Design Process Outline
This page has been created to introduce you to the design process and what is involved in each phase of the process. The time required for each phase is unique to each project but the phases are the same.
- Code research & Programming
- Planning & Schematic Design
- Construction Documentation
- Bidding & Contract negotiations
- Construction Oversight
Code research & Programming
Before all else commences, research on the property or building must be done to determine if there will be any additional approvals necessary for construction. These may include such things as planning board approvals, zoning variances, existing nonconforming building components, historic board review or other local, state and national review boards.
Once the code research has been completed and the full extent of approvals required is known it is time to discuss the building and how you intend to use it.
You have decided it is time to expand your current space, either residential or commercial, programming allows us to better understand how you, the user, will occupy the space and interact with each other throughout the day.
Examples of programming for commercial needs could be:
Janet the greeter is also the secretary for Jim and Melisa, so her desk needs to be centrally located by the main entrance and be in close proximity to both Jim and Melisa’s offices. Jim is the head of the company and should have a door from his office to the conference room and Melissa job has her on the phone handling very sensitive material and as such, her office needs to acoustically isolate it from the rest of the office.
Residential programming is generally less specific, kitchens located near dining rooms, bathrooms near bedroom areas, however each family is different and some may have specific demands such as Karren likes to wake with the sun and would like her bedroom very sunny whereas Mike likes to sleep in and prefer a bedroom on the north. Some families prefer the laundry room near the bedrooms, but some prefer it near the kitchen or mudroom.
Before selected a design professional it is a good idea to create a program, or a “wish list” rating each item on the list from most to least important. This list will help us to better understand what is most important to you and can help to reduce initial planning and schematic design time.
Once the code research has been completed and the full extent of approvals required is known it is time to discuss the building and how you intend to use it.
You have decided it is time to expand your current space, either residential or commercial, programming allows us to better understand how you, the user, will occupy the space and interact with each other throughout the day.
Examples of programming for commercial needs could be:
Janet the greeter is also the secretary for Jim and Melisa, so her desk needs to be centrally located by the main entrance and be in close proximity to both Jim and Melisa’s offices. Jim is the head of the company and should have a door from his office to the conference room and Melissa job has her on the phone handling very sensitive material and as such, her office needs to acoustically isolate it from the rest of the office.
Residential programming is generally less specific, kitchens located near dining rooms, bathrooms near bedroom areas, however each family is different and some may have specific demands such as Karren likes to wake with the sun and would like her bedroom very sunny whereas Mike likes to sleep in and prefer a bedroom on the north. Some families prefer the laundry room near the bedrooms, but some prefer it near the kitchen or mudroom.
Before selected a design professional it is a good idea to create a program, or a “wish list” rating each item on the list from most to least important. This list will help us to better understand what is most important to you and can help to reduce initial planning and schematic design time.
Planning & Schematic Design
Once I have an understanding of you requirements I can begin
the planning and schematic design phases. I generally group these two parts of
the design together because from the very beginning of the design process, I am
constantly thinking of the exterior form and how the plan will alter its form.
Planning is generally considered as site or space planning. Knowing the required relationships for each space and its recommended size I can begin to shape the plan to fit your specified needs.
Schematic design is trying to manipulate the exterior form to fit your program while providing a pleasing form. My extensive knowledge of local architectural history provides me with the ability to create designs that are sympathetic to the local architecture of the Hudson valley.
The Hudson valley region is rich of wonderful architectural examples of the history of the area. Driving down the main streets of many small villages, 200-400 years of architectural history can be seen. From the early stone houses of the Dutch settlers to the Greek revivals of the early to mid 19th century, Victorian and Queen Ann houses of the late 19th century. The bungalows of the early to mid 20th century and more “modern” split-level and raised ranch neighborhoods that have developed in the 1960’s. Such a library of architecture provides many different directions for the design to go.
Planning is generally considered as site or space planning. Knowing the required relationships for each space and its recommended size I can begin to shape the plan to fit your specified needs.
Schematic design is trying to manipulate the exterior form to fit your program while providing a pleasing form. My extensive knowledge of local architectural history provides me with the ability to create designs that are sympathetic to the local architecture of the Hudson valley.
The Hudson valley region is rich of wonderful architectural examples of the history of the area. Driving down the main streets of many small villages, 200-400 years of architectural history can be seen. From the early stone houses of the Dutch settlers to the Greek revivals of the early to mid 19th century, Victorian and Queen Ann houses of the late 19th century. The bungalows of the early to mid 20th century and more “modern” split-level and raised ranch neighborhoods that have developed in the 1960’s. Such a library of architecture provides many different directions for the design to go.
Construction Documents
Once a design has been approved, we can then move into
Construction documents, adding all of the important information that a builder
would need to erect the design. This includes, floor plan dimensions,
elevations, sections, details and specifications.
During this stage finishes are selected such as window and door manufacturers, floor, walls and ceiling finishes. Interior and exterior wood trim, profiles and wood species are selected.
During this stage finishes are selected such as window and door manufacturers, floor, walls and ceiling finishes. Interior and exterior wood trim, profiles and wood species are selected.
Bidding & Contract Negotiations
Once the Construction Documents have been completed they can
be given to local general contractors. These contractors will oversee the construction of the project and will hire subcontractors such as electrical, HVAC and other specialty contractors for each part of the project. Each general contractor will provide a complete bid including all material and labor required to complete the project.
We suggest requesting bids from at least three different contractors to determine that their bids are accurate. Once the bids have been submitted and reviewed it is recommended to meet each general contractor and ask for references for past clients. Price is always a concern but the construction process is generally a six to twelve month process and you want to make sure that you feel comfortable with your builder and that he or she will be able to follow through with their job. the goal is to find a builder who is competent in their abilities but understands the importance of this project to you and is willing to keep you involved in the construction process.
We suggest requesting bids from at least three different contractors to determine that their bids are accurate. Once the bids have been submitted and reviewed it is recommended to meet each general contractor and ask for references for past clients. Price is always a concern but the construction process is generally a six to twelve month process and you want to make sure that you feel comfortable with your builder and that he or she will be able to follow through with their job. the goal is to find a builder who is competent in their abilities but understands the importance of this project to you and is willing to keep you involved in the construction process.
Construction Oversight
Many feel that an Architect’s work ends once construction begins, but this should hardly be the case. It is true that with a competent contractor overseeing a construction project, the need for the architect’s guidance is limited, but still vital for continued success of the project. At no time is this more accurate than during renovations. Unknown or unexpected conditions may arise and guidance from the architect may be necessary.
I am always available and welcome job site meetings once construction is underway. Understanding the importance of the construction schedule, issues that arise with projects under construction always take precedent above others still in the design phase. I recommend that any concerns be raised immediately so that a resolution can be reached to minimize any interruptions in the schedule.
During the construction process I am also available for the client to answer any questions and help with final finish decisions. My goal is for all projects to progress smoothly and for all those associated to finish the project in good standings, however that is not always the case and some projects end badly. As an Architect it is my responsibility to remain impartial and help to resolve any issues that arrive between the owner and contractor.
I am always available and welcome job site meetings once construction is underway. Understanding the importance of the construction schedule, issues that arise with projects under construction always take precedent above others still in the design phase. I recommend that any concerns be raised immediately so that a resolution can be reached to minimize any interruptions in the schedule.
During the construction process I am also available for the client to answer any questions and help with final finish decisions. My goal is for all projects to progress smoothly and for all those associated to finish the project in good standings, however that is not always the case and some projects end badly. As an Architect it is my responsibility to remain impartial and help to resolve any issues that arrive between the owner and contractor.
