The Architectural Process

Overview of the Architectural Process

Step One: Contact

Listening is what we do

At our first meeting we will review the basics of what you are envisioning to begin to translate a vision into a reality

Design Tip #1: The more you know about what you want the more time and money you Save! Don't be shy start a file with clippings of images and products from magazines that want in your home and share it at our first meeting.

Agenda for an Initial Consultation

Review site/structural existing conditions
Develop design requirements
Review owner's concerns/questions/budget
Determine architectural & construction schedule

Step Two: Contract

Summarizing the Kit of Parts

Taking in your design needs, project budget and the scope of work required to bring it all to life, we will set up a fee structure that is appropriate to your project

Design Tip #2: No matter what architect or designer you go with always start your process with a written agreement or contract that details the services the your professional expects to render for the asked fee. It protects you and them!

Contracts and Fee Types

All contracts will outline in detail the proposed architectural services and apply a fee structure however there are multiple types fee structures:

Time & Materials (hourly rate with reimbursable expenses)
Fixed Fee or "lump sum"
Percentage of Project Cost (varies with size and complexity of project)

Be aware that a fee for the architectural design professional may include compensation for engineering consulting services depending on the project.

As well, it is a good policy to have a contingency budget (5% to 10% of the construction cost) for unforeseen condition found during construction or demolition.

Step Three: Measure and Draw

The Design Phase

Depending on the project, there may be a need for your existing home to be measured (inside and/or outside). These measurements will then be used to generate "existing condition drawings" which detail what is currently on site, so that anything new can be coordinated with it.

Design Tip #3: Unless your project is 100% interior or only cosmetic alteration to the exterior you will probably need a site survey. Every town requires certain set backs to be maintained depending on zoning and as such if you can hand you architect or designer a drawing or digital file of your property you are already off to a great start! Contact a licensed site survey (capable of digital output) or ask if your design professional can recommend some one.

Steps to the Design Phase

Programming - determining what to build
this is where the requirements of the project are defined (how many rooms? how big?)
Schematic Design - developing a concept
this is where your design professional will take the program that was developed for the project and begin sketching a series of plans that organize the site, building, rooms and exterior facades. Once you approve the sketch the next phase will start.
Design Development - polishing the sketch
after the approval of the schematic design, more refined plans are created. These plans communicate more detailed aspects of the project, like room dimensions, materials and finishes to be used. This step may depending on the project develop an outline specification that puts together in words details regrading the items shown within the drawn plans.

Design Tip #4: Know what you want and make any design changes while the project is still on paper. It is cheaper to move a digital line than it is to remove or relocate a built wall.

Step Four: Estimating Cost

Evaluating Cost

Using feed back for a contractor on what it would cost to build your project at this point, a determination can be made to scale back the scope of the project if the price is too high or be more ambitious and in a couple of those items that would be nice to have but not a priority should your budget allow.

Construction Cost Estimate

With the design developed a "scope set" or "pricing package" is put together for a contractor to review and produce an estimate for what it would cost to build the specified project.

Step Five: Final Documents

Construction Documents Phase

At this point all the planning comes to a head in a set of construction documents that outline everything a contractor will need to build your project. They will include all information on the architectural aspects of the building as well as coordinate all the structural, mechanical (heating & cooling), electrical, plumbing and any civil or site work required to make your building a reality.

Summary of Typical Documents to Expect

Site plan

Floor plan(s)
Elevations
Section(s)
Details
Plumbing/heating/electrical as required
Outline specification
Door & window schedule
Updated construction cost estimate

Step Six: Build It

Hiring a Builder and Breaking Ground

As the owner of the project it is your job to hire the contractor/builder.

If you already have a contractor selected then bidding your project may not be necessary, but if you are looking for competitive pricing, then your design professional can help you prepare documents and solicit bids from various contractors who desire to build your project.

Once the bids come in your design professional can help you compare the proposed costs and find the builder that is right for you. Again remember the final decision on what builder to choose comes down to you.

Bid-Negotiation Phase
(if owner has selected a general contractor, this phase may not be required)

Construction documents/specifications provided to general contractor(s) for pricing

Meeting with contractor(s) to review project/drawings
Assist w/ negotiations between owner/general contractor

Step Seven: Guide It

Construction Administration

Your design professional will guide the project through the construction phase. However your contractor/builder is solely responsible for construction methods / procedures, techniques, and schedules during construction.

Goals of Construction Administration

On site visits to determine that construction is consistent with drawings/details/specifications

Answering questions and providing clarifications about drawings/details/specifications to the contractor
Remediation any unforeseen conflicts with the existing conditions and new design