Desert Architect

Schematic Design

This crucial first phase is all about understanding your needs and desires. We'll sit down with you to discuss your project goals, how you envision using the space, and your overall aesthetic preferences. This collaborative conversation allows us to develop a detailed "program" for your project, outlining the required functions, estimated square footage for each area, and any other elements that will contribute to achieving your dream home.

During this phase, we'll explore various design concepts through sketches, preliminary drawings, and other visual media. These will illustrate the spatial relationships, scale, and form of your future home, giving you a tangible representation of our ideas. We'll also conduct thorough research to understand any zoning requirements or local regulations that might impact your project, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

By the end of the schematic design phase, you'll have a clear and comprehensive vision for your project, along with a preliminary cost estimate based on the overall volume of the design. This approved schematic design serves as the foundation for the next phase.

Deliverables: Schematic design often produces a site plan, floor plan(s), sections, an elevation, and other illustrative materials; computer images, renderings, or models. Typically, the drawings include overall dimensions, and a construction cost is estimated.

Design Development

Building upon the approved schematic design, the design development phase delves into the specifics. We'll refine the design, adding details related to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural systems. This includes specifying materials, window and door placements, and other key design elements.

The level of detail in this phase is tailored to your specific needs and the project requirements. We'll work closely with you to ensure every element aligns with your vision and budget. This phase typically culminates in a formal presentation of the design development drawings for your review and approval.

Deliverables: Design development often produces floor plans, sections, and elevations with full dimensions. These drawings typically include door and window details and outline material specifications.

Construction Document

Once you're satisfied with the design development drawings, we'll move into the construction document phase. Here, we create highly detailed drawings and specifications that contractors will use to price and build your project. These documents cover every aspect of the construction process, from structural details to material finishes.

We'll ensure the construction documents are thorough and comprehensive, minimizing potential issues during construction. These documents will then be sent to contractors for bidding or pricing, allowing you to obtain accurate cost estimates.

Deliverables: The construction document phase produces a set of drawings that include all pertinent information required for the contractor to price and build the project.

Bidding & Negotiation

With the construction documents finalized, we'll assist you in the bidding or negotiation process. We'll prepare bid documents, which may include an invitation to bid, instructions for bidders, bid forms, the owner-contractor agreement, and other essential documents. We can also organize a pre-bid meeting for contractors to clarify any questions about the project.

We'll then help you evaluate the bids received, considering not just price but also the contractor's experience, reputation, and approach. We'll assist you in negotiating with the selected bidder to ensure the final contract aligns with your budget and expectations.

Deliverables: The final deliverable is a construction contract. Once this document is signed, project construction can begin.

Construction Administration

During the construction phase, we can provide construction administration services to ensure your project is built according to the approved plans and specifications. Our role is to act as your advocate, working closely with the contractor to address any questions that may arise on-site and to ensure the quality of the workmanship.

We'll review shop drawings, conduct site visits, and address any design clarifications that may be needed. We'll also help manage the process and ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.

Deliverables: A successfully built and contracted project.