Many of the most common questions new clients ask me are about my architectural design process and what is entailed in getting to a built project: What’s the first step? What do I need to get started? How long is this all going to take? What will this project cost? The last couple of questions are full of dependencies, but the first two are relatively standard.
To save everyone time, and to give people something tangible to take home with them, I created a new business card that’s a bit larger than the standard. On the front of it, I included my contact details, and on the back I created a handy outline of my design process. The basic run-down below:
TYPICAL STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FROM DESIGN TO PROJECT COMPLETION
Site Visit
Architect provided proposal/agreement for scope of work
Client signed proposal/agreement with retainer payment to begin work
On site as-built measurements if required
Drafted as-built floor plans if required
Schematic Design Phase to set overall project direction - collaborative back and forth with client
Contractor Estimating Phase – reconciliation of design and project budget
Permit Drawing Phase –architect and engineers to prepare drawings and documents per local jurisdiction
Submit to local jurisdiction with all permit fees to be paid by client
Building and Planning Department review period
Architect and engineer to respond to any plan reviewer comments and corrections
Building permit approval
Contractor to begin construction
Architect and engineer available for construction support at the agreed upon hourly rate
Project completion and certificate of occupation
Everyone is happy :)
I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. What do you think?
If you have a project in mind, I’d love to chat with you about it. Shoot me an email at blake@blakefisherarchitecture.com
