The Design Process

^Beginning

Clients come to us with a project idea. We build on that idea together adding more specific details.

• Home style: good sources are magazines, books, photos, internet, clients' drawings and sketches.
• Areas: bedrooms, living areas, kitchen, baths, basement, utility areas, office, garage, outdoor living areas.
• Features: fireplace, stairs, ceiling heights/vaults, storage, special trims, exposed beams, balcony
• Utilities: electricity, natural gas/propane, water, sewage, heating/AC
• Desired square feet of living area
• Site map showing property lines and lengths, or a description of the property (deed)

Home Siting

At our first meeting we'll generally meet at the site to discuss following:

• Best views
• Prevailing winds & inclement weather
• Driveway, parking
• Tree preservation/removal
• Existing features affecting new construction

First Draft of Main Floor Plan

After the site meeting, we'll begin creating the first draft of main floor plan.

• Drawings are created with CAD software using the programs 3 dimensional capabilities. A model of the home is created as it is drawn. This creates numerous viewing options including interior and exterior renderings, walk-throughs and solar animations (sun/shade tracking)
• First draft of main floor plan presented to clients
• Clients review first draft
• Meet with clients to discuss first draft & desired changes/questions

Plan Refinement

The second phase of plan design consists of continued floor plan refinement, adding additional floors (if applicable), adding exterior elevations to the plan, and adjusting the plan until the client is satisfied.

Finalizing Design Phase

This phase consists of finalizing the design of floor plans and exterior elevations (architectural plans). We'll provide the client with copy of the plan. The client then obtains preliminary construction estimates from builders if desired.

Structural Drawings

Once the design phase is complete, we begin structural drawings, hire Structural Engineer if needed, then integrate engineering into structural plans.

Final Plans

After integrating structural engineering we print and review plans (Architectural plans + Structural drawings and Engineering).

The client receives plan and supporting documents ready for permit application and construction.