The most important job any architect has is listening: listening to what the client wants, listening to what the building or site is telling them, and listening to the builder’s recommendations for constructing the design on time and on budget.
Step 1: The Needs and Options Report
Before we start designing, we need to make sure we’re starting with a strong foundation. The Needs and Options Report helps us establish your Priorities for the project and the Possibilities that your home or property provides.
I start by researching the Zoning and Building Codes that apply to the site to discover what is allowed to be built on the site. I also review what documentation will be required for the permits, and what other design professionals might need to be involved.
Then I set up a meeting with you on-site. We discuss what you like, what you’d like to change, and initial design ideas of how to make those changes happen. I document the existing conditions thoroughly with photographs and sketches that I’ll refer to throughout the design process.
Finally, I compile all of our findings into a written report that allows you to move on to the Design phase with a strong foundation and minimize the potential for unpleasant surprises later.
Typical Timeline: 2 Weeks
Learn why the Needs and Options Report is an essential first step
From ideation-to city permitting-through the end of construction Jeff was responsive, informative, and collaborative.
The Montgomerys, Cole House
Step 2: Schematic Design
After the Needs and Options Review, I use the information we uncovered to prepare the Schematic Design—a big-picture first draft of what the changes and additions to the house might look like. Once we have a Schematic Design that you are excited about moving forward with, I recommend getting a General Contractor on board so that we can begin coordinating the design and the construction process, including the budget. After that, it’s time to move on to the next phase.
Typical Timeline: 3 to 5 weeks
Step 3: Design Development
After Concept Design comes Design Development. Now we start to flesh out all the details like the exact layouts of kitchens and bathrooms, sizes and positions of windows and doors, exterior and interior materials, and any special built-ins or features that you want to include in the design. Design Development is a fun part of the project where we really start to be able to imagine the finished product and what it will be like to live in it.
This is also the time in the project to bring in other members of the team like a Structural Engineer, Energy Consultant, Kitchen Designer, or other specialists. Completed Design Development drawings are shared with the rest of the team so they can start their work and so the Contractor can get bids from subcontractors for the cost of construction.
Typical Timeline: 6 to 8 weeks
Jeff listened to our vision and gently brought it to life. He offered smart observations and creative solutions to seamlessly blend the new space into the old.
Karen Robertson and Mark Elliott, Park Hill Farmhouse
Step 4: Construction Documents
Next comes Construction Documents, where I work with the rest of the team to add everyone’s details to the drawings required for both permit review and for the Contractor to actually build the project. This is also the time to start selecting items that need to be ordered early, like special finishes, fixtures, doors, or windows, so that they’re ready when it’s time to start building.
Typical Timeline: 8 to 10 weeks
Step 5: Permitting and Construction
When the Construction Documents and the other required paperwork are ready, we submit for the permits. Depending on where the project is located and how busy their plan review department is, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, but my experience working on projects throughout the Denver Metro Area will help it go as smoothly as possible.
Once the permits are issued it’s time to start building. During Construction the Contractor takes the lead, and I work with the Contractor to answer questions about details or unexpected conditions that come up during demolition or construction. Finally, at the end comes the big payoff, when your transformed home is complete!
