Design Services
My role as an architect is to help my clients explore and realize their ideas through an ongoing design collaboration. My goal is to create a home that is a reflection of YOU - tailored specifically for you, your property, and your budget. I'm dedicated to helping my clients get the best possible home for their investment. I will look beyond your immediate requirements and ensure that your home is flexible enough to adapt to your changing needs. I will listen to your ideas, priorities, and dreams, and collaborate with you in the design of a meaningful space for you and your family.
Design Process
step 1
Contact Form
Connect with me by filling out a contact form and giving a brief description of your project. Are you adding on to your home? Renovating an existing home? Building a new custom home? All I need is the basics. From there we can schedule a phone call within the next week to discuss your project in more detail.
Step 2
Free Phone Consultation
During your design consultation, we will briefly discuss your project needs and vision. I'll ask questions regarding project type, property, timeline, budget and expectations. Please refer to the FAQ as a guide. After our call, I will draft a cost estimate based on your project's scope of work and recommend builders if needed.
Step 3
Cost Estimate
Every project is billed on an hourly rate and I will provide a detailed cost estimate to establish an architectural fees budget. I will also draft an agreement letter/contract outlining the details and scope of the project. I'll leave the ball in your court and if you decide to hire me, you'll sign the contract, pay the retainer and we will set up a design meeting in the coming weeks.
Step 4
Design Meeting
The design meeting will include discussing every aspect of the project in more detail and establish expectations. You will provide me with all of the needed information for the project - images, sketches, plan ideas, needs/wants, likes/dislikes, etc. If it's a renovation and/or addition I will also be measuring the existing space in order to create as-built floor plans.
Step 5
Programming
"Deciding What to Build" - Architectural programming starts with the design meeting and initiates the design process. We come up with a plan and direction moving forward based on our collaboration. I will translate the information you've given me into a building program and a basic space plan based on your needs, wants, budget and timeline.
Step 6
Schematic Design
This design phase brings your vision to life through drawings called schematic designs. I will prepare basic drawings (plans & elevations) which show the general arrangement of spaces and exterior designs for your approval. This is your opportunity to review your plans, and to imagine yourself living in them. It's also a time to make revisions if needed. It is important to establish a clear decision-making process during this phase and I can help with that.
Step 7
Design Development
Based on your feedback, I will prepare more detailed drawings to illustrate the proposed design. Floor plans will show all the rooms in the correct size and shape with dimensions. I will discuss the major materials and room finishes with you. Exterior elevations will be refined, showing architectural style and detail. We will continue our ongoing dialogue to eventually solidify the final design. This is the last chance to make major revisions before final approval.
Step 8
Construction Drawings
The final stage in the design process, I’ll finalize the approved drawings for permit submission and construction, called construction drawings (CDs). These are the detailed drawings and specifications, which the contractor will use to establish actual construction costs and build the project. These are also the drawings the town requires to acquire a building permit.
Step 9
Delivery of Drawings
You'll be given the final drawings for final review and comment. If everything looks the way you'd imagined in your head (and I hope that's the case), you'll pay the final invoice and receive the final drawings digitally (PDF), along with two full sized paper copies of the drawings.
Step 10
Hiring a Contractor
I'm happy to make recommendations for you, but it’s ultimately up to you to select and hire the contractor. In many cases, homeowners choose from among several contractors they've asked to submit bids on the project. I recommend looking into their previous projects, whether in person or on-line, checking their license status, talking to people who have hired them in the past and above all, conducting a personal interview with each contractor you’re considering.
Step 11
Building Permit Review
The contractor will submit the drawings for permit, and from there the building department will conduct a code review. In most cases, the building inspector will have a question or want information added to the drawings and I can be available to coordinate and communicate with the town during that process. If nothing is needed from me, the contractor will take care of anything the building department requires.
Step 12
Construction Administration
I can be as involved with this phase of the project as the you see fit. In most cases with a good contractor, my involvement is not needed, but I can certainly be available for questions by phone. While the contractor will physically build the home or addition, I can assist you in making sure that the project is built according to the plans and specifications. I can be available to make site visits to observe construction and keep you informed of the project's progress. The contractor is solely responsible and liable for construction methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures.