Our framework is based on the principles of passive house design, which prioritizes energy efficiency and cost savings in building design. By bringing together architects, clients, engineers, and interior designers, we create a collaborative environment where all parties work together to create a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient. Our approach considers factors such as building orientation, insulation, ventilation, and lighting to reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact. With a focus on better buildings, we use the latest technology and techniques to create designs that are not only sustainable but also visually appealing. Our goal is to create spaces that are comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient, resulting in a better environment for the people who occupy them.
Below is an outline of the steps we’ll be taking together as we design your project. This process is meant to be fun, engaging, and democratic. It will involve sketches, drawings, computer models, lots of ideas – both good + bad – materials, thorough analysis and good humor. We think the best outcomes are the result of following each of the steps below to completion.
Good design is the synthesis of many disparate ideas into a thoughtful whole, and while the steps listed below represent a linear path, the way we arrive at the final design isn’t always linear. It’s an iterative process, which leads to a product; it’s not a known product from the beginning. The product is the result of following the design process to its logical endpoint. This, I believe, is what makes custom design so exciting and memorable – we create it together based on your specific situation and needs. At the end of the process, you’ll have a thoughtfully designed home and the shared experience of designing it.
Architects, for the most part, all use a similar series of steps to arrive at a finished project. There are six general phases. Click each phase to learn what you can expect.
PREDESIGN –
Site analysis, programming, existing conditions, budgeting, code review.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN –
Basic design concept generation.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT –
Refinement of the selected design concept from phase 2.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS –
Detailed drawings, schedules and specs.
CONTRACTOR SELECTION –
Aid in contract award / negotiation with GC.
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION –
Oversee construction + administration of the contract.
The phases are sequential and they build on the work completed and agreed to in each preceding phase. We start with the general and refine the design to the very specific. There’s lot of decisions along the way and this gradation organizes those decisions into manageable portions.
Each phase has it’s own set of unique tasks but one thing all phases have in common are weekly progress reports. This is an email sent out once a week with a bullet point update of where your project is at along with any information that may be needed to continue progress. If we’ve had a meeting within the previous seven (7) days, the notes will be attached as well. We believe this helps to keep everyone on the same page and the key to a successful project.
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