OUR DESIGN PROCESS consists of our 4 phases of design, Code Research and Documentation; Schematic Design; Design Development and Construction Documents. Each of these 4 phases are essential to making sure your project is successfully designed, detailed and ready for construction. Please keep in mind that project timelines vary depending on studio workload, project scope and client needs. After our initial consultation and before signing a contract to move forward with our design services, we will provide you with a timeline for your project. 

 

Below is a summary of what happens during each phase of design after contracts have been signed and an initial payment has been made.

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CODE RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS is the first phase of design and the foundation for the rest of the design phases. The first step of the design process is to collect all relevant information pertaining to the project site. During this phase we study the context of the neighborhood, research local zoning ordinances and make a site visit to the project site to document any special or unusual site conditions that could affect the design of the project. During this phase, the Owner is asked to provide us with both a current survey of the site and a benchmark certificate. If the Owner does not already have these items, we can make recommendations on reputable surveying companies that can provide these services. (1 week approximate timeline)

 
SCHEMATIC DESIGN focuses on the Owner's experience of the home. During this phase we have a design meeting to discuss the scope of work and overall design concept of the home. At this time, we ask the Owner to provide us with the project objectives, desires and most importantly, budget. Questions about how each individual space will be lived in and used, details on what appliances are needed in the kitchen, questions about any special artwork or furniture pieces that need to be accounted for, etc will all be important information to have while designing. 

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All of this information is then used to design the initial floor plan and site plan of the home. We then meet with you to discuss the proposed floor plan and refine the details until we create the best plan solution. This is generally done in 2-3 meetings and once we have approval of the floor plan, we move on to the next phase of design. (2 week approximate timeline)
 

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT is where we start to think about the exterior design of the home. During this phase design materials and details begin to play a major part in the design. Questions regarding siding material, roofing, doors, windows, lighting, flooring and other finishing details are discussed. Design Development is also where we engage the services of consultants such as the Structural Engineer. 

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All of this information is used to design the exterior of the home and present you with either a 2D or 3D elevation of what the final 'look' of the home will be. We work with you to refine the details of the design and make sure it meets your expectations before moving into the next phase of design. This is generally done in 2-3 meetings. (2 week approximate timeline)

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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS are the final construction documents you will receive from us. Once floor plans and exteriors are approved, we focus on detailing all of the unique aspects of your project to make sure the design complies with all of your needs and wants. We will have one final meeting to review all of the final construction documents and make sure that all items discussed have been accounted for. Our final construction documents can then be used by a General Contractor to price the design and submitted to the local governing agency in order to obtain a building permit. (1 week approximate timeline)

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