Architecture:

• 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 progress.