SERVICES
SERVICES
Because I have participated in a broad range of projects, collaborated with many professional design consultants under contract, and managed the design process with the teams producing buildings, I understand the myriad of services necessary for most project types undertaken. This in itself is an architectural consultancy of significant value to those undertaking the making of a building for their purpose.
Today’s world of Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz, and home improvement shows make it all seem easy and affordable. Until you yourself begin.
Design is a visually-minded process, much like music is a hearing-minded process. Just because I love music, doesn’t imply I can play the piano, let alone compose something for the pops or symphony. In the end of design, we build what we composed. My expectations are driven by your desire to sing about what was created, no matter how small.
PRE-PURCHASE SERVICES
When purchasing property on which to build, often people make the buy decision from their intuition and feelings. I consider zoning, natural features and topography, the environment and neighborhood, and your building program to assess how it could fit. Is it simple or forced, easy or expensive? I consider existing buildings and homes similarly for my clients who are considering improvements.
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN SERVICES
The construction and permitting drawings of homes of over 3,500 square feet of habitable space must be sealed by an architect licensed by the State of Michigan. That said, why hire an architect for something smaller? My residential work is founded in the design process of listening, discovery, understanding, and finally creating for success. I estimate the scope of work throughout design to enlighten my clients on elements of cost and value, and to help them make decisions on what they need and want. This makes the design process real and accountable. Changes in design are inexpensive, in construction very expensive.
I listen to your desire for the home, the ideas and images you like, then I quickly create visuals to test those ideas and generate a reaction to guide the design thought. Design is an on-going conversation working from broad concepts to finite detail that must work together simply and with proportion, beauty, and construction sense.
Conceptual Design:
There are always many ways to arrange spaces on a site and get varied and interesting results to consider. From my analysis, you will be able to select one that makes the most sense for how you want to live there, with confidence.
Schematic Design:
The selected building and site concept is drawn to scale. In Plan we test size in square feet. In Elevation we begin to understand the look. We identify the “Scope of Work” representing the project you want. Evaluating this list of scope of work in size and dollars allows you to begin aligning scope with budget. You make informed decisions. Often, people hold their budget cards hidden, which makes for wasted time. However, they respond to my estimates during design, when it is easy and efficient to evolve a project.
Construction Drawings:
With now a targeted scope and budget, the documents needed for permits and bidding, the drawings and specifications, are produced. Your input during this is on-going, as again, this is a process.
Bidding and Contract Award:
It is preferential with residential projects to select a skilled builder that you trust to join the team at the end of Schematic Design. We can seek proposals from 2-3 based upon the schematic package. I will make a recommendation on who to hire from what I have learned by their response. But your relationship with the team and their trust chemistry is key.
Construction:
The construction observation (CO) services necessary are performed in the order of construction progress. I come to the site at appropriate intervals to check on design conformance and construction quality. Elimination of CO services is not an option.
PUBLIC DESIGN SERVICES
All public design is governed by the jurisdictions having authority. The architect is the lead professional, working with other "need-specific" consultants (engineers, designers, specialists) to guide the project through the process of Discovery, Conceptualization, Schematic Design, Design Development and Contract Documents for Construction Bidding and Permits. Again, Construction Observation services necessary are performed in the order of construction progress. Elimination of CO services is not an option.
OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES
They Owner’s Representatives are particularly valuable for non-governmental organizations, non-profits and smaller private education institutions who may only have a facility manager to maintain their campus. Typically their training is not versed in building design and construction, but on maintenance and replacement. An Architect, experienced by age and project type, is the most successful Owner’s Representative.
