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Design Build construction delivery has evolved throughout the ages and has seen a recent resurgence as building has become increasingly complex. |
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Our services are available al la carte. We tailor our services to your project and requirements. After consulting with you, we will suggest which services we feel will provide you with the most value and the best end result, your home. |
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How will we organize and develop your project? Do other architects and or architectural designers you are considering have a clearly defined method? Can they document it? |
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Take a moment to ask yourself these seemingly simple questions. The answers will be useful as you begin planning your project. |
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Take a moment and ask yourself some questions as well. These will begin to help you assess your goals, refine the needs for your project and clarify your personal preferences. |
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There are many misconceptions about why you would need an Architectural Designer and how they can help you with your project. Here a just a few... |
What is Design-Build?
Early in the twentieth century gentlemen architects separated themselves from the ‘working class’ of the trades resulting in a disconnection between architectural design intent and construction. Today, building a modern home is a complex process requiring the coordination of hundreds of people, from designers and engineers to suppliers and craftsmen. These complexities have led to a resurgence in the design build delivery process. The coupling of design and build, lead from an architectural perspective, has proven itself to be an efficient way to minimize costly building issues during the construction phase of a project.
Architectural Design-Build Services
Our Architectural Design Build Services follow our six phase project delivery process. In addition, our own team of engineers and technicians offer SmartHome automation solutions to complement your lifestyle. Deliverables are as follows:
• Conceptual Design: Covers Phase I, II and III.
• Construction Documents: Covers Phase I, II, III and IV
• Construction Bid & Planning: Phase V
• Construction Oversight: Phase IV
• SmartHome Automation: Automated control systems - HVAC, lighting, shades, audio, video, computing
SIX PHASE PROJECT DELIVERY
Our design process provides an armature for developing each project and is readily modified to accommodate unique conditions. We utilize a Six Phase Delivery approach to guide the project team through the wealth of information and issues necessary to bring a project to fruition. Each phase builds upon the preceding in a manageable and controlled sequence. Administrative, reporting and drawing tasks are identified as are critical meeting and delivery date updates during each phase of the project. This strategy permits us to:
• Focus on the issues of greatest importance to our clients
• Opportunity to assess decisions already made in the course of the project
• Balance the design, budget and schedule outlined at the outset of the project.
• Build upon each decision and understand the goals of each phase.
• Realize the ultimate goal: a great project our clients can call their own.
I. CONCEPT DESIGN: Establish the Project IdeaThe project criterion and design strategy are established. Project goals including image, character, program, budget and schedule are identified. Preliminary building and zoning code requirements are evaluated for their impact on the project. Through sketches, diagrams and 3D wire frames, building character and strategic alternatives will be studied. This phase concludes with the establishment of design alternatives, a statement of cost objectives and a schedule.
II. SCHEMATIC DESIGN: Scheme Selection & PROJECT SCOPE
The concepts are developed into alternative schemes to study design and technical alternatives for the project. A design is selected and developed. Program and functional relationships are finalized in plan. Selections are made for primary materials, structure, building enclosure, lighting and mechanical systems. Major elements will be illustrated using 3D images. The completed schematic design documents will define the size, appearance and scope of the work. An outside cost review can be completed at the end of the phase.
III. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: REFINE & FINISH Design
The design will be refined and building components fully determined during this phase. The specifics of constructing the project, in detail, will be addressed and finalized. All materials, products and colors will be selected. The engineered systems for structure, enclosure, mechanical and electrical will also be finalized. A budget update is prepared to review changes to the scope and quality of the work before construction documents are started. This phase culminates in the review of photo-realistic 3D images and a virtual tour.
IV. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: DESIGN COMMUNICATION
The design intent is communicated to the building industry and our building team (projects that will leverage our Construction Management Services). Construction documents are prepared to establish parameters for bidding and building the project. Dimensioned and notated plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, photo-realistic 3D images and schedules are produced supported by written specifications identifying products and materials for construction. Documents are reviewed and coordinated.
V. BID AND NEGOTIATION: Building & Building Permit
For designs that will be built by our team, cost estimates and construction contract addendums are prepared. Otherwise, we assist our clients in obtaining bids and reviewing proposals, then in awarding and preparing contracts for construction. Clarifications and/or modifications to the Contract Documents are issued in the form of an Addenda to construction. Documents are prepared for the application for building permit.
VI. CONSTRUCTION & ADMINISTRATION: Building
During the Construction Phase, our role is to facilitate completion of the project in accordance with the intent of the design whether with our own build team or outside contractors. When our build team is not used, we schedule regular site visits to observe general conformance with the Contract Documents. The review of the shop drawings and other product information is done to clarify the design and construction documents. Bulletins will be prepared to clarify or modify the scope of work. Change Orders will be reviewed, evaluated and accepted.
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TWENTY QUESTIONS TO ASK AN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER?
1. What does the Architectural Designer see as important issues or considerations in your project? What are the challenges of the project?
2. How will the Architectural Designer approach your project?
3. How will the Architectural Designer gather information about your needs, goals, etc.?
4. How will the Architectural Designer establish priorities and make decision?
5. Who from the Architectural Designer's firm will you be dealing with directly? Is that the same person who will be designing the project? Who will be designing your project?
6. How interested is the Architectural Designer in this project?
7. How busy is the Architectural Designer?
8. What sets this Architectural Designer apart from the rest?
9. How does the Architectural Designer establish fees?
10. What would the Architectural Designer expect the fee to be for this project?
11. What are the steps in the design process?
12. How does the Architectural Designer organize the process?
13. What does the Architectural Designer expect you to provide?
14. What is the Architectural Designer's design philosophy?
15. What is the Architectural Designer's experience/track record with cost estimating?
16. What will the Architectural Designer show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see models, drawings, or sketches?
17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?
18. What services does the Architectural Designer provide during construction?
19. Are build services offered?
20. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the Architectural Designer expect it to take to complete your project?
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TWENTY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF?
1. Describe your current home. What do you like about it? What's missing? What don't you like?
2. Do you want to change the space you have?
3. Do you want to build a new home?
4. Why do you want to build a house or add to or renovate your current home? Do you need more room? Are children grown and moving on? Is your life-style changing?
5. What is your life-style? Are you at home a great deal? Do you work at home? Do you entertain often? How much time do you spend in the living areas, bedrooms, kitchen, den or office, utility space, etc.? Do you have disabilities that might affect the design of your home?
6. How much time and energy are willing to invest to maintain your home?
7. If you are thinking of adding on, what functions/activities will be housed in a new space?
8. What kind of spaces do you need, e.g., bedrooms, expanded kitchen, bathrooms, etc?
9. How many of those spaces do you think you need?
10. What do you think the addition/renovation/new home should look like?
11. If planning on a new home, what do you envision in this home that you don't have now?
12. How much can you realistically afford to spend?
13. How soon would you like to be settled into your new home or addition? Are there rigid time constraints?
14. If you are contemplating building a home do you have a site selected?
15. Do you have strong ideas about design styles? What are you design preferences?
16. Who will be the primary contact with the Architectural Designer, contractor and others involved in designing and building your project? (It is good to have one point of contact to prevent confusion and mixed messages.)
17. What qualities are you looking for in an Architectural Designer?
18. How much time do you have to be involved in the design and construction process?
19. Do you plan to do any of the work yourself?
20. How much disruption in your life can you tolerate to add on to or renovate your home?
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WHAT DO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNERS DO?
There are many misconceptions about why you would need an Architectural Designer and how they can help you with your project. Here a just a few...
All I Need Are Four Walls and a Roof...I Don't Need An Architectural Designer.
Not True. Architectural Designers help make decisions. After talking with an Architectural Designer, many people are surprised at their own definite ideas in what they want in a house. Architectural Designers help you think about how a building functions. They can design a house that is flexible enough to grow with a young, working couple and who expect children later. They can design an inexpensive, energy-efficient, fully accessible home for retired people on a fixed income. They can show how a house built for one family can be remodeled into apartments.
Anyway, All I Need Is A Builder Or Contractor.
Not True. The Architectural Designer is the single professional who has the training and experience to guide you through the entire building process. The Architectural Designer serves as the head of a team of specialist (engineers, landscape Architectural Designers, contractors, etc.), an Architectural Designer helps make sure what was designed was built. Architectural Designers' drawings and construction documents, set down your exact requirements.
An Architectural Designer is A Luxury I Cannot Afford.
Not True. Architectural Designers' fees are not just added on top of your project costs. They can save you money in many ways. An Architectural Designer oversees your budget, the materials and workmanship. Much more importantly, an Architectural Designer can create a design that can greatly reduce your energy and maintenance costs, which add up to many times the purchase price of the home over time. They can turn a difficult lot into a successful building site. They can spend time planning and developing your ideas fully to avoid costly refinements after construction is underway.
Architectural Designers Just Do Blueprints.
Not True. Today, the best answer to the question, "What do Architectural Designers do?" may be "What do you want them to do?" Renovation? Energy analysis? Site selection? Interiors? Cost analysis? Construction management? In designing your project, Architectural Designers can add a porch, a skylight - or design a complete house. They can adapt an old building to a new use and keep its character. They can provide a cost estimates. They can make a building safe for occupancy. They can fit a building to a difficult site. They can find skilled craftspeople. They can enlarge your present house so you no longer need to move. Or they can just talk to you about how you want your house to be.
Architectural Designers see the big picture. They solve problems creatively. They help you get the most from your construction dollar. They make your life easier.
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Copyright 2004 © S. A. Spiller |