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A building should
not only satisfy functional goals and live within the budget, but also
reflect the lifestyle and emotional needs of the client, with special
attention to the details that make it a tribute to quality and craftsmanship.
It should have an enduring value far beyond the high style "flash in the
pan" facade designs so common today.
Getting
started:
First and foremost I listen to you, so that I can understand exactly what
you would like. Your building should be tailored to your functional needs
and lifestyle and be a reflection of your personality. Our objective is
to use my design and construction skills, and your knowledge of what you
want, to create a partnership that will result in a quality building which
will be uniquely yours and be at home on your site.
The following are
the basic steps in building design and construction:
Programming:
Develop project criteria, organizational needs, goals, budget. - A statement
of what functions need to be in the project, where they go, and a statement
of what the character of the building should be. Prepare a site analysis
and code and ordinance analysis to determine the site opportunities and
constraints
Schematic
phase:
Prepare sketches and studies, recommendations and diagrams to set the
design direction and functional layout of the building and site.
Design
development:
Plans, elevations, sections, perspective drawings, cost estimates and
meetings with municipality and code review agencies. Final design is
set.
Construction
documents:
Plans, elevations, sections, details, specifications - The contract
documents which will be used for construction. Final cost estimates,
drawing financing package, preliminary draw schedule.
Bid
phase:
Prequalify contractors and bidders, assist owner in reviewing bids,
or in the case of a "Design -Build", prepare documents to help secure
financing and set up construction time schedule, and construction draw
and inspection schedule.
Permits:
Aid owner or contractor in obtaining building, zoning, grading, stormwater,
temp. erosion and sedimentation permits, curb cuts, PADot road occupancy
permits, water, sewer, L & I, etc. ( Generally, design should avoid
special exceptions, variances, conditional uses, which would require
special permits from municipality or zoning hearing board, which could
extend permit phase by as much as 3 months +. )
Construction
phase: Site visits to observe the progress of construction
and report to owner, or in the case of "Design-Build", prepare detailed
reports of construction, schedule, and budgets; document and price all
changes and modifications as the job progresses.
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