How do we get from A to Z?  What does it look like?

Design Process

 

Departure's design process reflects method that can allow for great results to occur.  There's usually lots of possible solutions to each problem, the question becomes what is the right design solution for this project.  This is the goal and a process needs to allow design decisions and team input at the right time throughout the project.  This process needs also to be flexible to allow responsible and meaningful decision-making to occur.  The phases and tasks below outline our typical approach. 

 

Concept Design Phase

-  Create a "program" of our Client's needs (functional, esthetic, etc).

-  Establish project management (goals, protocols, milestones for the project, establish the team, etc.).
-  Obtain/Create CAD background drawings (obtain CAD backgrounds and/or measure existing spaces, take applicable photographs, inventory any existing furniture and equipment that will be re-utilized, etc.).

-  Understand the physical part of the project (including site and building, existing structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems).
-  Research and understand all relevant jurisdictional issues / criteria relating to zoning and building permitting.
-  Based on our Client's program, create conceptual design ideas for our Client’s review.   In this early phase, several possible concepts may emerge that we may want to consider and evaluate against each other.

 

Concept Design Costing Phase

- Create a concept design costing drawing package designed to allow "preliminary costing” to occur.

-  The Architect will assist the General Contractor where needed to explain concept ideas in order to produce accurate costing for this phase.

-  Team meeting to discuss the concepts and their respective costs.

-  Determine design direction.

 

Design Development Phase

-  Building on the approved concept design, define the project in greater detail (colors, patterns, fixtures, materials and building systems are all examined and evaluated in greater detail).   

 

Design Development Costing Phase

-  Create a design development package designed to allow updated costing to occur.  

-  Team meeting to discuss the design progress and respective cost.

-  Determine design direction.

 

Construction Documentation Phase

-  Create Construction Documentation Drawing Package designed to allow building permitting submittal, have final design decisions so that final costing can be obtained as well documentation sufficient for constructability purposes.

-  Close coordination between all disciplines is required in this phase (Structural Engineer, General Contractor, Mechanical Contractor, Plumbing Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Low Voltage Contractor, furniture layout and materials vendors).
-  Finalize and specify all finish materials and patterns, fixtures and appliances.

 

Building Permit Phase

-  Prepare and assemble the Construction Documents and forms for permit submittal.
-  Track the jurisdiction’s progress as it moves through this phase and address any/all items that they may additionally require during their review.
-  Obtain necessary permit approval (typically the General Contractor pays for the actual permit fees).

 

Construction Administration Phase

-  To ensure that the actual construction and the design intent is being properly implemented, the Architect will periodically visit the site to review overall progress.
-  Attend Team site meetings to review progress, schedule, and to address any issues that may arise.
-  Review all shop drawings, materials, colors, and patterns for conformance and final approval before installation.

-  Review the General Contractor’s Monthly Pay Requests for our Client and make recommendations to our Client regarding the accuracy of the pay request.

-  Celebrate at completion!!

departure:  architecture interiors planning llc