Initial meeting and Strategy

After meeting with clients to hear about a project, I come up with a proposal of work needed to develop the project, a timeline, and fees.  Each project is unique and proposals are based on time estimated towards each phase.  Once we are in agreement about the proposal, a contract is signed and I will begin necessary measurements or initial research needed for concept sketches.

Schematic Design

This phase involves my getting more involved with the project, visiting the site, and assessing it for design.  I consider everything discussed with the clients about what they need, budget, and site constraints, and then create scaled schematic drawings.  The concept is presented to clients and changes are made based on their reactions.  We work together to create the optimal solution. Schematic design drawings can be used to gather ballpark estimates of construction costs from contractors.

    DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The Design Development phase takes the schematic design we've settled on as client and architect and further develops details like the plumbing, electrical, and structural components. I take the drawings a few steps further and we make decisions about specific materials, window and door types, etc.  The level of detail is determined by the client and the project requirements. The Design Development phase concludes with a presentation to, and approval from, the client.

Construction Documents

Construction documents are used by the contractor for both permitting and building.  These are the most accurate to determine construction costs, and I work hard to include all details and work out any issues before building begins so that surprises (read: extra costs) are limited (or eliminated!).  Construction documents are a form of contract with the builder, so each detail should be spelled out properly.

These are the basic services involved in any project, whether it’s a bathroom renovation or a custom home. Other services include master planning,  site planning, floor plan consultations, interior design, and construction administration (in which I visit the site and am “on-call” during construction to make sure construction is going according to plan and schedule). All of these services can be figured into the proposal or added later during the project.