Site Evaluation & Planning

Architectural Design is a process that begins with understanding the project site through evaluation of the land area, topography, vehicular and pedestrian access, existing and desired utilities, vegetation, solar orientation, desirable views, zoning setbacks and buildable area, easements and encroachments, impervious surface restrictions and more.
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Defining the characteristics and limitations of a given Project Site, and/or researching the potential for rezoning to increase density and establish new entitlements is a crucial first step for any project, whether a Single Family Home or planning a new Mixed-Use Development, Resort Property or Community Master Plan.  We can assist in obtaining professional surveys of your property, and our Services include formal Site Evaluation and Planning, working in accordance with your desired goals and with the appropriate Municipality having jurisdiction over the Project Site.

Design Development

Design Development commences once the basic Concept for the building has been established.  This phase typically involves the identification of typical Construction Systems intended for the project, and further develops the Concept to accommodate them appropriately.  This includes development of typical Wall Sections to identify Building Foundation Systems, Wall Construction, Typical Framing Methods, Typical Roofing Materials and Overhang Conditions, and Mechanical Systems Planning.

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Depending upon the complexity of the Project, the Design Development Phase is often when the overall Project Team may begin to expand with the inclusion of Engineering Consultants and other Sub Consultants.  Again, appropriate to the complexity of the Project, this phase typically results in a larger set of drawings including more detailed Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations, Roof Plan, Wall Sections and some Details.  The set may also include initial Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering drawings.

Conceptual Design

Conceptual Design begins with a process called Programming, where we define what your goals for your Project are.  This typically involves determining a series of buildings on site, and spaces within buildings using tabular data and sketching.   This begins with internal uses, access patterns, adjacencies, nominal dimensions and areas, and possible plan forms for the building(s).  During the Conceptual Design Phase, we also work to establish the desired architectural style of the building through the development of Exterior Elevations.  Whether a Traditional or Modern style is desired, Client input and feedback is extremely valuable during this phase. 

The Conceptual Design Phase typically results in a set of hard line Conceptual Drawings including Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations, a Site Plan and a Roof Plan.  Further, this phase may also involve more detailed Visualization Exhibits including Rendered Exterior Elevations and Digital 3D Modeling if so desired.

Construction Documents

The Construction Document Phase involves the preparation of Drawings and Documents from which the Project will actually be constructed.  The resulting drawing set typically includes coordinated, dimensioned and detailed Site Plans, Floor Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans, Exterior Elevations, Roof Plans, Wall Sections, numerous Construction Details, and Window and Door Schedules.  If desired, Interior Elevations, Millwork Details, Floor Finish Plans, Lighting Plans and more can be included.  Typically, the final "Permit Set" also includes drawings and documents prepared by the Project Team's Consulting Engineers and, possibly, other Sub-Consultants as well.

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The Construction Documents are typically submitted to the local Municipality for Review and issuance of a Building Permit.  These documents are also typically used by General Contractors bidding on the Project for preparation of Construction Cost estimates.