Whether remodeling an existing home or starting a new Custom Design from scratch, my goal is to make what can be a sometimes overwhelming and confusing process into an exciting and stress free experience. The following represents a brief step by step process of the Residential Design Services I offer. After evaluating your specific project and needs, we can tailor these Services to accomplish your
goals more effectively. I believe that listening is the most important skill that can be used in reaching my Client's goals. The process of Designing a new home or addition is a process of investigating and analyzing various options. My goal is to be my Client's guide and best advocate in navigating through this process to arrive at the best possible solution. THE PROCESS:
The Design Process actually begins with an initial consultation where I can spend time listening to your individual needs and begin to formulate design options in creating a truly unique and distinctive home. This information will then be used to prepare a proposal for Design Services for your project. Once a signed agreement and your retainer is received, I can then move on to the next step, Design Development. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
During the Design Development Phase, we will begin to refine the initial design options into a more precise plan by taking a closer look at such things as Site requirements/restrictions and individual space requirements based upon how you intend to use each room and the needs specific to your lifestyle. Through this process a preliminary set of Floor Plans will be developed depicting the proposed layout of your new home or addition to act as a starting point for further refinement. Once the basic Floor Plans are fully developed we can move on to the exterior, where we will use these Plans in generating Exterior Elevations to your satisfaction along with additional drawings such as; Roof Plan, Site Plan and wall details sufficient to confirm your approval as well as obtain a preliminary budget from your selected Contractor. Throughout this Phase, detailed drawings will be used to illustrate all aspects of the proposed Design, including the selection of materials and Site orientation in order to refine the design so that it more precisely represents your individual tastes and needs. If required, by budget or other concerns, changes can be made to the initial Preliminary Design and used as a guide for preparing the detailed Construction Documents of the next Phase. At this point, it is much easier to make changes on paper than once the foundation is in place, so we will step back, take a deep breath, and evaluate the progress that has been made in the Preliminary Drawings to ensure your complete satisfaction. Optional Services along the way:
* Computer generated 3D Modeling
* Colored Renderings (for material and color scheme selection)
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
At this point we will prepare the Construction Documents consisting of highly detailed drawings and specifications that your Contractor will use to establish actual construction costs, obtain permits and begin construction. These drawings and specifications become part of the Design Agreement. Included in these drawings will be descriptions of the Foundation, Framing system, Floor Plans, Elevations, Door and Window schedules, Room Finish specifications and any necessary construction details. These drawings will serve as a "record" of the decisions that we have made to this point and be used by the Builder and Tradesmen to supply the materials and construct the project. The local Building Inspectors will also use the Documents in issuing permits and inspecting the construction to date. Up until now, the project has been confined to discussion and two dimensional drawings. When construction begins, we move into the physical realization of all the hard work and planning that has preceded. During this process, periodic visits to the Site can be Pre-negotiated into the Design Agreement to ensure that the construction remains consistent to the original Design intent and supporting Construction Drawings. Successful construction relies upon a team effort of committed individuals who all share a common goal. Mutual trust, respect and good communication are all vital ingredients in accomplishing this goal. From beginning to end, I am committed to seeing your dreams and desires become reality and will work to the best of my abilities as your guide and advocate to ensure your expectations are not only met, but are far exceeded.
