Your project can begin with simply loving a place.
This place might be the land, a neighborhood, or an existing home that hasn’t realized its full potential.
How do you want to live? The design process is a search to find the answers and bridge toward a new vision. Existing conditions may be reimagined or new a dwelling proposed, always respectful of the surroundings.
Our services are structured with consideration for the longer term implications of your project from the beginning. Growth, future uses and construction quality are all important factors.
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Initial design concepts focus on the relationships between buildings and the land. During this phase the functional program is arranged and the scope of construction is determined.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN DELIVERABLES
Site visit and documentation
Site analysis: zoning, easements, building restrictions & utilities
Design meetings
Site plan and floor plan sketches
Exterior elevation concepts
Identify landscape design goals
Rough construction budget
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
With an overall plan in place, the building form is developed with 3d modeling, dimensioned drawings, and a concept for the interior design.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
In order to provide the contractor with necessary information for a successful build, we compile a specification book and detailed set of technical drawings.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DELIVERABLES
Site plan and floor plan
Landscape and septic coordination
Building section and elevations
3d model development
Daylighting and thermal comfort Indoor air quality
Material and color studies
Contractor referral
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
During construction we conduct site visits to review the work with the Owner and Contractor. The primary goal of our involvement during this phase is to review the progress of the work and monitor accordance with the design intentions.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Dimensioned floor plan, elevations, and building sections
Design of building envelope systems
Ceiling & electrical plan with mechanical layout
Structural engineer coordination
Mechanical and HVAC coordination
Door & window schedules
Material specifications, finishes and fixtures
Documents for permitting and cost estimating
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION DELIVERABLES
Review shop drawings and subcontractor submittals
Provide takeoffs for material orders
Weekly site visits or as needed
Mechanical and HVAC coordination
Contractor Coordination
Design and construction team meetings
Additional drawings for adjustments to the design
Building material samples
So, what’s it like to work with us? Here are some words from our past clients:
“I loved how space-conservative you were when designing our home. I assumed that when we said we wanted more space, they’d immediately design a much bigger house. But you came back with designs that changed the way the space was used instead of filling the yard with more house. The final product is a perfectly appropriate size for the lot, for our neighborhood, and for our lifestyle. ”
“When people enter our house now, they love how the larger scale windows and natural light create a sightline that connects the entry to the rest of the house and to the outside. People who had the benefit of seeing the before and after are amazed at the dramatic impact of the new design.”
“I wake up and lie in bed and look at the woodwork around the doors and windows, and how light bounces off things, and I think about how beautiful it is. I never did that in the old house.”
“My favorite design details for the new bathroom are almost too many to count! I really appreciated that you all fully embraced my vision for the space and even enjoyed the challenge. The help from both of you on the interior paint colors was huge. I would have never thought to paint all the trim the lovely pewter grey you all chose. I can’t tell you how many times I have been complimented on the paint colors we used.”
“The ADU was built as a tiny home that would compliment the main living space and fit in with the neighborhood. We wanted to create something that would be comfortable as a longer term rental, but it turned out to be so much better than we could have expected.
It’s perfect for one person, but also cozy for two with room for a guest. When the main house was getting remodeled, our family of three lived there for 5 months and loved it. We even had space for a 6 foot Christmas tree. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many square feet you have to work with, it’s about the quality and thoughtfulness of the design.”
“The compliments from passers by are never ending. I’ve heard things like: ‘your house is the gem of the neighborhood,’ ‘we love that you saved the little house,’ and ‘I walk by all the time and this is my favorite house in this whole area.’ Periodically we’ll see someone taking a picture of the house. It’s all very flattering. ”
“ It was surprising how, on the surface, the initial design you brought to us was relatively simple, but the outcome was wildly transformative. ”
“This apartment always gets compliments. People walking by on the street regularly give compliments and visitors fall in love with the dreamy proportions. Even though the apartment is just 500 square feet and on a busy corner, the quality of the design and build make the space feel like a comfortable, quiet, and calm oasis.”
“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such a satisfying relationship between the architects, the builders, and us. I’d heard stories of disappointment and stress during remodels, but that wasn’t our experience at all. We really enjoyed the people and the process. Everyone involved liked and respected one another and was committed to doing their best work. They were guided by good design and craftsmanship, but also by what was best for us. ”