Flowchart illustrating the roles involved in architecture projects, including Client, Landlord, Consulting Engineers, Architect, Local Authority, General Contractor, and Client, with a central note on the coordination and services required by architects.

Introduction: Design Services

Designing and constructing buildings is complex, but our process streamlines your project. Most building codes require projects to be supervised by a licensed architect or engineer unless exempted by local authorities having jurisdiction. Every project is unique, needing coordination among all parties. Scope of work and fees depend on each project and client requirements. Share your details and our team will guide you through a collaborative process.

A man wearing a black beanie, glasses, and a necklace sits at a wooden desk with various engineering or architectural drawings, tools, and stationery. The desk has a black lamp, a calculator, a ruler, scissors, a tape measure, a green eraser, and a container filled with colored pens. There is a window with trees outside, and sunlight streams into the room, illuminating the workspace.

What we can do:

•Scan, review, and assess building conditions.

•Provide schematic site plans, floor plans, elevations.

•Create 3-D BIM visuals for the project.

•Prepare construction drawings for permits, bidding, and construction.

•Coordinate with design consultants.

•Offer permit application support upon request.

•Serve as client representative with the general contractor.

•Conduct field visits and inspections during construction.

•Review of general contractor pay applications.

•Update as-built drawings.

•Interpret codes and zoning ordinances.

•Undertake commercial, residential, and industrial projects.

•Select finishes, furniture, and interior features.

Two women sitting at a conference table having a conversation. One woman, with short light brown hair, is holding a tablet, and the other woman, with straight black hair, is smiling and listening. The background features a brick wall.

What consultants can do:

•Document site details—boundaries, setbacks, easements, legal data, topography, utilities.

•Calculate storm water systems, pipes, and grading.

•Determine electrical loads, wiring, breakers, and related work.

•Assess HVAC needs, ductwork, and piping.

•Size beams, footings, and framing.

•Design and choose furniture, specialty or food service equipment.

A neon sign in cursive that reads 'Find the Dream' installed on a building window, with trees and buildings reflected in the glass.

What Clients can do:

•Set clear goals and prioritize quality or cost

•List required rooms, spatial sizes, furniture, and equipment

•Provide a site survey or existing conditions plan

•Submit as-built plans, scans, or measurements

•Understand and approve each phase and final drawings

•Respond promptly to queries

•Allow extra time for the design process

•Make payments on time; design fees are not usually covered by construction loans

•Assign a general contractor, manager, or main contact

Client Priority

•The client must prioritize, as it's challenging to satisfy all three priorities.

•Cost Priority: We keep details to a minimum, offer limited material options, and leave many choices up to the general contractor. This approach may cause longer approval times and more frequent change orders.

•Quality Priority: We provide comprehensive material selections, which adds time and expense but helps minimize issues during plan review and reduces the number of change orders.

•Time Priority: We accelerate the process by supplying fewer details; however, this results in higher fees and a greater chance of change orders, permit delays, and extra costs to resolve open questions.