Services & Process
What to expect when you work with us.
Architectural projects and approvals invoice many stages, with complicated procedures. Here is our guide to show you how it is organized, along with benchmarks and timelines.
We look forward to working with you!
Schematic design & preliminary pricing
Timeline: Up to 2 -3 months, typically.
Meetings: One to four, typically.
Purpose: Establish building program, space requirements, design direction
Tasks:
- Site visit to measure building/ documentation of field conditions and input into CAD format
- Create schematic level floor plans and hand-sketched perspectives, with discussion on finishes
- Explore different design directions and select one
- Preliminary pricing / Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) from Owner’s general contractor (if desired) and design approval by client before proceeding to next phase
Design development & construction documents
Meetings: One to four, typically.
Tasks:
- Develop site plan, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans including electrical and lighting, elevations (interior and exterior), sections (if required), and outline specifications (if required)
- Finalize site plan, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans including electrical and lighting, elevations (interior and exterior), sections (if required), architectural details, door/window/ finish schedules, and final outline or full specifications of materials and products (if required)
- Facilitate consultant engagement and coordination of project disciplines
- Planning Review Application if required (Partial Design Development)
- Variance submittal if required (Partial Design Development)
Permitting & final pricing
Meetings: 1-5, typically.
Purpose: Obtain City or County approval for construction
Tasks:
- Building Permit Application or addendum. Respond to various City / County Agency requests for information/ code interpretations.
- Assist with obtaining final pricing on project, and/or prepare bid documents to obtain bids
- Answer questions from the Contractor(s), assist with selection and preparation of the Construction Contract Documents
Required:
• Consultant(s) Documents (Structural engineer, lighting, mechanical/ electrical if required)
• Title 24 Energy Report
Notation about permitting:
We’ve completed 900+ projects across the Bay Area, each within jurisdictions that have their own unique planning and building processes, including some of the most challenging. We’re especially adept at navigating San Francisco’s complex Residential Permit Process and its unique requirements. Due to this extensive experience, we consistently secure approvals for all our projects.
Feeling overwhelmed? If you have questions or the process feels like Greek, email us! We’re here to help.
Construction Administration
Timeline: Depends on Contractor’s construction schedule.
Meetings: Bi-weekly site visits with contractor.
Tasks:
- Site visits as required, construction observation
- Answer questions from contractor, often several hours per week
- Review payment requests
Completion
Timeline: As required.
Meetings: As required.
Purpose: Close out project, photography, possible publication
Tasks:
- Issuance of Certificate of Final Completion
- Punch list
- Completion of construction