We want to know you well.
Our unique process gives you clear decision points and leads to a project that is exactly yours.
We begin with a written interview that guides conversations about how you want to live. This reveals the character of your project and ends with the first of several budget checks before we ever put color pencils to trace paper. The most surprising and personal design solutions are inspired by the conversations we have during Programming.
When we move into Design, we start with the site and end with preliminary estimates from chosen contractors, giving you a natural time to evaluate before moving forward to drawings for construction.
We guide you through your entire project and help you make important decisions in the right order.
Our contracts are structured by phase according to the needs of each client.
1 — Programming
Pre-Design
As soon as you tell us to “Go!” we create a unique questionnaire that helps us get to know you. “The Inquisition”, as one client lovingly called it, has even helped some decide whether to remodel or build new. We also research your property, if you already have one, to understand what opportunities and constraints it presents.
From here, we put together a document that outlines the spatial and qualitative aspects of your project and provides enough information to establish a budget for the cost of construction. Once priorities and the budget are aligned, we are ready to start designing with clear direction and a real understanding of you.
2 — Design
Schematic Design through 20% Design Development
We believe the way your spaces will relate to neighbors, views, the climate, and anything existing-to-remain should be established before the building takes shape. Informed by the Program, we start by presenting to you multiple options for the design of the site, then the building, then working toward the final design you love. You set the pace for this part of the project – your unique decision making process is important.
The Design Phase ends with the Preliminary Pricing Package. This preliminary set of architectural drawings and specifications is handed to contractors for estimates and to help you decide who will build your project. This part of the process is unique to us, in that it goes beyond the industry standard for Schematic Design Services. This set of drawings is the foundation of the Construction Drawings, and gives contractors just enough real information to produce accurate estimates. With this, you have an evaluation point before we move forward with the more technical and detailed aspects of our work.
3 — Detailing and Development
Design Development
The work that happens during this phase includes a lot of the special things that make the project exactly yours.
We work through the design of the interior with you, including cabinetry, plumbing, appliances, and finishes. We also work with engineers, make selections for windows, doors, and other systems, and submit for preliminary approvals from entities such as the Civic Association, Landlord, or Historic Commission. At the end of this phase the design is resolved inside and out, has necessary approvals, and you will have made almost all of your decisions.
4 — Construction Documents
By this time the progress of the project will be in our court. We will resolve details needed for construction and complete the drawings and forms needed to obtain a building permit.
5 — Construction Administration
We remain involved through the construction of your project as your advocate, and to protect the investment you’ve made in design. We will attend meetings at the site, review orders for major systems, respond to questions from contractors, and provide guidance for any changes made during construction. We can also assist with reviewing contractor invoices.
This phase ends when construction is complete and the project is ready for you!
Interior Design
Our architectural services include the selection of items that are attached to the building and installed by the contractor, including plumbing, finishes, lighting, hardware, and paint. As a separate service, we also provide interior design services to some clients, including the selection and procurement of furnishings and accessories.
