Pre-Design Phase

In this beginning stage, all ‘team’ members gather at the ‘ program’ meeting to discuss the goals, desires, requirements, and details of your project. Next, the architectural staff measures and documents all relevant areas of the existing building and surrounding site. The architect then creates accurate ‘existing condition’ drawings as backgrounds for the following design and development phases.Finally, the architect performs a NYS Building Code analysis and determines all applicable local zoning and setback requirements and/or restrictions.

Conceptual Design Phase

Design concepts, ideas and options are created at this stage. The architect analyzes the ‘program’, researches applicable building styles and details and generates ‘sketches’ that evolve into the design solution. Simple preliminary plans, building sections and exterior elevations are developed and presented.

Design Development Phase

The conceptual design solution is more fully developed at this stage. The architect ‘sketches’ through design revisions and options and assists the owner in preliminary material and product selections. The first structural analysis is performed to establish the building framing layout and to determine the size of major beams etc. Concept drawings are further developed to show more detail and include more building sections, interior elevations, a foundation plan, and optional (additional service) 3D modeling images created with “Google Sketch-Up” software. Design development drawings are presented and are also utilized for pricing / estimates by selected builders or contractors.

Design Development Phase: (without a conceptual design phase)

Design concepts, ideas and options are created at this stage. The architect analyzes the ‘program’, researches applicable building styles and details and generates ‘sketches’ that evolve into the design solution. Drawings are developed to present the design and include, but are not limites to, floor plans, building sections, exterior elevations, interior elevations, a preliminary foundation / basement plan and optional (additional service) 3D modeling images created with “Google Sketch-Up” software. The first structural analysis is performed to establish the building framing layout and to determine the size of major beams etc. Design development drawings are presented and are also utilized for pricing / estimates by the builder. The architect and builder assist the owner in preliminary material and product selections.

• Assistance with preparation of zoning / planning board variance application / forms is available as an additional service
• Representation and/or presentation of project for review / approval(s) at zoning / planning board and/or architectural / historic commission meetings is available as an additional service, and will be performed hourly.

Construction Documents Phase

This final drawing phase incorporates the last round of design ‘tweaks and changes’ as the architect transforms the design drawings into a set of construction drawings and specifications. These complete documents provide all necessary information and data to submit for and acquire a local building permit, and also serve as the official ‘set of instructions’ for the builder and all sub-contractors.

• Assistance with preparation of building permit application / forms is available as an additional service.

Construction Phase

• Site visits / observation of construction progress to review conformance with drawings and specifications will be performed hourly.
• A variety of additional ‘owner advocate’ services will be performed hourly as requested; refer to the following proposal / agreement for specific options.

Fees

Residential Fees

Each client and every project is unique and as such, the require a specific and selected combination and scope of services. Please inquire as to which services are necessary and appropriate to plan, design and construct your project.

Fixed Fee

The majority of our services are performed with fixed fee agreements. The fee is established based on the scope and extent of the work and the time and tasks required to complete the project.

Hourly Fee

We typically reserve hourly fees for very small projects with a limited scope of work, quick design studies or sketches, or planning phases with an undefined scope of work.