Design and construction projects involve several steps. Typically, projects go through the following six phases, however, on some projects several steps may be combined or others added. Parts of the following are taken from “How to Work with an Architect” published by the AIA Asheville chapter.
Programming - We will begin by defining the requirements for your project (how many rooms, the function of the spaces, etc.), determining how your desires fit within your budget. Programming is often done with the help of site surveys and financial analysis. Share everything you can: your thoughts, notes, sketches, and photos from magazines and books. We will provide you with a design questionnaire to get the process started.
Schematic Design (SD) – During this phase, a series of rough sketches will be produced that show a conceptual approach to the design, general arrangement of room, and general organization of the site. We typically will do a computer model during this phase to help the client better visualize the design. The client will approve these sketches before proceeding to the next phase. We will also discuss the different types of builder arrangements. If a team approach is appropriate, the builder will be brought on board to provide pricing information and a builder’s perspective during the design phases.
Design Development (DD) – We will prepare more refined drawings, which communicate and document more detailed aspects of the proposed design. Floor plans showing proportions, shapes, and dimensions of all the rooms will be included. Outline schedules are prepared listing the major materials and room finishes. During this phase a structural engineer will be selected and asked to provide structural drawings for the project.
Construction Documents (CD) – Once you approve the design, we will prepare detailed drawings, which the contractor can use to establish actual construction costs, obtain permits to begin construction and build the project. These drawings will also include the engineer’s finalized drawings.
Hiring the Contractor – As the client, you select and hire the contractor, but we can help you with recommendations and prepare any bidding documents and instruction to bidders. We can also help you evaluate bids and select the contractor. An alternative selection process to the bid method is to negotiate with one preferred contractor after interviewing 3-4 contractors. This method eliminates competition based on price but allows the contractor to be made part of the team earlier in the process and can sometimes be preferred to the bidding method.
Construction Administration (CA) – The contractor is solely responsible for the construction methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures. As an additional service, we can provide construction administration during construction to ensure the project is built according to the plans and specifications. We will talk about what level of involvement makes sense for the project but this phase may include visits to the site periodically to observe construction, review of the contractor’s requests for payments, and keeping you informed of the project’s progress.
Wilson Architects Inc. | www.w2arch.com
We love it when a plan comes together…
The end product is always a collaboration of many parts, but we get especially excited about the opportunity to work with great craftsmen. Seeing our original drawings for this cherry wood stair brought to life was a thrill. The wood was milled on the site by the owner and installed by the builder with attention to every detail.
Finished photo above with detail drawing below.
The sliding door to the left hides the TV and desk area.
Wilson Architects Inc. | www.w2arch.com
The following is a list of common interior and exterior fixtures and finishes that will need to be selected for most residential projects.
Exterior Finishes
During the design process we will develop a computer model and exterior elevations of the house. These will give us a clear idea of what the home is going to look like and help us make exterior material decisions.
Windows and Doors
Look for an upcoming post about windows and doors…
Plumbing Fixtures
We will provide you with a plumbing plan showing fixture locations or you can click on the link below to see a list of common selections.
http://w2arch.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/plumbing-fixtures/
Electrical Fixtures
The amount of electrical fixture options can be a bit daunting. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the many options. Keep it simple! Make your statement with just a couple of accent fixtures. During the design process we will work with you to develop an electrical plan to show lighting types and locations. Also check out our general room-by-room fixture list with the link below.
http://w2arch.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/electric-fixtures/
Appliances
Remember that you need to select your appliances before the cabinets can be finalized. Click below for a list of appliances to consider.
http://w2arch.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/appliances/
Cabinets
During the design process we will develop interior elevation drawings so that all of your cabinets get built just the way you want them.
Countertops
We find that selecting a countertop is a balancing act between looks and function. Click below to see our blog on selecting countertops.
http://w2arch.wordpress.com/2010/09/14/countertops/
Door Hardware
Think simple and keep it the same throughout the house.
Flooring
There are a lot of options for flooring. We like wood floors, including bamboo and cork. Salvaged wood can add timeless character to any home. Check out the recycled pallet wood floors. Concrete floors are also beautiful and can save you money.
Tile
Often a simple inexpensive tile can be used to great effect. Remember tile for bathroom floors and walls, showers, and mud rooms.
Shower Enclosure
This includes frameless shower doors, enclosures, & hardware.
Bathroom & Miscellaneous Accessories
Don’t forget the hooks, towel bars, toilet paper holders, and grab bars.
Paint Colors (interior & exterior)
Always test your colors first. Most companies offer testing sizes so you don’t have to buy a full gallon. On the interior we specify a semi-gloss paint on the trim (if we have trim) and an eggshell finish for walls.
Fireplace
Wood burning or gas. Freestanding or built-in.
Wilson Architects Inc. | www.w2arch.com
Asheville Area Architects
During construction we can make several trips to the site. The frequency is based on the specific project but the following list outlines some of the common stages to visit the site during construction.
Pre-construction meeting
Review drawings and answer any questions by the builder. We’ll take a look at the surveyor’s stakes and make sure they match the drawings.
Foundation Complete
Observe foundation installation, including waterproofing, footing drain, and foundation & slab insulation.
Rough Framing Complete
Check framing for compliance with the drawings. Ensure that window placement is aligned with views as intended.
Insulation Installed
Observe insulation installation. Insure that all voids are filled, including behind electrical and mechanical.
Drywall Complete
Check on the drywall installation.
Finishes
Observe finish installations.
Punch List
A review of the job to create the final Punch List for the builder.
Wilson Architects Inc. | www.w2arch.com
Appliances
Ballard’s Appliance Company | www.ballardskitchens.com
Miele | www.mieleusa.com
Sears | www.sears.com
Architectural metalwork
Perdue Studios | www.perduestudios.com
Architectural Resources
AIA Asheville | www.aiaasheville.org
AIA walk the walk | http://info.aia.org/walkthewalk/index.cfm
How to Work with an Architect | www.aiaasheville.org/PDF/HowToWork_LowRes.pdf
Builders
Demos Builders | www.demosbuilders.com
Earthtone Builders | www.earthtonebuilders.com
Greenseed Construction |
JAG Construction | www.jaggreenbuilders.com
Ron DeSimone Contracting | www.rondesimonecontracting.com
SEED | www.ecologicaldesign.net
Standing Stone Builders | www.standingstonebuilders.com
Sun Construction |
The Hands of Sean Perry Company | www.seanperryinc.com
Counters
Mandala Design | www.mandala-studio.com
Perdue Studios | www.perduestudios.com
Build it Naturally | www.builditnaturally.com
Doors
Rogue Valley Door | www.roguevalleydoor.com
Finishes
Arch | www.thearchnc.com
Build it Naturally | www.builditnaturally.com
Mandala Design | www.mandala-studio.com
Perdue Studios | www.perduestudios.com
Flooring
Arch | www.thearchnc.com
Build it Naturally | www.builditnaturally.com
Whole Log Lumber | www.wholeloglumber.com
General Building Supply
AAC | www.aacbuildingmaterials.com
McMaster-Carr | www.mcmaster.com
Westall Chandley | www.westallchandley.com
Green
First Light Solar | www.firstlightsolar.com
Green Building Advisor | www.greenbuildingadvisor.com
Healthy Built Homes | www.healthybuilthomes.org
Healthy Built Homes Checklist | www.wncgbc.org/healthybuilt/docs/WNCHBHChecklistv412.xls
Home Energy Partners | www.homeenergypartners.com
Living Roofs Inc. | www.livingroofsinc.com
Organic Think | www.organicthink.com
Passive House Institute US | www.passivehouse.us
Regreen | www.regreenprogram.org
Shelter Ecology Inc. | www.shelterecology.com
U.S. Green Building Council | www.usgbc.org
Western North Carolina Green Building Council | www.wncgbc.org
Interior design
Alchemy Design Studio | www.alchemy-interiors.com
Kitchen & Bath
Duravit | www.duravit.us
Ferguson | www.ferguson.com
National Kitchen & Bath Association | http://www.nkba.org/guidelines/
Landscape & Site Planning
Equinox Environmental | www.equinoxenvironmental.com
The Dirty Hoe | www.dirtyhoe-asheville.com
Lighting
Rexel | www.rexellights.com
Mechanical Systems
Affordable Comfort | www.affordablecomfort.net
Bullman | www.bullmanheating.com
Sims Group | www.simsgroupusa.com
Roofing
GAF | www.gaf.com
Living Roofs Inc. | www.livingroofsinc.com
MBCI | www.mbci.com
Salvaged Materials
Appalachian Antique Hardwoods | www.aahardwoods.com
Asheville Architectural Salvage | www.ashevillearchitectural.com
Oddfellows | 828.350.7800 (near Tobacco Barn)
Screen Door | www.screendoorasheville.com
Tobacco Barn | www.atbarn.com
Whole Log Lumber | www.wholeloglumber.com
Structural Engineers
Alford Engineering, RLLP | www.alfordengineering.net
Innovative Structural Engineering, Inc. |
McDonald Structural | www.mcdonaldstructuralengineering.com
Medlock Engineering | www.medlockengr.com
Surveying
Banks Creek | 828.779.4039
Tax Incentives
DSIRE | www.dsireusa.org
Tile
WNC Ceramic Tile | http://wnctile.brandsource.biz/
Windows
Marvin | www.marvin.com
Semco | www.semcowindows.com
Westall Chandley | www.westallchandley.com
Wilson Architects Inc. | www.w2arch.com
