The Design Process

Architectural design involves the process of resolving a series of problems, beginning generally and narrowing down to small details, finally reaching an all inclusive solution.

Patrick begins a home design by getting to know his clients, including the size of their family, types of activities, hobbies, wants, needs, budget, etc. Project goals are discussed and a questionnaire is filled out to clarify and record information. Then a trip to the building site is scheduled to visually inspect and discuss the possibilities and limitations that the property presents. The client obtains a topographical survey, and the drawing process begins.

Drawing submittals are made to the client at four ‘milestone’ levels of completion. The initial drawings fall under the heading of ‘Preliminary Design and Site Analysis’, and they include diagrammatic floor plans, superimposed over the site plan to show spatial relationships, views, etc. In this phase the driveway is proposed, preliminary square footage is identified and preliminary site grading and drainage is addressed.

The next drawing phase is ‘Schematic Design’. In this phase, the floor plans are revised and further detail is added, including room sizes and possible furniture lay-outs. With the addition of preliminary exterior elevations, the building begins to take shape. After reviewing the schematics with the client, options are discussed and revisions are made.

‘Design Development‘ is a continuation of design in which more detail and dimensions are added, and additional drawings are included to identify the final design. This phase zooms in on the smaller details, and enables the architect’s structural consultant to design framing, size beams and prepare the foundation plan. Upon completion of this phase, Patrick prepares a three dimensional rendering of the building.

The final design phase is ‘Construction Documents’, or CDs. This is the drawing set that contains the level of detail that enables the homeowner to obtain a building permit, and the general contractor to bid on and physically construct the design.

The homeowner may also elect to retain Patrick to perform construction administration. This is an additional service in which construction is monitored to insure that accuracy and quality are maintained during construction.