The Process…

begins with connection and discovery

Connect
We make contact through recommendations or website inquiries. We then schedule a call to talk about your project goals and needs.

Consult
We meet at the property to walk through and continue our discussion in further detail. We talk about your inspiration and vision as well as your budget and timeline. With this information, I confirm project feasibility and discuss any adjustments that may need to be made. If a zoning analysis is required, I will request a current copy of your survey.

Propose
I will prepare a proposal for the architectural and design services required for the scope of work required to achieve your goals.  If local zoning regulations may limit the project requirements, I perform a preliminary zoning analysis to determine any potential obstacles and provide advice and guidance. 

Agree
If the proposal is acceptable, you sign, and I send an invoice for the retainer.

and continues with the design

Document
I will schedule a time to come and survey the existing property. I measure and photograph all areas that will be involved in the project to prepare existing condition documentation, plans, and exterior elevations as required to provide foundational drawings required to begin designing.

Schematic Design
Now the fun starts! Using all of the information gathered in discovery, I will develop several schematic design options. In this phase, we meet 2-3 times depending on the size and scope of the project. With each successive meeting, we hone and refine the layouts to achieve a design that is cohesive and flows. We review a checklist of your initial wishes to ensure we have met every need.

Design Development
This phase will require the most client involvement. First, I review a timeline for design development and the decisions required for each step. Based on the client’s availability, we adapt the timeline, so decisions are not made hastily, and decision fatigue does not set in. With our approved schematic layout, we define design intent more clearly by making more detailed decisions and choices that affect the outcome. In this phase, I prepare exterior elevations to determine window sizes, locations, siding details, roof lines, exterior materials, colors, etc. I will prepare interior elevations so we explore all necessary elements of the design. In this phase, we design and develop all cabinetry and interior millwork and choose all appliances, plumbing fixtures, tiles, etc. We visit showrooms to explore the possibilities so you know your choices are the best possible. Lighting and electrical layouts are reviewed and refined. I prepare a shared spreadsheet used to budget and define all owner-supplied items, such as but not limited to decorative lighting, plumbing, tile, etc.

Construction Documentation
When design development is complete, and we comprehensively understand the project's totality, I prepare drawings and specifications, setting forth in detail the quality and levels of materials, systems, and other requirements for pricing, permitting, and construction.

finishes with creation

Bidding and Negotiation
General contractors of the owner's choosing will then be sent the Construction Documents to prepare bids for work required to construct the project. If several contractors are bidding on the project and, if required by the owner, I will help evaluate and compare the different bids to determine the level of applicable comparison and help the client assess the best course forward. If bids come in higher than anticipated and the client wishes to make reductions, I will assist in value engineering to achieve the desired budgetary outcome.

Permitting
Once a General Contractor is contracted for the work, I will then release signed and sealed drawings to the contractor to be filed for a permit with the local building department. 

Construction Administration
When the permit is issued, the job commences. During construction, I will visit the site at intervals appropriate to the progression of construction or as often as required by the client to make the process as smooth as possible. I make it my purpose to ensure the client is supported through the construction process and to provide help with any decisions that need to be made during the process.