Our office is patterned after a studio concept. This open concept allows each staff member an opportunity to learn and assist another member when overhearing conversations or responses and solutions to projects. This studio concept also allows us to operate as an internal team for each project. The staff members working to coordinate the efforts of the work on a project are easily accessible to one another. This open organization facilitates easy communication and enhances our ability to solve our client’s problems. Each project we undertake is unique as a problem and requires a response tied specifically to the attributes of the problem. The response is dependent on the context of the place it will be located and the particular purpose or function for which it is intended.
Typically, the design process begins with a kick-off meeting with all team members present. This establishes a team rapport and project philosophy. Together we reach an understanding of the client’s goals, needs, budget parameters, and other pertinent issues. During the Schematic Design phase, the architect will be responsible for developing drawings as required to identifiy the determined project scope. As these documents are completed and the client is satisfied with the design, the Construction Manager will receive the information to begin the budgeting process.
After the budget is verified, Design Development begins. This phase defines the materials in more detail and requires the engineering consultants to begin their work. The engineers will work with us to establish the systems for construction. The Construction Manager will be consulted throughout this phase for information on our recommended process. His input is valuable for current knowledge of market conditions. This phase will be completed with another pricing exercise by the Construction Manager. The validation of the selected systems and early material selections will help maintain budget levels through to the end of the documentation process. Throughout the process the client will be kept abreast of decisions and progress.
The Construction Document phase quantifies the information for the Construction Manager to gain accurate pricing for the work to be accomplished. The final price should be predictable because the early reviews by the Construction Manager will back up the final price.
We have a good record of communicating with our clients at all phases of work. Communication with the owner through regularly scheduled meetings during the documentation phase, as well as meetings during construction, will ensure that the outcome is consistent with the design intent and established goals for the project. Projects with continual communication finish with a successful conclusion.
