Overview
The process of developing a building design is a rigorous and creative activity combining the art of architecture with the science of engineering and the financial aspect of budgeting. Like many creative activities the process is likened to a path that is not always straight and in fact may be circular at times, some use the term "spiral" due to it both having a forward direction as well as tendancy to question itself along the way to ensure that it is going in the right direction. The process starts at the abstract program, idea, and budget level and proceeds to the concrete realized level. There are a series of phases (7) starting from the abstract information gathering on a note pad and conceptual design with free hand sketches to the precise construction documents using the computer and ending with construction observation. However, it usually starts through either an e-mail or phone call from a prospective new client from a referral of a previous client, response to an professional service internet ad, sign at a construction site, or via a mailer that you have received. At this time we typically will ask the client what is the program or intended use of the proposed building, budget proposed for the project, location of the proposed project, and expected time frame for completion.
Based on this information, we can help the client assess whether the proposed budget and or schedule is reasonable for the proposed program and site. We would then typically like to meet with the client and discuss the project in more detail and let them get to know us and so that we can have a better idea of what they are interested in - project goals, priorities, aspirations, and concerns. We would then prepare a fee proposal for the project based on the understanding of the project goals and expected budget. If there seems to be a good connection between the architect and the client, and an accepted fee proposal, we would propose an industry standard design service contract.