In this initial phase, we gather crucial project information to inform the design process we’re about to undertake. Here’s what it entails:

Site Analysis: We evaluate your property’s unique features, including climate, topography, and zoning restrictions, to identify potential building sites and design opportunities.

Code Analysis: Before diving into design, we thoroughly review zoning regulations, environmental factors, and permitting requirements to determine project feasibility and constraints.

Programming + Budget Analysis: Together, we compile a comprehensive list of desired spaces and assess their characteristics and sizes. We then align this with your budget, adjusting as needed before proceeding to the next phase.

Client Questionnaire: You’ll receive a detailed questionnaire to help us understand your needs and preferences, guiding the design process from the outset.

Existing Conditions Model: For renovation or addition projects, we create accurate as built models and drawings to understand the existing building’s layout and conditions accurately.

In this phase, we work together to develop initial concepts and define the rough shape of the building.

We generate multiple design options, typically three, using the information gathered in the previous phase.

These early concepts serve as a foundation for decision-making as the project progresses.

We present these schematic ideas in loose form: digital models without much detail. They’re intended to evoke new ideas and spark feedback from you, not as final plans.

Our discussions during meetings will aim to refine the designs, eventually selecting a single preferred concept that may integrate elements from various options.

This phase concludes with your choice of one scheme to advance further.

This phase is complete when one scheme is selected and agreed upon to move ahead with and the materials listed at left have been secured.

In this phase, we transition from schematic planning to digital drawing creation. We finalize the position of the building composition on your site, considering existing contours and how topography influences the building’s placement.

As we draft floor plans and delineate the walls, windows, doors, and stairs, the project starts to take shape. We further refine room sizes, building volumes, and generate the initial exterior elevations, while also considering material choices.

Together, we choose the material palette and select building systems such as structural, mechanical, heating, and lighting. Our meeting schedule during this phase is more frequent as we refine the design, develop details and it generally requires more intense decision-making sessions.

This phase begins our coordination with expert consultants. We always employ a structural engineer to ensure the highest quality and performance, particularly important for projects exposed to extreme weathering conditions. Additional consultants like energy, landscape, or lighting professionals may be brought in as needed. Our involvement extends to all interior aspects as well, ensuring a cohesive design from material selection to furnishings, fixtures and finishes.

Before we move on, we’ll confirm with our building team that the design is still aligned with the allocated budget and that there are no known obstacles to securing a building permit for the chosen design. Scope changes and budget will be reconciled and once confirmed, we move on to the next phase.

In this phase, we develop precise, technical plans, including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing details, ensuring every aspect of the design is documented and ready for the builder.

These documents include floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and material specifications, providing all necessary information for accurate pricing, permitting, and construction. The construction documents serve as a legal contract between the client and contractor, setting the standards for quality, workmanship, and adherence to design intent.

This phase ensures that the vision established in earlier stages is thoroughly communicated, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring a smooth, efficient construction process.

We initiate the permitting process (state + local) early in this phase to address any necessary changes before finalizing the drawings. While the permitting process is typically straightforward, complex sites may require earlier involvement, determined during the Predesign phase.

Most of your decision-making is behind you, our need for your time and input will be minimal. However, if there are outstanding interior selections or cabinetry design decisions, we’ll meet as often as necessary to confirm those.