CONSULTATION
let’s get to know each other!
We begin every project by listening: we start with an in-person meeting at your property to listen to your ideas, see the project opportunities for ourselves, and get a sense of what it is you are looking to accomplish.
We want to hear what your overall goals are; what you hope to achieve in doing this project and what you expect to gain when it’s complete.
To facilitate this conversation, we have developed a brief Initial Client Survey. This high-level set of questions asks you to state in your own words your Desired Outcomes, Project Priorities, Key Components, Design Aesthetic (if any), and any known Design Constraints. We find that it helps new clients to sharpen their objectives and, once complete, it guides us during design.
Once we have a little background information (a few initial measurements, some history both personal and about the property, etc.), we will draft a fee proposal for your project. For residential projects, we usually work on an hourly basis, owing to the fact that there are multiple unknowns including (but not limited to) full scope of the project, comprehensive needs of the client, complications of existing conditions, etc. That said, we use historical evidence to inform an estimate of the time we think the project will require. This "best-guess estimate" is not set in stone; however, it will give you an idea of what you can expect to invest in the design process.
Once we determine if Lo Design is a good fit for your project and we agree on the proposal, we are ready to dig in its on to the next phase of the project!
Design
a discovery-based process
Design is the core of what we do: we imagine the possibilities, test the limits of constraint, and shape potential solutions. This phase has three distinct stages that result in a clear design direction that can be initially priced by a general contractor:
Measure and Model Existing Conditions
It is impossible to propose changes without knowing what it is we are changing.
Before we do anything, it is critical to understand exactly what exists on the site today…even if nothing exists on the site today. We do this by taking in-person field measurements, photographs and (usually) obtaining a certified survey of the property. This information is then compiled with any existing owner-supplied drawing content as well as publicly available information (such as zoning or utility data) to create an accurate site plan of the property and 3D model of the project area.
Schematic Design (SD)
It’s time to put pen to paper and start designing! In this stage, we apply the established scope and program to spatial design concepts. We typically provide at least three different design options that satisfy the project goals, but often it is four, five, or more. We review these options with you in design meetings. Each concept will have different merits which the client can evaluate and consider against their objectives. Next, working with you and your feedback, we rework the best qualities from each and develop them into another round of design options, aiming to reduce the number down to one. And that is the back-and-forth!
This process is repeated until one, clear design direction emerges. It is at that point that we can move on to the next stage of development.
Design Development (DD)
Now is when things get real. With the “what ifs” of the previous stage out of the way, we can grab hold of the preferred architectural design and really refine it. This stage gets into the details in a way that is aimed at eliminating the possibility of major modifications or backtracking during the Documentation Phase. The goal here is to define and describe the project as much as possible so that in the next phase, documentation, can be the focus. It is also at this point that we typically pause to analyze probably costs of the project, construction schedule, and other build-out considerations in conjunction with the selected general contractor. If major changes need to be made as a result of anticipated costs or schedule, we address them now.
Design Development concludes the WHAT is to be built phase of the project and jump-starts the HOW it is to be built phase.
documentation
memorializing critical information
The Documentation stage shifts the effort from WHAT is being designed to documenting HOW the project will be implemented. Additional design issues may still emerge as the design team works out the final material and system selections; however, these issues are often minor and should not affect major architectural elements. The construction documents include three basic types of information: 1.) legal and contractual information, 2.) procedural and administrative information, and 3.) architectural and construction information. The latter are used to secure a construction permit from the governing authority at this time.
Clear, coordinated Construction Documents communicate, in detail, to the owner what the project involves through drawings, specifications, bidding requirements, contract forms and supplementary conditions. This ensures a smooth construction process with as few unexpected complications as possible.
To the extent possible (or desired by the client) we remain involved in the project throughout construction. We observe the construction progress at regular intervals, photographing it for our records and troubleshooting real world issues as they arise. As the architects, we are the ultimate voice in interpretting the Construction Documents. If, for any reason, something is not clear or there is a discrepancy in the project, it is our job to weigh in and preserve the design intent as the project gets built.
The construction phase brings all the concept design, detailed design, construction documents, and intent into realization.
CONSTRUCTION
preserving the design intent