
Design is a process that begins and ends with the needs of our
clients. We approach each design with a clean page. Each project
presents us with a new vision and a unique set of circumstances.
Our
designs reflect the ideas and needs of our clients with innovative
solutions that withstand the test of time.
We can begin early in a
project developing feasibility studies and site evaluations or
assisting in the planning process. We can utilize study models,
renderings and freehand sketches to help describe the architectural
solution. We use AutoCAD and Architectural Desktop to produce
working drawings and multiple three-dimensional views. Our goal is
to convey your vision into a buildable design to meet your needs.
Planning / Preliminary Design
During due diligence period or just after purchasing a parcel of
land, the Preliminary Planning Phase provides the Owner a quick
insight of the site’s potential for development and usability based
on current land-use and zoning codes. Part of the Project Research
Phase would be included during the Planning Phase.
Project Research - Codes/Ordinances/Laws
Numerous codes, ordinances and laws will apply to any specific
project. It is important to establish which specific codes apply and
to understand their impact on design options and construction
materials and cost as early in the project process as possible.
During the construction document and construction phase, it is
important to incorporate these requirements in the documents and the
finished building.
Concept Development
Concept Development is intended to establish building relationships
with the site and space relationships within the building. This
phase can be an intense period of Client involvement whereby the
Client gives input on the "design". Critical building and site
relationships are established during this Phase while the actually
designing of the building and space commences during the schematic
phase.
Schematic Design (SD)
Schematic Design is the "Preliminary Design" effort to establish the
Owner requirements for the project, and to define these requirements
so that the Owner and Project Team clearly understand the scope and
limitation of the services.
Design Development (DD)
The Design Development Phase is the "Design Freeze" effort to
research and develop the Schematic Design studies to the point of
proving compatibility of all systems incorporated in the project.
The intent is that final contract documents be developed from the
Design Development documents. This phase is also the graphic and
written representation of the design character.
Construction Documents (DD)
The Construction Document Phase is the design effort to prepare
final contract drawings and specifications necessary to advertise
for bids and/or construct the project. Final documents should evolve
smoothly from the information provided in the Design Development
documents.
Bidding / Negotiation (BN)
The bidding period is a time when the selected qualified contractors
provide a construction cost/bid based on the Construction Documents
and the selected delivery method and project schedule. Once
submitted, the bids are then reviewed and negotiated for final
selection. In Design/Build delivery method, this phase happens
simultaneously with the Construction Documents Phase and refined
after the
Construction Administration (CA)
The Principal-In-Charge will be involved during the Construction
Administration; the firm’s Project Representative (a member of the
design team) will take the lead during construction. The Project
Representative will conduct periodic (observation) reviews, review
shop drawings/submittals, and meet with the Contractor. Frequency of
site observations is outlined in the Agreement.
 |