The
basics:
As
part of our education and training, the Architect has
specialized knowledge in building, design, and
construction. As an advocate for the project
owner, our first obligation is to ensure that
plans are executed as designed. This is especially
important during construction if changes in
materials and construction procedures are
proposed. Our typical services encompass the
following:
Programming:
The
initial phase in which the Architect and the project
owner discuss the goals, needs and function of the
project; design expectations and available budget;
and pertinent building code and zoning
regulations. We assists the owners in developing a
realistic design and budget estimate through a
life-cycle cost analysis, which calculates the
design's expected future impact on operating and
maintenance costs. Following the initial
discussions, we will produce an outline of the
scope of the proposed project.
Documentation
and design development:
The Architect
documents and measures all the existing elements
like examining all previous legal documents on the
project to identify past violations, previous
alterations, or measuring existing spaces or
properties. These issues determine the physical
parameters of the project to be designed.
We
provide concept sketches of design options and
explains how they meet the requirements discussed
in the programming stage. The overall scope of the
project, building materials proposed, and a
preliminary budget related to the schematic design
are also discussed. Refinements are discussed
until the project owner approves the design.
We
prepare detailed drawings and finalizes the design
plans, showing actual sizes and shapes for rooms.
Also included is an outline of the construction
specifications, which lists the major materials to
be used. When the project owner approves the
design drawings, we prepare a cost estimate.
Construction
documents:
One
of the most important elements of the Architect's
services. We develop detailed drawings and
materials specifications. The contractor will use
both to estimate construction costs and to build
the project.
Hiring
the contractor:
The
project owner has several options available,
including asking the Architect to make contractor
recommendations or choosing a contractor on their
own. We can assist you in selecting contractors by
reviewing bids and estimates based on the
construction documents;
Construction
phase:
The Architect
represents the owner to the contractor and
observes the pace and quality of construction. As
the owner's agent, we look out for your interest,
making the construction process go smoothly by
keeping you informed of the project's progress and
overseeing any changes or problems that may arise
with the project.
The
process works in the following manner. With a new
building, a lot's size and location represents a
sizeable amount of the total cost of a new
project. We help determine the best location of
the building for the owner's needs through the
process of programming, examining all of the project
variables and owner needs prior to the design
stage.
Understanding
the site's characteristics as well as owner's
needs and financial resources is essential to
create an intelligent design, developed to best
use available square footage, yet flexible enough
to change as future needs require. Above all, the
design is balanced between the owner's program and
budget, and local building and zoning codes,
focusing on long-term resale value so owners get
the maximum benefit of their investment in
property.
Written
contracts to make life easier for all parties
Contracts
are coordinated, designed to work in sets as
needed and with the flexibility to cover every
aspect of the agreement between an owner and
the Architect. The agreements thoroughly cover all the
roles, responsibilities, and obligations of the
owner and architect.
Also,
the Architect provides contract forms that are intended
for use with small projects and large, such as
residential renovations and additions or
multi-story buildings. These contracts outline
each phase of services, helping owners better
understand the type and quality of services
expected from us.
Before
proceeding with a project, The Architect prepares an
agreement that includes the scope of work, our
services and responsibilities, the owner
responsibilities, construction budget and
schedule, and compensation method. The contract
addresses our role should scheduling or
quality-control issues arise while the project is
under construction.
