Our first appointment is almost like a casual social meeting.  Our clients learn about our office and we learn about the client and his/her project in general.  We gather enough information to quickly assess, based upon our past experience, general project requirements.

With the information gathered during our first meeting and subsequent phone conversations, we write a Proposal for Services.

The main focus of the proposal is centered on the Scope of Work Worksheet, which is basically the list of services shown above.

The worksheet contains all the architectural and related services provided by our office.  We fill in this document selecting services that are required by the specific project and/or have been specifically requested by our clients.  This proposal, as approved by the client and our office, will be included in the final contract. 

With this proposal we formally express our first professional opinion and provide our first piece of advice regarding the direction of a project.  We give our clients several choices.  The first choice represents the minimum required services. 

After the Proposal is approved and architectural services are selected, we will send you a draft contract for your review.  We exclusively use standard AIA (American Institute of Architects) contracts with addenda.  We include as part of the contract the Scope of Services Worksheet and exclude all those items that are not applicable to the particular project.  You are welcome to consult with your lawyer. 

Before any design could be started, we need to focus on the overall requirements and constraints that will be the framework for the rest of the project. 

Site Survey: With the site survey we learn all information related to the owner’s property regarding adjacent streets, property lines, easements, existing structures (in case of additions) topography, water table, soil bearing capacity, utility inverts and orientation.  This survey is usually performed by Land Surveyors and contracted directly by the owner.  If specifically indicated by the owner, we could assist in contracting surveying services. 

Zoning.  Some of the information contained in the site plan helps the architect determine the buildable area, as defined by the local ordinance.  Among the things that affect the buildable area are easements , maximum building height and yard requirements, among other things.  Zoning Ordinance criteria is always changing to accommodate the growing needs of a particular community.  Ordinance changes are sometimes initiated by political tendencies of current government officials.  Even though we strive for completely satisfying local Zoning Ordinances, the local Zoning Inspector is the final authority at interpreting the zoning law and, during the plan review process, could introduce the latest political and legal tendencies and rule against a published Ordinance article.

The Preliminary Building Code analysis will provide the maximum building height and area according to the building code

Building Program.  This term defines the spatial and operational needs of a building.  It is the objective piece of paper that describes the design goals.  In the architectural community, the Program is customarily contracted as an additional service.  We like to get involved with our residential clients and prepare this important document as part of our basic services.  The contract between Owner and Architect already makes reference to a program.  Some wording is included in the contract to define more accurately the nature of our contractual obligations.  However, at this point, we take the opportunity to finalize and fine tune the program.  The design effort will be directed to satisfy this program.  Here we learn about your family and your space requirements.  How many family members, ages; important family values and traditions such us, for example, whether you have breakfast together or not; do you like walk-in closets or you prefer a dressing room…

After all the information pertaining to client and site is gathered, the design process starts.  

Although the process may vary project by project, there are several steps that are common to most projects:  

Adjacency diagram.  We have defined theories about the best flow between different areas based on our design experience.  However, because we tailor a design solution to the way a particular customer uses spaces and functions in a specific area it is crucial to the success of a design that both Owner and Architect get involved in this stage. 

Schematic design study.  Based upon the adjacency diagram we propose one or two solutions to the design challenge.  According to the size of the project, the solutions could consist from just a floor plan to a complete schematic set of plans, elevations and, if required for understanding, building sections and tri-dimensional aids. This study will produce e coherent design.

Design Development.  Building from the approved schematic design and the input from the client, we continue with the design of our project.  The building becomes “real,” at least as real as it can get on paper.  Windows and doors manufacturers are chosen most of the times at this stage, although sometimes during the previous stage as well. 

Interior Design.  Once the development of the design is on firm grounds and no mayor changes will occur, if contracted, we will start the development of an interior design strategy and final Interior Design.  This phase could be contracted also while the house is under construction

After the building has been completely designed and approved, we need to convey the information in a suitable manner for building code and zoning officials, estimators and contractors.  

The product of this phase is a set of comprehensive construction drawings and specifications based upon the approved design development and interior design drawings.

Construction drawings may include:

  Fully dimensioned floor plans.
  Site plan
  Foundation plan
  Roof Plan
  Structural plans
  Electrical layout plans
  Building sections
  Exterior and/or Interior elevations
  Construction Details
  Specifications

Bidding and Construction Contract Negotiation.

If contracted, we could assist you during the bidding and negotiation of the contract between Owner and General Contractor.  This is rarely done for a single family residential project.  The demand for these type of services is growing, however and they will become more common in the near future. 

Of all the many useful services that the architect could offer during construction, we consider one to be essential, in most cases: Site Visitation.  According to the size of the project, we may include, as part of basic services, several hours of site visitation.  The rest of the services, however, like bidding and contract negotiation, are rarely done for a single family residential project.