What We Can Offer You
Architecture is a multifaceted profession that involves the design, planning and construction of buildings and structure of all shapes and sizes. To enable this, our firm provides a range of Architectural services to help clients bring their vision to life, from the initial concept development stage through to construction management and ultimately completion.
Typical and basic architectural services
Programming
The scope of work for the project is determined during the programming phase. This stage does not involve the actual development of design, but instead, engages with the client through questioning to comprehend their problems, desires, and requirements.
This is usually recorded in written form, potentially accompanied by photos of the property taken whilst visiting the site to gain a better understanding of the available space and placement of proposed structures. The architect’s notes may include a discussion of the site’s features and opportunities for the construction.
Research and decision-making also occur during this phase. While this service primarily involves consulting, it is preferable to have a list of the client’s desires and needs by the end of this stage.
Schematic design
Using the program established in the previous phase, here the architect conceptually creates diagrams and/or plans of the proposed project. Some architects may combine design development with schematic design, as some may only produce a rough sketch while others prefer to start a new project in a slightly more refined digital format.
Depending on their preferred method of procurement, the architect may go beyond producing just plans, particularly in commercial projects where it is common to see these accompanied by elevations, and conceptual building sections.
Design development
The design development phase begins once a schematic design is agreed upon and the scope and quality of the finished project has been developed. This phase involves creating additional cost projections to determine if the design fits within the preliminary budget and/or if any adjustments need to be made.
There is no strict right or wrong method for this, as each firm has their own preferred approach. This phase also involves adding additional dimensions to the design and testing them to ensure that various items will fit.
For commercial projects, this phase can become highly detailed, including equipment selection and testing to ensure that it fits within the building shell and arrangement. Energy calculations may also be performed to ensure that the building meets the code requirements through proper function of components such as glass, insulation, and the structure.
Construction documents
The design development phase continues with the creation of working drawings and specifications. These construction documents are necessary to obtain building permits from local municipalities and to solicit bids from contractors for construction.
The documents typically include a full set of plans, sections, elevations, internal room layouts, component drawings, construction details, and specifications that are accompanied by a set of bespoke glazing, door, sanitary, and finish schedules (to name a few).
Additional architectural services
Additional services are optional services that an architect can offer to a client beyond the basic services outlined in the contract. These services can help an architect better assist their clients and provide additional value, and can also generate additional revenue for the architect.
Some examples of additional services an architect might offer include project management, material selection, and coordination with other parties involved in the project. This list is not exhaustive, and architects can choose to offer a variety of additional services based on their skills, expertise, and the needs of their clients.
Record drawings
Record or as-built drawings are a type of architectural drawing that depict the existing conditions of a home or building that is being renovated. These drawings are necessary for an architect to design new improvements to the existing structure, but they may not be available if the owner has lost track of them or never obtained copies.
In this case, the architect may offer to provide record drawings as an additional service.