What to Build

The owners and designer discussed the project requirements. Style, number of rooms/areas, functions, furnishing, equipment, size, relationship of spaces to each other, and connection with the environment. Bring sample imagery, site info, and complete questionnaire.

Site Analysis

A site analysis organizes information into a usable study specific to your build. It will contain a zoning review, site survey, building orientation, flood plane info, micro-climate study, history, existing conditions, and so on.

Budget Analysis

It is essential to discuss the budget at the early stages of the conversation. 

A forever home won’t be yours forever if it’s out of your price range.

 - Dave Ramsey, Financial Guru

Simple questions are often the best. What are your expectations of cost?  What can you afford? How can you get there?  

Site + materials + labor + services = total cost 

A spreadsheet rough estimate based on total square footage helps balance the needs and wants with the budget, site, and regulations for a good fit. This is an ongoing balancing act throughout the project.

The Result

The result is a complete Project Program with a brief list of exterior style, number of floors, and location onsite. The interior list will have the number of rooms/areas, size, and relationship to other spaces and environment, and a few diagrams or images to illustrate design options. 

Design Iteration

Based on the program, the designer prepares a few concept sketches to explore possible solutions to the program requirements. Schematic design uses a series of diagrams, concept sketches, and simple models to illustrate many design solutions. It is easy to fall in love with the first concept sketch. Iteration improves and explores many possible solutions to the design problem.

Simplicity is a product of massive iteration. 

-Jack Butcher

Simple Computer Models

Concept sketches move first to simple three-dimensional computer models. 3D models are useful to check the design fit and flow. The budget estimate is refined with the addition of computer-calculated volume information.

The Goal

Create and approve Schematic Site Plan, Schematic Floor Plan, and Exterior Masses. Rough estimate on building cost based on square foot and level of finish. Designs at this stage are still blocky and undefined masses.

Design and Material Selections are Finalized

Based on the accepted schematic design, the designer develops a detailed computer model. Refining the overall design and integrating the structure. Floor plans and sections show all the room sizes and shapes. 

Finalizing the selection of colors, finishes, and materials, applying exterior and interior materials, and structure. Outline specifications are prepared listing the building materials, fixtures, and room finishes. 

The Advantages of 3D Computer Visualization

With the integration of three-dimensional computer modeling into design practice, there is some blending between schematic design and design development. The schematic design tends to evolve seamlessly into design development. 

The Output

The output of this phase is a robust computer model that captures the complete design from which plans, sections, elevations, material lists, and 3D views can be generated for use by the client, consultants, marketing, and contractors to prepare cost estimates. There are the benefits of BIM (Building Information Model) capable design software.