The Design Process

This outline of the Architectural Design Process focuses on custom home projects, although some sections pertain to additions and remodeling. Smaller projects may not require every step laid out here. Remember, design is an iterative process that’s somewhat unique each time.

I intended to break this down for the detail-oriented individuals among us. If that’s you, dive in. I hope you find this helpful.

PRE-DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS CONSTRUCTION

We'll speak at length about your specific space requirements, room arrangements, lifestyle, goals, aspirations, and architectural style. This information and site analysis data forms your design brief or program. The program, budget, and schedule are interdependent. Evaluating and balancing them is a prerequisite for establishing realistic design parameters, leading to a successful construction project.

PRE-DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS CONSTRUCTION

Schematic Design Process

• I'll create simple sketches, a floor plan, and a low detail 3D model based on your program, schedule, budget, and field evaluations of the site or existing structure.

• I'll present this schematic design, sharing how I arrived at particular ideas and their implications. We'll critique the scheme, weighing its strengths/weaknesses while exploring alternative approaches/possibilities, as part of an ongoing conversation about the function, feel, and looks of your new home.

• You'll receive a recap of the resultant decisions to review and revise if you wish, sharing any updates along with your approval to proceed with the revisions.

• I'll revise the design accordingly, in preparation for our next presentation and critique.

• This phase is exciting! Your dreams are becoming more fleshed out with each iteration of the design. A deeper understanding of how your home looks, feels, and fits your lifestyle is developing via 3D modeling and AR / VR experiences along with the paper plans of your home. As we resolve design choices, your home will evolve to fit your program, budget, and expectations precisely.

This cyclical process promotes; greater client choice, a full exploration of the possibilities, and reveals unforeseen opportunities. Using an iterative process assures a well-rounded final design, often surpassing expectations.

• Modeling guarantees the structural forms evolve in unison with the two-dimensional plans, bringing unity to the whole. Having access to any view of your home's site, exterior, and interior space promotes holistic solutions by eliminating blind spots.

• Walk-through animations help us understand the relationships of spaces, features, and circulation paths within your home. Similarly, an animated flight around the exterior provides a realistic sense of scale and the home's relationship to your site.

• Ensuring that you have a well-rounded understanding of the design is critical in tailoring the project to meet your needs. Your feedback and knowledge of the subtle implications within your program inform the design's evolution, assuring it fully supports your aesthetic and lifestyle.

Documenting Existing Conditions

Site Plans

The home should be married to your site in the most advantageous location and orientation possible. New homes and some additions require a well-informed site plan to determine the optimal placement and interior layout. A site plan may include; access points, utilities, solar angles, views from beneficial vantage points, elevations, and contour lines. The requirements of governmental authorities such as; setbacks, easements, zoning regulations, and property boundaries should be included.

As-Built Plans

Additions and remodeling projects usually require a field evaluation to record existing conditions, layouts, and other data. This information is used to create an as-built plan and model, providing a starting point for the proposed design.

Design Consultants

Survey drawings inform the site plan and allow accurate 3D terrain modeling, influencing the structure’s design and placement.

Geotechnical studies examine soil properties, slopes, rock formations, and other factors that influence structural engineering and may affect your home’s location and structural design.

When you're pleased with the final design, I will create a set of plans suitable for preliminary contractor pricing. Depending on the complexity of your project, the drawings may include:

• Site plan - plan view of house and site - existing and proposed terrain

• Floor plans - dimensioned and labeled - area, door, and window schedules

• Roof plan - w/ area figures and linear detail quantities

• Section views - w/ descriptions of building systems

• Exterior elevations - Key elevations, window labels, materials w/ quantities

• Cabinet elevations - dimensioned and keyed to the floor plans

• Structural - perspective views of the preliminary concept w/ annotations

The Schematic Design Phase closes upon your approval of the schematic design and preliminary contractor pricing.

PRE-DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS CONSTRUCTION

Overview

This phase focuses on the interplay of all building parts. We'll work through your design, specifying the materials and building systems necessary for construction. The 3D model will be updated to reflect your choices, along with consultant contributions, and used to revise the pricing plans and create construction drawings during the next phase.

Materials and Components

I will identify appropriate material and component options based on your architectural style and preferences. We will review manageably sized groups, broken down by area or function, discussing their pros and cons along with the implications of their use. Selections should conform to your program, budget, and schedule. The quality of materials and components you select can most affect the budget in this phase. Having your contractor review these choices can be invaluable in keeping within the budget.

Interior Design

The interior design process addresses the functional improvement, aesthetic enrichment, and psychological enhancement of interior space. These factors influence how spaces interact with one another and how well the interior environment supports your physical and mental wellbeing over time. Consideration of these qualities began during the schematic design phase, informing decisions relating to:

• The structure's form and relationship to the site

• Relationship between interior and exterior space 

• Transitional spaces merging interior and exterior environments

• Activity requirements and user types

• Circulation paths and freedom of choice along those paths 

• Wall types and locations, window and door types, placement, and sizing

• The style, form, and finish of cabinetry, built-ins, and millwork

• Lighting design 


Although my plans and models depict functional furniture layouts, materials, and surface treatments, I do not offer complete interior design services. An interior designer can refine the many options, composing palettes tailored to fit your style and budget.

Code Compliance

The design requirements of governing authorities, having jurisdiction over your project, will be researched and incorporated into the construction drawings.

Specifications and drawings provided by design consultants supplement the construction drawings. These professional services are related to:

• Geotechnical - soil properties concerning foundations, retaining walls, and septic systems

• Structural - foundation and retaining walls, steel structures, and engineered framing

• Survey - property lines, setbacks, contour lines, roads, utilities, adjacent buildings, relevant trees, views (mountain, waterfront, etc.), and compass

• HVAC - load calculations, duct design, system recommendations and layout

• Plumbing - main, supply, and waste line paths, system recommendations and layout 

The Design Development Phase closes upon your approval of the finished design, acceptance of updated contractor pricing, and your request to commence the construction drawings.

PRE-DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS CONSTRUCTION

Construction Drawings provide a description, through drawings and annotations, of the full extent and quality of work necessary to complete the project. Producing your drawings is an exacting process demanding accuracy and thoughtfulness, along with consideration of how the elements communicate and will be interpreted. The drawings are built-up according to recognized conventions and structured to avoid ambiguity and confusion.

• The pages are interrelated, mutually reinforcing, and indexed to support cross-referencing.

• A consistent approach keeps the drawings and pages clear, concise, and complete.

• Checklists and verification procedures ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Depending on the complexity of your project, the Construction Drawings may include:

• Cover Page

• Project Data

• Exterior Perspectives

• Site Plans & BMP Plan

• Floor Plans & Enlarged Plans

• Reflected Ceiling Plans

PRE-DESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS CONSTRUCTION

Team Dynamics

Successful construction projects require solid working relationships built on trust, respect, and free-spoken communication. Understanding your fellow team members' responsibilities and considering their perspectives is key to achieving a collaborative environment. Potential discrepancies in physical work or drawings can sometimes arise during construction. A spirit of cooperation is indispensable for resolving an issue without disrupting your builder's performance.

I will act as translator and interpreter of the construction drawings when:

• My specialized knowledge and experience can effectively inform Owner and Contractor decisions.

• An issue arises out of the application of the drawings and the physical work of the project.

• An issue arises relating to a lack of clarity or a discrepancy in the construction drawings.

Requesting Information

I ask that team members call me before submitting a written request for information. Talking it over insures, I have a clear understanding of the conditions and their concerns early on. A discussion also helps determine if a firsthand assessment, additional data gathering, or an on-site meeting will be necessary to resolve the issue efficiently.

Providing Information

Upon receiving the written (email) request for information, I will promptly prepare supplemental drawings and annotations, as appropriate.

On-site Inspections

I provide inspection services throughout the construction phase, for the sole purpose of verifying that the work conforms to the construction drawings.