DESIGN PROCESS

The culmination of any architecture large or small is a product of a complex process.

"Like a director of a film, the Architect must bring to the table a unique combination of skills, he or she must be creative, as well as business like, simultaneously well organized and charismatic. The Architect must have the vision both to conceive a design and to see it through, the diplomacy to persuade a client to back that vision with “hard cash”, and the authority to supervise the construction site."

 

Solidifying the Architect/Client relationship

The most important communication between the Architect and client is the beginning phase where the client defines their goals and dreams for their building project and how it relates to other aspects of the land or other structure it needs to harmonize with. The Architect works with the structural engineer and a variety of consultants to create a design that will meet the requirements of the project within a specific budget. Once the client has approved the design and all necessary technical and planning permits have been obtained, the focus shifts from design to construction.

The Design /Build process

The design process can be summarized and broken in into five basic phases:

Programming/Feasibility and Schematic Design

The program is actually the “problem and or wish list" for which your architect will work with to develop design ideas for. The architect initially will ask detailed questions about your requirements, needs, available funds, schedule and design aspirations. Prior to designing anything, the architect may quickly review local requirements and asses the schedule and budget to determine if the project is realistic- and possibly recommend adjustments if necessary.

The design portion (often viewed as the more glamorous side of architecture) is the conception of the idea based on the program established. This phase can be as informal as initial sketches performed on tracing paper. The architect is working closely with the client to establish the basic flow, the relationship of spaces to one another and the exterior overall image. A range of options may be explored in this phase evaluating the costs along the way. The drawings in this phase will include conceptual building plans and exterior elevations and a three-dimensional visual or computer model.

Design Development

This phase is taking the initial designs and developing the ideas further. This will fully describe the size and character of the project. Material options are evaluated, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements. The actual design layout is completed at this point, and the architect can therefore begin to evaluate the structure, framing and overall construction process. Changes at this point should be kept to minor decisions on materials and specifications.

Construction Document Phase

After the approval of the design development drawings, the architect prepares detailed drawings and specifications that the contractor can use to obtain actual construction costs, obtain permits and actually bid the project. The level of detail and completeness in a set of construction documents is one of the most tangible measures of an architect’s value. The construction documents are in fact the detailed instructions for building your customized house or addition. Basic drawings should include Foundation Plans, Floor Plans, Framing Plans, Exterior Elevations, Building Sections. Relevant Construction Details and energy/light/ventilation code compliance. A specification outlining acceptable building materials, doors, windows and construction methods should also be done in conjunction with Construction Documents.

 

The Construction documents are submitted to appropriate authorities for building Permit. All required Zoning variances, and other approvals shall have already been competed prior to submission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bidding/Negotiation Phase

The contractor shall calculate material quantities from plans and obtain prices from suppliers. He estimates labor, gathers bids from subcontractors and assembles estimate into presentable format as a fixed bid or for a negotiable bid with a range of costs.

Decision is made on nature of contract, written and reviewed with owners, all contracts are signed and a deposit is collected.

The site is checked for logistical problems, storage areas, and access to site, line up crew and subcontractors and suppliers.

The Construction Phase

 Whether you secure a contractor by way of negotiation or through competitive bidding, your architect should assist in preparing the contract for construction. The AIA publishes contracts suitable for various projects. Should the client choose to use a non-AIA contract, it is important that the roles and responsibilities assigned to the various parties are clearly defined, and it should be reviewed by legal counsel. The basic services of an architect include acting as the client’s representative during construction. The architect shall make site visits at appropriate intervals to observe the progress and quality of the work. This may require weekly or bi-weekly meetings. The architect has the right to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents and can authorize minor changes, but many not make changes to increase the contract sum or time to complete the project. The architect may be asked to review and assist in processing payment applications.