FULL DESIGN PACKAGE:  10% of projected construction costs (also available a la carte)

Programming & Schematic Design – 3%

Determining the scope of a project is often the first and most difficult step in  architecture. This is where we ask questions and gain information on design goals, financial constraints, long term objectives, as well as basic needs. Research regarding historical objectives or community and code restrictions occur in this phase. Schematic sketches are then generated to visualize and further develop design ideas.  This is the most creative part of the design process and is most successful when all parties contribute.

Design Development – 2%

Once the Schematic Design has been fleshed out, we further refine the project through materials, construction methods, drafted floorplans, elevations, sections, and details to continue the development of the scheme.

Construction Documents – 3%

In order to communicate the design to the building trades, artisans, contractors and municipal officials that will review your project, it is necessary to document the final methods and materials that are required to make it happen.  This is a process that assembles all the information to date into a complete written documentation of the project that will be used to formalize a construction contract.

Bidding vs Value Engineering – 1%

For large projects, bidding is an efficient way to gain accurate costs and effective interest on a specific building project.  We can act as the owner’s agent in obtaining these bids, coordinate the bid meeting, and evaluate the results in consultation with the owner.  In smaller projects, we often suggest the process of Value Engineering over the formal bidding process due to the current construction climate that we are experiencing right now. Value Engineering is the process of working with a specific general contractor to “engineer” the contract, the design, and the construction costs so that the final agreement suits all parties involved.  Methods to do this include substituting materials, revising construction techniques, reducing quantities, or revising construction timelines while still maintaining the integrity of the design.

Construction Administration – 1%

While every effort has been made to specify the exact methods and materials of a building project, there will always be questions in the field, especially in adaptive re-use or renovations.  We can provide that knowledge and hindsight of the design process to answer questions, observe construction, review shop drawings, and generally inform the owner of construction progress.  The smoothness of a construction project is directly tied to the open communication and collaboration of the contractor, owner, and architect.