The Process

The first consultation is free. We schedule a time to meet and discuss your new project: a new home, an addition or renovation. Please have a site plan available for this meeting. We will discuss your ideas, what options you have and timeframe. A proposal will be sent to you after the meeting.

If your project is an addition or renovation, a time will be scheduled for measuring the existing conditions of your house. The existing conditions will then be drawn up into floor plans and exterior elevations.

First phase is Schematic Design. Initial design ideas will be drawn up based on our first meeting. During this process we will work together to decide what design works best. Once a design is approved the next phase is Design Development. During this phase the approved design is further developed. More information such as dimensions, door and window schedules, and preliminary framing is provided on the drawings. Towards the end of this phase you can use the drawings to start talking with contractors for preliminary pricing. Upon approval of the Design Development drawings, the next phase is Construction Documents. The Construction Drawings will be completed during this phase and will include all the structural information, detailed floor plans and elevations. The Construction Drawings will provide all the information needed for the building permit.

Keep in mind this is a general outline of the process. Architecture is never a straight line, however as a licensed architect with over twenty years of experience I can help you navigate the process, and into the home of your dreams.

FIND OUT MORE

Common Terms

Accessibility Design: creating spaces that are usable by people with the widest possible range of abilities, operating within the widest possible range of situations.

Architect: a licensed professional who designs buildings and advises in their construction

Building Codes: are sets of regulations governing the design, construction, alteration and maintenance of structures. They specify the minimum requirements to adequately safeguard the health, safety and welfare of building occupants

Building Permit: official approval issued by the local governmental agency that allows you or your contractor to proceed with a construction or remodeling project on your property.

Civil Engineer: provides site survey (measurement) of property to locate the building, utilities, grading and driveway. They use this information to create Site Plan.

Construction Drawings: detailed working drawings that define the work to be constructed. Complete set of drawings as required for building permit and for the contractor to use for construction.

Design Development: further development of floor plans and elevations; preliminary framing is laid out, materials selected. Drawings include floor plans with dimensions, exterior elevations, building sections, framing plans.

Measuring and Documenting Existing Conditions: field measurements of existing building as pertaining to project. Drawings show the existing floor plans and exterior elevations.

Schematic Design: drawings that illustrates basic design concepts, size of spaces, organization of spaces.

Site Plan: (Also referred to as Plot Plan). A site plan is provided by a civil engineer. A typical site plan will show the property boundaries, property setbacks, building footprint, driveway and walkways, septic systems, and any information pertinent to construction on the property.

Structural Engineer: a licensed professional who reviews the framing plans, provides the sizes and calculations of framing members.