand a clients needs — both spoken and unspoken — and facilitate those needs in a thoughtful and Seemingly effortless way.
We use this initial conversation to start to shape our understanding of how the design and character of your home can mesh seamlessly with your life. We also look to establish an initial understanding of the site and the context.
Is this a renovation of an existing home? In addition.? or is it new Construction? Are we working in an urban context? A suburban Neighbourhood? A rural setting or a remote geography?
Schematic design
After this initial conversation, we will prepare a proposal outlining our understanding of the scope of work schedule for the design process and a proposed fee. As no, two projects or families are the same so two are no scopes or fees the same. We seek to Taylor our work effort to the needs and budget of the project and provide a customized drawing set that fits the scope and ambition of each project.
Once we commence the work of the project, we will prepare initial schemes, supported by plan, sketches, preliminary 3-D sketches and reference images for masking materials and images that informed the mood for style that suits the need of the client or of the project.
The design process proceeds as a series of two or three or sometimes more meetings where we seek to hone in on a floor plan layout a masking and exterior design scheme that addresses the specific geographic and context needs. The goal by the end of the schematic design phase to have a settled plan layout, a solid concept of the exterior elevations, masking and general approach materials and details, and typically a exterior 3-D model with these ideas documented.
Design development
Design development phase comes into play on larger or more detailed projects where very custom wall assembly structural schemes or particularly large program needs being accommodated. Doing this phase we build upon the work performed during schematic design, adding further detail and development to advance this toward a full set of answers, moving into the Construction documentation phase.
Construction documentation
Construction documentation, because the phase during which we prepare the working drawings that the builder a contractor will use to construct the project. It’s generally entails one or two Page turn meetings where we present a progress drawing set., review it with you and get answers to outstanding design, detail detailing material or other questions. As often than this phase that we will get into specifics about interior millwork, and cabinet layout., specifics about door and window schedules, and specific product specifications, or selections
Other scopes of work that come into play on specific projects are landscape, design, phases, Construction administration and full interior design, including furniture, fixture and equipment, selection, and procurement. When the scope and budget of a project can accommodate a full suite of these phases with kind, it can be a very rewarding process.
Construction administration phase typically consists of project oversight during Construction to review submittals from the Contractor for products, materials, and other selections, respond to Contractor questions on specific construction related items, and perform site visits to review work at key intervals.