Whether your plans involve a completely new house or a renovation to your existing home, engaging an architect will get visions onto paper, map the course to make it happen and even shepherd it into reality.

Initial Consultation
Our first meeting is often in my office. We can discuss the project - your vision, your priorities and any challenges.  In addition, you will have a chance to review the firm's portfolio and discover the services that will best meet your needs.  This 'getting acquainted' meeting will ensure compatibility between your needs and the services of the firm, while mapping potential next steps or high level project plan.  There is no charge for this initial meeting.

*Note: With a renovation project it is often most valuable to meet at your home.  I can walk through your house and together we can accurately address your specific needs and the available possibilities. This visit is charged as a consultation.

Program Development
Once a contract is signed, information gathering begins. If your project is a renovation or addition the next step is to measure the house. This information is then entered into the computer to give us a basic framework to work from.

If you are constructing a new home, an extended site visit will be necessary to gather site-specific information such as orientation, siting, driveway approach, prevailing winds, views and any other elements to inform the design as part of program development.

With this information in hand we then meet together to gather information about your interests, lifestyle, and budget to inform the schematic design. I will ask you to create "wish-lists" and/or to give me pictures from magazines or books that show me the styles and ideas that you are interested in.
 
Schematic Design
With the Program Plan established, schematic drawings are created.  These sketches or hand-drawn renderings are ideas for your home.  Initially these will be floor plans and then later there will be exterior elevations that will provide you a view of how the home will look.  We will review these drawings making changes and revisions as we exchange ideas and feedback working with the design.  

Once you are happy with these 'concept' drawings, we will start discussions with several contractors to get rough estimates and to decide whom you want to have as your builder.  If there is any feedback that requires adjustments to the plans these will be made prior to moving forward with formal Design Development.
 
Design Development
In Design Development phase the plans are brought to life through 3-D computer modeling.  Here, you will be able to actually see your home inside and out, with a deeper level of detail, helping you visualize the final results.

In the model we can mock up cabinetry/trim design, look at finishes, details and textures, and include scaled furniture for clarity. We will also analyze daylighting - how light affects your home at different times of day and times of the year.

The design development phase is very useful to help you to make decisions or changes, as you can see what the new spaces will look like. Once we've finalized the modeling of your home, and any changes are implemented, we will proceed to construction documents.

Documentation
These are the final plans or working drawings that will be part of your contract with the builder and will be used to build your house, addition or renovation. They include detailed structural, electrical, and site planning information.
 
Depending on the level of service you have chosen for your home, they may also include architectural detailing of kitchen, bathrooms and any built-in cabinetry.
 
At this time we will also make all of your selections, such as plumbing fixtures and lighting design. This allows for a more accurate price from the contractor. Once the construction documents are complete, the contractor will be able to give you a firm price and a contract for construction.

Construction
Once the contract is signed and construction starts, my role is to make sure that the home or changes to it are built as we intended. I will make site visits as necessary to answer questions from you and/or the builder. I am also available to help with any issue from major changes to fixture or color selection.
 
Building a new home or renovating an old one is a big project and it takes a lot of your time and resources. I try to use my talents and expertise to make it a fun journey for you so that your home will always bring you comfort and joy.