The design process begins with an initial consultation. At this time, the architect and client(s) discuss the scope of the project, needs, desires and goals. There is no charge for this initial meeting.
Proposal
Based on this meeting, a service proposal is put together that qualifies all of the goals expressed for the project. The proposal also describes a project-specific course of action and includes an architectural fee estimate – based on an hourly rate and an estimated time allowance for the project. Time spent in drafting the proposal is billed only after it has been signed by the client – initiating the design process.
Design
After the proposal has been signed, the process of identifying and refining the project goals begins. This is the design process. Hand-drawn sketches, CAD drawings, and sometimes models, are used as tools to convey and refine ideas with the client during a series of meetings. As the design evolves, the drawings become more refined. When the house design satisfies all of the client’s goals – and the drawings reveal sufficient detail – a construction estimate can be obtained by including a builder in the process.
Permit/Construction Drawings
Based on feedback from the builder, the design is adjusted to ensure that it falls within the client’s construction budget. With a firm design, all information is gathered and placed into a very detailed set of drawings. The highly-detailed drawing set illustrates the home’s construction assembly. It is used to obtain the building permit and ensures that the construction process moves along efficiently.
Construction
Once the architect has completed the construction drawing set, he will have thought through the house’s assembly in its entirety. This knowledge base can be very beneficial to the builder – who will be less familiar with the project as a whole at the start of construction. To ensure that construction moves along smoothly, we will be on-call to assist you or your builder any way that we can. Typically informal, this on-call role will also include regular meetings with the builder at the construction site.
