For every project there is essentially the same Design Process. The building type varies, the property aspects are different, the client has varying tastes and the Architect his own style. Yet no matter the end result (which can be wildly different) the path to get there is similar to assist you, the client, to understand just what in general terms that process means to me. For you, essentially a “Working with an Architect” to design a building discussion.
You’ve decided you want to build a new home. You’ve found a lot you really like and you have some ideas as to just how you want a house to fit and enhance your lifestyle. What is the next step? That’s the focus of this page. The topic is just how an architect will guide you though the design process and develop plans and drawings such that you get your ideal home on paper so you can approve the designs, achieve completion of construction drawings, get your project bid (priced) and obtain a permit so you can get the wonderful process of building and realizing your dream home in motion.
The Design Process
First Floor Requirements
- Great Room with stone fireplace – 18′ x 20′.
- Chef’s Kitchen with commercial grade appliances, an island to sit around and an informal dining space.
- Formal Dining Room to seat at least 12 people. We also need place for our other Dining Room furniture.
- Study/Library with lots of natural light and plenty of book shelves as we have many, many books.
- 4 Car Garage. Could be 2-2 car garages if that works better. We also need lots of storage for bikes, etc.
My Wish List
My Budget
We have set a budget of $200 per sq ft. for the house only. We own the lot outright and will handle the landscaping, drives, walks and walls separately.
Preliminary Design Drawings
The architect’s job at this stage is to organize your Wish List and analize the site in order to create the first round of drawings. The drawings below are representative of this phase. We will meet to discuss the designs. Several iterations may be required to reach a final design.
Design Development Drawings
This phase of the drawings begins with the approved Preliminary Design and further develops the project. The number of drawings is expanded to include things like a roof plan, a basement plan, electrical and plumbing and a site plan with the house located on the lot. A budget should also be determined at this point. The architect and the builder (if selected) will help with this task.
Construction/Bid Drawings
We’ll begin this phase with the completed and approved Design Development Drawings. Prior to starting the Construction/Bid Drawings we will give you the drawings to take with you to do your final review and provide us with your written approval. Changes thereafter will be an additional charge.
