The following are five phases that constitute a typical, full architectural service. Each has an explanation of what is included.
We will get together and define and program all the criteria for the building and its areas. In this beginning phase we’ll discuss in detail your desires and aspirations, your lifestyle and living patterns for your home or project
Usually a professional land survey for your property will be required and can be obtained now. A preliminary code review and/or regulatory search is often necessary before design begins, since those requirements can impact the design.
A Site Analysis will be completed and this drawing provided. This is a drawing of the property showing information from the above survey and other factors such as: views, sun, prevailing breezes, vegetation, neighboring properties and privacy, soil and drainage, any unusual site features, prospective orientation of the home, etc. This analysis will greatly help in the design process by showing the existing topography, and defining vegetation to preserve and maintain in the native landscape.
The programming and site analysis information will be used to study and evaluate different ideas and concepts. This initial work process is called Schematic Design, and various drawings will be provided to begin to communicate design ideas to you for your project. It now becomes necessary to thoroughly research code and regulatory requirements.
After feedback from you on the schematic design concepts, the design will progress past schematics into Design Development, which is when we move from concepts into scaled drawings. The design ideas will be communicated by use of:
– Plans, sections, interior and exterior elevations
– 3-d generated computer modeling, isometrics, and perspectives
– Study model (defined as a three dimensional concept model made out of cardboard / matte board / foam core board and located on the immediate site contours. This model is made when the exterior building design is solidified)
Since construction budgets are an integral part of the process, architect generated cost estimates will be provided during the design phase.
In the Design Development phase the building design is completely finalized in its floor plans and exterior three-dimensional qualities. The final version of the above drawings is called the Design Documents
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