To secure your project's success, we have adapted and have stayed current with the new tools available to us.
Times have changed from when we started our career creating paper based black-line drawings (can't say I miss the aromatic tell-tale smell of ammonia from a stack of freshly printed drawings). We use cutting edge tools and aggressively keep up to date through training and taking accredited courses to help us stay relevant and competitive.
Over the years, we developed a workflow to efficiently capture and share ideas, convert them into a concept you can see and walk through digitally, and then document the project accurately from the underside of the foundation footing to the top of the roof so it can be built as efficiently as possible.
This empowers you to:
Pinpoint and resolve clashes between systems like structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components.
Validate manufactured assemblies like cabinets and doors against on-site conditions. Shop drawings are tested prior to starting the manufacturing process.
Determine accurate quantities for supplies and installation, leading to precise cost estimates. You control the amount of waste, rather than the lumberyard.
Utilize LIDAR scans, panoramic photos to help with on-site placement, assess views, conduct sun studies, and review environmental impact.
The outcome:
Fulfill your project's core objectives by mastering all aspects before commencing work saving you time and money.
The value:
Slash expenses on waste (15% savings on average by creating an accurate quantity take-off)
Minimize costly delays due to constructability issues (20 - 30 working days for delays to rebuild or order a replacement)
Prevent rework by preventing issues at the design phase (priceless).
In essence, yes, we're all about efficiency and speed, and with a process decades in the making, the result is a seamless integration from concept to closing.
Step 1: Pre-Design
The first step in our process is the Pre-Design Phase. We connect with all stakeholders using Discovery Questions and your Design Brief to help you communicate your needs and project requirements.
These questions uncover the project's "Why" and guide us on the best approach. We'll dig into:
Desired features
How they enhance lifestyle
The comfort and well-being you want to bring to your clients and/or family
For new construction, we provide a Budget Allocation Worksheet to help you understand where the investment goes, how much is required for the project's cost, and if the project is feasible.
The Pre-Design Phase is critical. It minimizes uncertainties and may even suggest using a prepared or adjusted design as the way forward.
This phase takes up to 10% of the overall architectural workflow time allocation.
Step 2: Concept Design
In this phase, we create an intelligent 3D model showing you your design ideas brought to life. The optimum parties involved here are you and your builder. Your builder will provide the input needed to ensure your project stays within the amount of money you want to invest in the project.
To start the process, we identify interior and exterior spaces and how their activities flow from one to the other. This can be a simple hand-drawn sketch linking spaces from one to another. The grouping of the spaces forms activity zones and becomes a platform for how people move through the interior and how the interior and exterior spaces link together.
Once the interior and exterior spaces are defined, it's time to give them some volume. The model is created at this stage, starting from the foundation to the roof.
You can even test-fit products with the model to determine the best railing style, fireplace, or cabinet layout. The best part is knowing what you see is what they will build without stressing about it.
We also consider site integration, leveraging natural light and views for maximum impact. You will know with certainty what the view from the inside or into each room will look like or what people will see from different vantage points outside the building when looking in.
The outcome: An intelligent model of the project placed on the building site showing you your vision brought to life.
40-60% of the architectural workflow time is spent here.
Step 3: Construction Drawings
Here, a remarkable transformation occurs.
NOTE: It's important the design is locked down prior to starting this phase of the process. It's recommended changes are made during the Concept Design phase allowing the Construction Drawing Phase to be completed without delays or rework.
The 3D model created is the detailed template we use to prepare the construction drawings for the building permit. Whether our drawings will be used for a stick-built or off-site factory-built project, we go beyond standard architectural practices when documenting what is needed. A four page plan set may have worked back in the 1980s, but today's construction assemblies are more complex and margins for error non-existent.
We use the information built into your model to break it down into its components, then rebuild it - piece by piece - and support the trades by providing them with the information needed.
The detail and intelligence of the model ensure everything translates accurately into something tangible. If it's good in the model, it's good on-site.
We also work with all of your external consultants, municipalities and regulatory authorities to ensure your building permit is issued. Additional details may be required, but don't worry; it's all accounted for and is part of the package.
The language of accuracy and precision combined provides a fully integrated buildable solution.
Up to 30-50% of the architectural workflow.
Step 4: Construction Support
While the project's build is underway, we're still an essential part of the build team. Several hours are allocated to answer phone calls, provide additional details, and clarify the information shown on the drawings. However, we seldom receive calls or requests for clarification, but we still offer the service for your peace of mind.
Yes, your trades get to talk directly with a live human, the person responsible for preparing the drawings for you.
10% of the overall investment made for the drawings is used here.
Process Customization
You also have the option to customize the process to suit your requirements.
If you're a builder looking to become more competitive and keep your margins tight by streamlining your existing portfolio, email us to discuss how we can help.
If you're a homeowner who has never done this before, then all the steps outlined above are needed, with more time allocated to the Pre-Design and Concept Design phases.
It all depends, because each project is as unique as you, the client. Remember, we're here to help.