Recently, on Instagram I shared a post on our design process. While I think this is a helpful starting point, I figured I would write an entry here to further explain and so this is also on my website.
Most architects don't really explain the details of designing. While we draw floor plans, we create many steps and drawings so your home is right for you and structurally sound.
Frist, we start with the basics. Where your home is, what you want done, how much you are looking to spend and how long you want to spend working on your home. We need this information so we can determine what we need to do so we can help you.
We often ask to meet with you at the site so we can see where you currently are. Again, this allows us to see what we need to do so we can best help you. This also allows you to meet us and discuss about what you want out of the space.
Next, we use this information to create a proposal for the project. An architect's proposal should include things like their fee, expected timeline, and the amount and types of drawing you can expect from them. We send this to you to review and sign. This is you hiring us and we will be your architect when you sign our proposal. If you have any questions about the proposal, you should ask. Our job is to help you!
Once you sign our proposal and return it to us, we start working on your project. The first thing we work on is creating a schematic design, which is a series of simpler drawings that all have different ideas. Very basically, these drawings include site plans, floor plans, exterior and interior elevations. The number of these depends on the size of the project and what you are looking for.
After we complete your schematic design, we meet with you to go over options and make sure that you are happy with the design. Once you have chosen what you would like, and discuss anything you want changed, we will then start working on more detailed plans.
These plans are called the construction documents. They include more detailed measurements and other details like plumbing and electrical. Construction documents are what we give to your contractor so that they know what to build where. We also use these plans to help you find a contractor.
Finding a contractor is very important. You can pick any that you would like to have, but if you are not sure where to start, we have multiple that we have worked with before, and we can help make sure that you have the right one for you and your project. Typically, a contractor will have a separate fee and will be able to give you a bid for the total cost of the project based on the construction documents. This is very important so we can make sure that your project is within your personal budget.
After a contractor is picked, construction will start. At this point, we will work with you and your contractor to make sure that the construction documents are being followed and that any concerns or questions you might have are getting answered. If anything should go wrong, we will also help handle that situation. This is the most active part of this process, but also one of the most exciting!
Depending on the size of the process the construction phase can take a variable amount of time. We will be able to give you an estimate based on the size of your project, and your contractor will be able to to give you an even better estimate once they receive the construction documents.
Once construction is finished, you can start using your new space! We are super excited for you and can not wait to help you achieve your dream home.
To contact us, please head to our main page and scroll down to fill out our form. We will be in touch to start working with you!
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