Hiring an architect should save you time and money, minimize bumps, streamline the building process, and provide an accurate picture of how the project will turn out before a single nail has been driven.

In today’s blog post, you’ll be learning how to work with an architect to building your dream home.

Welcome.

Working With An Architect 

Creating a home is a journey that necessitates a collaborative process. As with anything worthwhile, outcome is directly proportionate to effort and intention. It is a team effort that requires responsibility, participation and accountability by everyone. As your architects we lead, communicate, facilitate and coordinate that team. At Dezyns & Structures Ltd, we work with you to make the outcome worthwhile, rewarding and cherished. After all, a cherished home will be a well cared for home and it will live long into the future.

We want to make your house into the most desirable home in your neighborhood. Follow these links to learn more.

Design, Documentation and Administration 

There are three basic phases of working with an architect. These phases capture their work process and details you should expect while contracting an architect. They include :

1. SCHEMATIC DESIGN (PHASE I) 

We know that just as no two people are alike, neither are any two projects. We think it is important for you to understand the process and your part in it. The progression we take you through has some basic principles but is also flexible enough to allow for the specifics required for each individual project. The following process is what you should look out for in the first phase of hiring an architect:

A good project is often marked by three things: a clear and thorough set of plans, timely decision making, and excellent communication.

• InitialMeeting: First we meet, share our work and values with  We listen to you tell us what you are looking to accomplish. This first meeting is free and it is a time to get to know each other and for each of us to decide if we are a fit for the project. This is also where objectives are shared

and expectations are expressed.

• We get to know you: Once we decide to work together and have agreed on the project scope andfee we meet  We ask you a lot of questions about the way you live and listen to the answers. We gather information about you your family, your community and your connection to

the world at large. We get familiar with your lifestyle and surroundings. You are an extremely important and integral part of this process. The input we get from you is vital to understanding your needs and desires.

• Design: We look at all the input with objectivity. We look at your surroundings with fresh eyes.We have perspective on the situation which is unique. We process all the information taking into account a long list of  We research anything that we need to clarify. We add to the list of

considerations that you have given us anything that – in our unique professional judgment – is relevant. The following are some of the many things we may consider when looking at your project:

• The history of the site
• Existing conditions of the site
• Beauty, balance, appeal, proportion, light, air
• Kinship with surrounding context
• Functionality and livability of the plan
• Material,mechanical, furnishing and lighting selections
• Heating,cooling, water and air issues such as energy efficiency, health, comfort, and maintenance
• Lifecycle assessment, initial cost
• Cost to build and cost to maintain
• Using resources effectively
• Codes,local zoning, fire safety
• Re-sale value
• Prioritizing your desire to ‘be green’ and determining if any of the rating systems or alternative-resource options will be a priority for your project

The Design Phase is complete when we have come up with a scheme (i.e. basic plans and elevations—what your house will look like) that you feel work for you and solve your house problems.

2. CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS ( PHASE II)

This is the second phase of working with an architect. This phase involves the following stages or processes:

• Creating working  drawings: Once a design scheme is chosen and all parties are pleased with the general design, we begin to produce Construction  The complete set of documents will be a detailed instruction manual which will cover every aspect of your project.

This is the most time consuming and valuable portion of the architects work. During this time we will engage in a continuous process of asking questions, researching answers, nudging walls this way and that, working out details and proportions, and finding solutions until the documents are complete. As part of this process we will produce plans suitable for bidding and town approval as well as a full set of construction documents along with specifications.

• Choosing a builder: There are several choices for building your home. We have professional builders as we’re not just an architectural firm but a construction firm as well. We will help you understand bids, schedules and building  Trusting our team with the construction

project will reduce the risk of something being left out or a question left unanswered during the building process.

The builder will provide cost estimates early in the process. Some clients feel that they could easily be cheated this way, however, our experience is that this is often a great way to work. The builder becomes integral to the process providing valuable input on building methods, value engineering and is invested in a good outcome. Choosing the best team of professionals is very paramount.

The team needs to be honest and work well together for a smooth and cost effective project to come to fruition.

• Permitting:This is the period wherein the local jurisdiction reviews the drawings and determines whether the proposed work is in accordance with local safety codes or design review. Every state or city will differ in their approach, from what documentation they require to how

long it will take to receive their approval.

3. CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION (PHASE III) 

Construction Administration starts when construction begins and follows the timeline of the construction project itself. This is basically the last phase of the architectural process. The stages include:

• During Construction: The Architect traditionally monitors construction as the Owners  Contracting is as your architect and home builder helps us put up a team of professionals; one of which is the project manager. Construction can be hectic. We can be your

eyes ears and mouth on the job site. We will help you make decisions and deal with any unforeseen problems that may arise.

Also, in this fast paced world, it is very unlikely that all specification will be defined at the start of construction. This means that things like lighting and plumbing fixtures are not yet chosen or might be redesigned, tile and trim have not been finalized, exact mill work drawings are still being revised, paint and finishes are not yet finalized , etc. We will help you chose colors, details, and furniture to complete your home. We will be there for you until you are living happily in your new surroundings.