The architectural process can be broken down into (6) general phases of programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permits/bidding, and construction administration. These phases may vary or be combined in other phases per each individual project and its requirements. The one consistent part of our process is the continuous involvement of the client and their mission/vision. Below is a brief synopsis of the phases.

The programming begins with the clients goals mission and vision for what they want their project to be. This includes the site, mater planning, phasing and what image the project will represent. We develop a working paper and an understanding of who the client is, what the project will represent, where they are going in the future and what are the physical requirements in square footage, including ie. number of classrooms, offices, conference rooms, sales area, seats or other information applicable to the individual project. This information is developed in a number of different ways including client meetings and interviews, questionnaire for the company and employees, historical data, projections and job knowledge.

After the programming and master planning goals are reviewed, the schematic design phase begins. This phase assesses all of the programming requirements and develops the design concept for the project. In a building project these may include the site plan, floor plans, interior elevations and exterior 3-dimensional images. These are presented to the client in a series of meetings and reviews. The result will be the design direction for the project.

Design development takes the selected design approach from the schematic design and develops it in detail. This will include developing the concepts for the mechanical, structural, electrical, and civil engineering as required. Creating a solid understanding for how the project will be constructed and what materials will be used. This process will further explore what the project will look like and can include 3-dimensional computer images and video animation. The drawings from this phase typically include floor plans, elevations, lighting plans, building sections along with preliminary engineering drawings. The result will be an understanding of the project design and how it will be constructed. At this point, design development pricing may be completed to provide a fairly accurate budget for the building.

The construction document phase is where all of the architectural and engineering drawings are completed for the final pricing, bidding, state and city permits and construction. The changes and decision making were completed in the design development phase. This is where the majority of the production work is completed.

Once the construction documents area completed they can be submitted to the city for the building permits as well as to the contractor(s) for final pricing. The permit process generally allotted 3-4 weeks time depending on it’s scope and the individual city in which it is submitted. There are a number of different approaches to the selection of the general contractor depending on the clients time schedule, budget, interest, familiarity and trust. The results of this phase will be a permitted project and a contractor selected, pricing resolved, and ready to begin construction.

During the construction process we will be involved in site visits, construction meetings, shop drawing reviews, payment applications, walk through and punch lists. We act as the owner’s agent to verify all work is completed per the drawings and specifications as well as to the required standards. This phase is completed with the owner accepting the project and taking occupancy.