Residential and Commercial Architecture
Licensed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida
Every client has unique needs, therefore every client requires a custom solution. Most of our clients have never started a project of this size or type. As architects it is our responsibility to guide our clients through the process of design while also educating them about the entire construction and contracting process. As with many things, there is a structured process to architectural design and construction.
The parts of this process are:
PREDESIGN - SCHEMATIC DESIGN - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT-CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Here's a quick video explaining the process.
The parts of this process are:
PREDESIGN - SCHEMATIC DESIGN - DESIGN DEVELOPMENT-CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Here's a quick video explaining the process.
PREDESIGN
The initial step in the architectural process is to meet you and listen to you, our client. As an experienced architectural firm we will meet and discuss your needs, such as what you ultimately want out of your project. This informative brainstorming session helps us to transform the words and ideas into spatial form and functional space that is called the Predesign meeting. It is used to review your objectives for your project. A dialogue will be started which will provide us with a project scope. Your expectations and design ideas for the project will result in a collection of ideas and parameters that will be incorporated into the design proposal. Design ideas can take the form of a checklist, photographs, websites, and magazine articles. We will incorporate any specific furniture, home accents, or other special considerations into the design in addition to analysis of the specific site, topography, subsurface septic, geological issues, sun exposure, panoramic views, and privacy concerns. There will be a conversation of construction costs and budget. The result of this meeting is a set of requirements which becomes known as the “scope of work” for the architectural project. This meeting will initiate a detailed review of applicable septic constraints, building zoning, covenants, and code review to confirm the “scope of work” can be accomplished. At the conclusion of this meeting we will begin to document your existing site conditions. Detailed measurements will be taken using laser tape measures, digital photographs, and in some cases we will use aerial drone photography.
The initial step in the architectural process is to meet you and listen to you, our client. As an experienced architectural firm we will meet and discuss your needs, such as what you ultimately want out of your project. This informative brainstorming session helps us to transform the words and ideas into spatial form and functional space that is called the Predesign meeting. It is used to review your objectives for your project. A dialogue will be started which will provide us with a project scope. Your expectations and design ideas for the project will result in a collection of ideas and parameters that will be incorporated into the design proposal. Design ideas can take the form of a checklist, photographs, websites, and magazine articles. We will incorporate any specific furniture, home accents, or other special considerations into the design in addition to analysis of the specific site, topography, subsurface septic, geological issues, sun exposure, panoramic views, and privacy concerns. There will be a conversation of construction costs and budget. The result of this meeting is a set of requirements which becomes known as the “scope of work” for the architectural project. This meeting will initiate a detailed review of applicable septic constraints, building zoning, covenants, and code review to confirm the “scope of work” can be accomplished. At the conclusion of this meeting we will begin to document your existing site conditions. Detailed measurements will be taken using laser tape measures, digital photographs, and in some cases we will use aerial drone photography.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Using the site information and what we have gathered for the scope of work, we begin to transform all the criteria into design concepts. We then illustrate the appearance through graphics such as a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and 3D computer renderings. The schematic design will also focus on the essential elements of orientation, views, spatial relationships, circulation, flow, size, and volumes of the spaces.
Using the site information and what we have gathered for the scope of work, we begin to transform all the criteria into design concepts. We then illustrate the appearance through graphics such as a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and 3D computer renderings. The schematic design will also focus on the essential elements of orientation, views, spatial relationships, circulation, flow, size, and volumes of the spaces.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Once we agree on a design scheme, we further develop the project to the next level. We continue to develop the concept, while incorporating structural components into the project. We work with you to select exterior and interior materials, windows, doors, and other major components of the project.
We will utilize 3D Computer Aided Design and Photoshop visualization programs to ensure your designs meet your expectations before any blueprints are started. Our extensive use of 3D CAD also minimizes construction changes in the field.
Development meetings can take place at your home, your office, or in our office design. We try to expedite design revisions by providing design review videos posted to our website "Client Updates" section and to Youtube. We'll discuss the changes and any additional revisions required once the client has had the opportunity to review the design videos.
Once we agree on a design scheme, we further develop the project to the next level. We continue to develop the concept, while incorporating structural components into the project. We work with you to select exterior and interior materials, windows, doors, and other major components of the project.
We will utilize 3D Computer Aided Design and Photoshop visualization programs to ensure your designs meet your expectations before any blueprints are started. Our extensive use of 3D CAD also minimizes construction changes in the field.
Development meetings can take place at your home, your office, or in our office design. We try to expedite design revisions by providing design review videos posted to our website "Client Updates" section and to Youtube. We'll discuss the changes and any additional revisions required once the client has had the opportunity to review the design videos.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
This final phase is when we present the “hard-lined” drawings. These are an orderly sequence of detailed and precise drawings and specifications which can include site grading plans, landscaping, floor plans, elevations, sections, interior elevations, reflected ceiling, electrical, mechanical, structural plans, window, door and finish schedules, appliance schedules, construction details, energy calculations and analysis, and air sealing details. This phase is a detailed graphic representation of the characteristics and scope of the project which is produced for the bidding and construction process, as well as for the approval of the local building officials during plan review. These may include, among others:
The construction blueprints we provide are very detailed and quickly pass through the permit review process which allows the Building Department to issue expedited permits. Your contractor will be able to build faster and more efficiently with less errors and costly change orders. Our hard work and attention to detail also results in a quality project.
Check our Facebook page or our website "Client Updates" for periodic project updates.
This final phase is when we present the “hard-lined” drawings. These are an orderly sequence of detailed and precise drawings and specifications which can include site grading plans, landscaping, floor plans, elevations, sections, interior elevations, reflected ceiling, electrical, mechanical, structural plans, window, door and finish schedules, appliance schedules, construction details, energy calculations and analysis, and air sealing details. This phase is a detailed graphic representation of the characteristics and scope of the project which is produced for the bidding and construction process, as well as for the approval of the local building officials during plan review. These may include, among others:
The construction blueprints we provide are very detailed and quickly pass through the permit review process which allows the Building Department to issue expedited permits. Your contractor will be able to build faster and more efficiently with less errors and costly change orders. Our hard work and attention to detail also results in a quality project.
Check our Facebook page or our website "Client Updates" for periodic project updates.