UNDERSTAND THE CLIENT'S NEEDS

1. The first step is to develop a complete understanding of the client's desires - we will call this the program. It is imperative to have this information down on paper. This will be the formal guide that allows us to review all the specific needs. This will provide us with a starting point that can be used in making design decisions.

2. This guide needs to cover the following information:

a. Pricing Goals- how much you are going to spend. You must be realistic here. It is a most important area.
b. Floor plan information- What rooms, layout and size, levels desired - Heating / cooling choices
c. Interior Elements - Trim, flooring, lighting, cabinets, countertops, columns, fireplaces, builtins, etc.
d. Exterior Design Notes- What materials, style, windows, shape, overhang, roofing materials
e. Site Information - Topography of the land, where are the utilities, any special setbacks, SEO, & Zoning
f. Special Needs - Handicapped accessible, noise, Life-style needs - gardening, recycling, future needs
g. Administration of the project - How you want to handle the project. Any specific contractors to be used.

DESIGN EVOLUTION - (the Conceptual Plan)

1. Once the program is identified a series of design options are developed. These move through a series of refining steps from the first sketches on to scaled working plans. During this time the client and designer need to work hand in hand to tailor the home to the client's needs, site, budget, and design. I feel that visualization is crucial at this point and I will develop sketches (varying levels of detail depending on the size of the project) during this time period that will assist you in understanding where we are going.
2. As the client sorts through the design options presented we will develop a conceptual plan. (A thin plan that has all the essential elements to get a firm vision of the project) This is the groundwork for the formal plans. It is crucial that all the needs of the program are included in the conceptual design. This will be done both as written and drawn material.
3. Once this is developed it is very helpful to have a professional contractor review the project and provide more accurate initial pricing information. This is not a final price yet. Client's responses to initial pricing may be:

A. Clients determine that they can afford the project and the formal plans are developed.
B. Clients determine that the costs are out of their budget range and the plan is modified to bring the costs in line with their specific budget. This can happen in the following manner:

1. Some clients will choose to build in several phases. (Spread the costs out over several years.)
2. Some clients will cut the floor space of the project. This will not cut the cost in a uniform square foot deduction.
3. Some clients will eliminate some of the more costly elements, materials, and details. Often those elements that are initially sacrificed can be added at a later date.
4. At times the entire project will be put on hold. *Because costs vary between builders, it is important to select a builder that is right for your project (not just the least expensive). The more research you do in this selection the better off you will be in the long run. Ask friends and really check up on the references. Take the time to look at their work; is it the quality level that you desire for your project. Make sure that the builder can complete the kind of work that you desire. Ask homeowners how he treated them during their construction. Remember that you will be living with this person for a long and stressful time period. Odds are that you will run into some problems with the builder that you select; ask the tough questions now not after the contract is signed.

FORMAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT

1. Once the Client is satisfied with the schematic plan, the formal plan development will begin.
2. As the exact elements are developed there will still be some designing taking place. This will all depend on the level of design that you desire and the level that the designer will be satisfied with.
3. All "formal Plans" will be developed with, reviewed, and stamped by a Certified Professional Engineer before they are sent out for bidding. This not only protects the owner and designer but also the builder.
4. Once the plans are complete, a small specification packet will be produced to assist the builders in bid preparation. Any changes made after a contract is signed should be handled with a change order. The paper trail protects all the parties involved.

AFTER THE PRINTS

1. It is ideal to have the designer continue with the project throughout the entire construction of the residence. The bidding process and the construction of your home are areas that an impartial 3rd party can be vary helpful to the flow of your addition or new home. Many things will come up while you are having the residence bid and built; often the designer's insights are very helpful.
2. Due to the potential for structural damage I ask that any structural changes desired be reviewed by the engineer that has worked with me on the entire project.