 Our Design Process and Principles
Our approach to design has served us well over the years; it is a very practical process in meeting the owner's space needs. The steps are as follows: |
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1. Feasibility Study/Schematic Design/Analysis/Master Planning/Budgeting
The normal design process includes a feasibility study as a first phase in the design process. The purpose of such a study is to define the project in terms of space needs for the present and the future. A program statement is assembled and schematic plans are developed. Schematic plans typically include a site plan, floor plans, a basic cross section and building elevations to portray the general concept. Often two or three options are developed, and the owner selects an option that is then further developed. A preliminary budget is considered as part of this phase and the financial feasibility of the project is determined at this time. A general contractor is often involved in the project budgeting during this phase. If necessary, adjustments to the design are made to achieve financial feasibility of the project. The program elements are defined during the feasibility study/schematic design phase. They are determined by carefully listening to the requests by the owner regarding spatial needs. We may suggest ideas to consider in addressing the various program elements. They are schematically laid out during the phase but further refined during the design development and working drawing phases. Communication is a key element in being able to address and provide exactly what the owner needs in relation to each program element. 2. Design Development/Preliminary Design The schematic concept is developed to the next level which is considered the preliminary design phase. Individual spaces as well as the overall design are further defined with confirmed sizes, shapes, finishes, equipment, fenestration, door openings, traffic flow, site topography, zoning issues and other related considerations. Plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems are schematically developed at this phase. Budgets are re-examined and are recalculated for accuracy as needed. 3. Contract Documents/Working Drawings The plans and specifications are developed in preparation for the bidding phase. All disciplines provide the final design and calculations for the final level of documents. A detailed specification/design manual is assembled to use as a guide in the bidding process as well as during construction. At this level the plans are also sent to the necessary authorities for "Conditional Approval". 4. Bidding and Contracting If the project is to be an open bid, it is advertised extensively in the local newspapers and at the builders’ exchanges. If the project is set up as an invited bid, numerous contractors are recommended by the Architect, approved by the Owner and then invited to bid the project. Plans are distributed to the contractors as required, questions are answered during the bidding process and bids are received at the appointed bid date and location. The bids are reviewed and a contractor is recommended to the Owner. Contracts are then assembled and signed by all parties. |
Design Principles
As we have worked with owners over the years there have been several principles that have guided our design. We feel it is very important to consider the following design principles on any project: 1. Provide a very functional building floor plan. 2. Design an aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior. 3. Plan for expandability by using phased construction. 4. Incorporate construction methods that are practical to build. 5. Design a structure that meets the budget of the owner. 6. Create an energy efficient building envelope and mechanical/electrical systems. |
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5. Construction/Contract Administration
During construction, the Architect's role is to administer the contract and generally observe construction. This is accomplished by assembling a preconstruction meeting, holding monthly construction progress meetings, approving monthly and final payment requests, reviewing shop drawings for materials and equipment to be used on the project, providing job site visits as required, completing a final inspection/ punch list, assembling the final paperwork for project closeout and other related work. |
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