Services

Consultation

When we come to the table with someone for the first time, we want to get a sense of who they are, what they are hoping to accomplish and whether we feel we are a good match for them. Ideally, they will have completed our questionnaire, a document we created to help to clarify and define their design requirements and the parameters of the work.

Contract

The definition of work in the Design Contract, as well as a Construction Contract, provide a clear outline of the work and services to be performed, a schedule for their delivery, and the manner of compensation for services provided. This is a very interactive process with our clients- we strive to be as definitive and clear as possible about the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, including ourselves, our clients, general contractors and any other team members; we may go through several iterations of a contract before arriving at a final agreement. We believe that, though not necessarily the most immediately rewarding part of the design work, this is a valuable component in ensuring that the expectations and budgets of our clients are met.

Infrastructure Requirements

In city or country, there are typically numerous zoning, code and regulatory items to be addressed that may have an impact on the design of a project. These may include permitting and approval for water sourcing, blackwater treatment, greywater systems, and utilities. We are able to provide assistance in these areas by working with the relevant agencies to meet the necessary project requirements.

Program Development

One way to think of program development is to understand that the program serves as the outline we work from in creating a design. The more we know about our clients, and their needs and desires, the better we are able to put together a program that will support the desired outcome. This stage in the process is when we analyze site conditions and infrastructure requirements, and perform an initial budget breakdown. Determination of energy performance criteria and certification may begin in this phase (to be completed in schematic ). Brainstorming sessions with clients regarding their building, landscape, adjacent structures and connections serve to round out developing the program requirements.

Schematic Design

The fun begins! In Schematic Design, we begin the implementation of the elements defined in the Program. Illustration of preliminary concepts, interior and exterior relationships and preliminary floor plans are developed. The assessment of appropriate mechanical systems and certifications are made. Before this stage is complete, we will have met with general contractors and relevant trades people to ensure financial feasibility of the project, and as a preliminary to assembling a team for the construction of the work.

Design Development

At the point at which we move into this phase, the floor plan has been established, including relationships to outdoor spaces and interior/exterior connections. Elements requiring special engineering consideration are identified and addressed. Compliance with applicable local codes and ordinances are confirmed. Preliminary Plans and Specifications, including roof plan, mechanical systems, finish materials, and landscape components are created for bid review by selected General Contractors. Submitted bids are reviewed with client and contractor present.

Construction Documents

This is the final stage of the design and planning process. All work and information from the previous phases are bought into a cohesive whole to generate a complete set of plans and specifications as required for the successful execution of the project. The documentation presented at the completion of this phase serve as the essential definition of work for the contract between the Owner and General Contractor. We maintain contact with the Building Safety Permit Office in the project jurisdiction through the permitting process.

Topo Land Analysis

We developed our modeling programs in response to the real, on-the-ground needs of homeowners and builders in our region. It started out as a method of ensuring proper access and solar orientation for new construction, and has evolved into an important part of our design package. It is utilized by individual homeowners, architects, and landscapers. As part of our in-house environmental design planning toolkit, it is critical in allowing us to efficiently design useful interfaces and connections between a building, the outdoors and the transitional spaces in between.