COLLABORATION
Design can be defined in many ways. It starts in an open-ended conversation and becomes more specific as it develops. It is about identifying the problem. It’s about collecting data. Design is iterative, considering a variety of options. It’s collaborative. It requires feedback and revisions. Design is about honing and editing, coalescing and solidifying to arrive at a solution. In hindsight, the solution often feels inevitable, as though you couldn’t have arrived at a different place.
When hiring an architect, design will proceed in a series of steps, or phases. This is what you can expect...
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
We will start with initial discussions about your needs, to create a program of spaces and a scope of work for the project. During the Schematic Design phase, MLA will explore design ideas for review and feedback. Discussions will center on spatial organization, adjacencies, public vs. private, light and view, inside and outside, materials and forms. The result of these explorations will be floor plans upon which our project can be developed.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
During the Design Development phase our project will be examined three dimensionally, typically in model form, to understand massing, structure and constructability. Decisions will be made about window and door placement, materials, finishes, and mechanical requirements. We recommend that at the end of this phase, we engage a contractor to provide an estimate for the scope of work. This due diligence is invaluable in assuring that the project as envisioned will match your budget. Even if this results in some difficult decisions, it is better to understand cost implications before construction starts and make plans accordingly.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT
The Construction Document phase is when the project becomes fully defined. Drawings will be prepared to instruct the builder on assemblies, details and materials. Specifications will be developed to outline quantity and quality. A permit set will be developed during this phase to meet regulatory requirements for the project. These Construction Documents ultimately become the basis for the contractor’s final bid and construction schedule.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
Construction Administration is when MLA works collaboratively with the contractor to see the project through construction. We will be on site on a weekly basis to answer questions and assure the contractor is interpreting the drawings correctly. We will continue close communication with you during this phase as well to assure expectations are met and that our shared vision of the project is achieved.