Energy
Conservation
• Energy
conservation is a factor that affects all our design work. Where
it is practical, desirable and consistent with site and financial
limitations we work hard to integrate a range of alternate forms
of energy into the overall design concept.
Commissioned
Work
• Commissions
have included custom residential, commercial projects, institutional
structures, and multifamily and single family housing as well
as planning studies for both urban and rural settings.
Teamwork
• To suit the specific needs of each project, a multidisciplinary
team of architects, engineers and urban planners and other professionals
are assembled This team works to develop a design that will meet the
spatial, aesthetic and financial requirements of the client.
Diversity
• Unlike many large firms that specialize in a single
building type, we believe that diversity is basic to good design, and
that new problems ultimately lead to new and innovative solutions.
Reuse of Existing Structures
• It is often to the client's advantage to find new
uses for existing structures, particularly because of the scarcity of
undeveloped land in urban settings and the need to maintain open space
in rural areas. Thus we have remained committed to the recycling of existing
buildings for both public and private uses.
Research & Experimentation
• Inline with our continued exploration in designing
new structures, our underlying direction is one of constant research
and experimentation with a variety of new architectural forms, new green materials
as well as alternate forms of energy in architecture.
Client Satisfaction
• We
work hard to make our clients happy with their building. Because
our final criteria for a job well done is the way in which our
design concepts accommodate function, our concern for the process
of architecture extends not only through the design and construction
phases of a project, but also into the subsequent life of the
building and the health of it occupants.
General Description of our Services : The Product and Process
• To create a building, space or facility that reflects your practical needs as
well as your "dreams" in every respect. For us, the design
process is the creation of a total environment that satisfies functional
needs while shaping aesthetically beautiful, exciting, dynamic spaces
in cost effective and ecological responsible ways.
Why we can save you money:
• We guide you through the entire design and construction process and
help you define what you want to build and show you how to get the
most for your construction dollar.
• We can save you money in the overall cost, because a well conceived
project can be built more efficiently and economically. It is a great
deal cheaper to plan your project and make the necessary changes on paper when the need arises, rather then when construction is under way.
• We solve problems in creative ways, that is, we help you achieve your
requirements and wishes in ways that work with your budget.
• Energy efficient buildings save money on fuel bills and general maintenance
during the life of the building.
• We help you choose materials and finishes that are durable and ecologically responsible as well
as beautiful, saving on frequent maintenance and replacement costs.
We are current with the latest green materials offered in the marketplace
and keep a file on their effectiveness.
• Because good design ads value, a well designed house has a higher resale
price.
• If your project requires engineering or other design services, we coordinate
the team. We sort out complex building codes and zoning laws, help
you find qualified construction contractors and help verify that
your project is being built according to the plans and specifications.
We achieve
the above goals by employing the following method:
A. Programmatic
Phase: In this stage which we consider the most important
phase of the project, we develop the Program. We clarify, in
words, exactly what your requirements are for your building
project. We use our own outline questionnaire, developed over
the years to get as much specific information as possible on
the proposed project. The questions range from general information
concerning the style of the proposed building project to very
specific questions about what materials to use on all surfaces
in all rooms.
B. Schematic Sketches: Following the successful
completion of the Program, preliminary Schematic Sketches are
developed using the information contained in the Program. A "schematic" layout
of the floor plan is drawn showing functional relationships of
spaces with some indications of size. Upon approval of the SCHEMATIC
LAYOUT:
C. Design Drawings: We will draw Architectural
plans based on the approved Schematic lay-out. At this point
the project takes shape and the way the building will look becomes more precisely clear
to you. We continue the discussion of the materials to be used
as they begin to be inserted in the design drawings. At this
point we can generate a more realistic estimated budget for the
project. Upon approval of the DESIGN PHASE:
D. Construction Drawing Phase: We will prepare
all drawings and specifications necessary for construction. Specific
Details are drawn showing how certain aspects of the construction
are achieved. Standards of construction quality are set for each
trade (phase) of the work to be done. Upon approval of CONSTRUCTION
DRAWING PHASE:
E. Contractor Negotiations: We encourage our
clients to use a cost plus agreement with the contractor because
it tends to be more economical (reflecting actual vs. estimated
costs) and begins the owner/contractor relationship on a more
amicable basis. This method is encouraged in alteration work
because of the many possible unknowns in the existing building.
We also often work on a bid basis contacting several (usually three) contractors
to obtain bids on the work to be done. We aid the owner in negotiating a fair
bid price, and in selecting the best contractor for the project. This form of
contract is more common in new construction be-cause the unknowns are usually
fewer, (such as ledge, underground water table levels, etc.). The contractor
usually obtains the building permits, but if the situation requires, we do it.
F. Construction Inspection to Completion: We
will Inspect the progress of construction. It is during this
phase that we check for compliance with the construction drawings
and specifications. We usually spend a great deal of time on this part
of the job, not only because it's the most satisfying for us
but also because we want to be there for any potential problems
should they arise during construction.
Architect's
Fees:
• Generally, our fee structure can vary between a percentage of
the construction cost, an hourly basis or a lump sum for the
entire
job to be done.
Our fees for the basic services outlined above vary based on
the type of project we're designing. Fees for an alteration
are generally
higher
than for new construction because of the additional time needed
to study and record the existing building or space to be added
to or
altered.
• There are a number of reimbursable
items which are not included in our fee and they usually include
items such as travel,
filing
fees,
blueprints to the contractor(s), long distance telephone and
similar expenses that are extraordinary to the project.
• Finally,
the many ways in which we set up our fee for a particular job always
depends on the type of building project we're designing,
so we don't have a standard rate or structure for our fees.
• If
you have any further questions about any part of our services,
or would like to meet again to discuss how we can be of service
to you,
please call us at any of the above telephone numbers.
Contractors and Engineers
Contractors and Engineers we have worked successfully with over the years (All of whom we would recommend).
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