This is essentially an information gathering and processing phase – what I do before I start design. We collect all the information about the project to use in schematic design. This includes information about the site (optimal orientation, views, slopes, natural features to maintain or avoid) any existing structure(s), codes, deed restrictions, septic information, site utilities, access, budget, and schedule.

 I’ll send you a detailed list of questions to help me find out more about you, your needs, aesthetic preferences for the project, and as part of the search for an architectural idea to build the project on. This will get us all thinking about the specifics of design from the outset.

Prior to starting the Schematic Design phase, we will do a Budget Analysis where I’ll apply a factored square footage estimate based on the list of spaces that we will determine together in the Programming.  

This is where the rough shape of the building and the ideas are formed. I’ll generate a couple of different design options for you to consider – two at a minimum (sometimes more) – using all the information gathered in the previous step. I begin by drafting a narrative for the project, called a ‘parti’, which we’ll reference throughout the project.

I generally present the schematic ideas in loose sketch form as site and plan diagrams or models, physical or digital. These are not final ideas or fixed plans, they’re meant to be conceptually evocative and to incite new ideas and feedback from you.

We’ll meet and discuss the designs with the goal of narrowing the field to one preferred design concept; something we can move forward with. Often this design will borrow features from other schemes and become a hybridized solution.

Taking the schematic plan developed in the previous phase, I begin to create the drawings digitally. I locate it precisely on your site and think about how it will relate to the existing contour and consider how that will shape the building. I make the building real by drawing the floor plan – the walls, windows, + doors, and stairs. I define the exact sizes and relationships of the rooms, the overall volume of the building and generate the initial set of exterior elevations. I also begin thinking about materials, inside and out. Eventually we’ll know what every finish in every room is, but here we’ll conceptualize the framework for the material palette. The buildings systems will be discussed in this phase as well – structural, mechanical, heating, lighting, and specialty controls. – In order for us to convey the desired outcome so that consultants for each respective system can develop them further within our intent.

This phase initiates our coordination with the various consultants that will bring their expertise to bear on the project. Because the work I do is very specific, and it demands the highest quality we always use structural engineers. They ensure that our homes overall structural component assembly perform to our joint high level of expectation. Much of our work is non-typical and set on mountainous terrain and involving a structural engineer is a must.

At phase completion you’ll have a set of drawings for what looks like a house.

This phase fixes all of the information about the house into a detailed set of drawings and specifications that will be used by the Contractor for pricing and construction. Think of it as an instruction manual. Before beginning we’ll discuss whether you’d like to pursue competitive bid prices, or a negotiated contract and I’ll craft the drawings and level of detail in those drawings based on that decision. We will discuss the pro’s and con’s of each avenue, and also discuss what’s actually feasible in your projects area.

In this phase the main goal is to get quotes and sign a contract with a General Contractor. I will assist in document distribution to contractors and I will answer any questions they have. Regardless of your contract type, a General Contractor should always provide you with a detailed cost estimate as a basis for the contract, yes even for cost plus contracts. I will review contractors detailed estimate and their proposed contract wording and will advise on any modifications.

After the contract is awarded and construction begins, I can act as your agent on-site, monitor progress, review applications for payment, and ensure conformance with the contract documents, this is typically done on an hourly basis. I don’t tell the contractor how to do his work; I just make sure he’s doing the things he’s contractually promised to do.
This is a crucial part of the process and I strongly advocate being involved during construction. Not only does it ensure that all the hard work we put in designing your vision is executed properly and according to the drawings we crafted, but I also find that it holds the Contractor to a higher standard of quality.
Invariably, there are things that I‘m just not able to detail or anticipate during the Construction Documents phase. Involving me in the Construction Observation phase allows the project design vision to be integrated into the details of the home seamlessly. Architects/Designers and Contractors often think very differently – which is good – but not every Contractor’s decision balances function and aesthetics.