Process

• Initial consult

Before hiring me to design your project, we will sit down together — ideally on site — where you can tell me your goals and we establish the scope of the project.  We will discuss the project’s feasibility and where challenges may exist. This is also the time to discuss your budget.  A successful project always begins with listening — me to you and you to me.  This is the meeting that allows us to establish a relationship of trust and know that we are both committed to success.

• Existing Conditions and Due Diligence

A memorable product starts with establishing what is given.  In designing a house, it is critical to evaluate the existing “bones” of the home from the beginning so that any new elements, when finished, align with what was there and flow effortlessly.  Once given the green light, I gather all information that is relevant to your site, analyze zoning codes and subdivision restrictions, and then produce scaled drawings of existing buildings and site conditions.  If necessary, I may also ask that you acquire a site survey from a civil engineer to establish site contours.

• Schematic Design

Once the scope of work and existing conditions are established, it is my job to imagine what your house could be.  Through a series of drawings, I will establish a design concept for the house that meets your approval.  Views to, from and through the house will influence my design, as will consideration of your budget, appropriate materials, day-lighting and sustainability.  Ultimately, not only will these drawings allow you to understand what the house can be, but they will also allow a builder to establish preliminary cost estimates.

• Design Development or “DD”

The “DD” phase of work consists of editing.  Once the big-picture concepts of schematic design are established, it becomes important to consider smaller aspects of the design so that all the small parts support the whole.  How does the stair really work? How much room is really needed in the kitchen? How high should each ceiling be? These are the kind of questions that may need answering in the design development phase and are resolved in plan, elevation, and section drawings.  Depending on the complexity of the project, this is also the phase when work may begin with engineers and consultants.

• Construction Documents

This is the last major phase of drawing where the specifics of construction are defined.  Details are worked out and all dimensions are finalized.  The builder acquires permits from governing agencies with these drawings and also uses them to provide you with an accurate final bid.  A good set of construction documents alleviates any element of surprise during construction.

• Construction Administration

The construction phase of a project inevitably brings a plethora of challenges that are best dealt with in a timely fashion.  Assisting you with fixture and finish choices, answering a carpenter’s questions and conferring about unforeseen conditions are all a part of the process that I will assist with during construction.  Regular site visits and progress meetings ensure that you, your builder and I are on the same page and moving toward completion.  Being there for you during construction helps ensure that your original goals and concepts are not lost as your project nears completion.