approach
services provided
The design & production of permit drawings for new homes, additions & renovations - and associated aspects such as garages, pool cabanas, etc. If desired, stand-alone concept design is offered. Approximately 250 projects done including +60 Committee of Adjustment (COA) submissions (near 100% approved).
process
The following describes the process normally involved -
The client conveys initial design aspirations (‘wish list’, favored design style/elements - photos of relevant examples from magazines, books & online can be very helpful). With reference to a survey I then document the existing home, site & context (photgraph/measure; any existing drawings/survey aids this step) & investigate municipal zoning & development parameters.
Various design directions are generated & analyzed (floor planning, exterior elevations/massing) - the one best suited for the particular client/circumstances is identified & refined. Here, or at any point - costing may be outsourced to a consultant. Drawing distribution & discussion often is via internet though it can be more time-efficient or comfortable to address design aspects in-person.
Should a zoning parameter be exceeded (surplus floor area desired, etc) review/approval by COA is required. Usually preliminary zoning review by the municipality is done in advance of the small format (11”x17” b+w) ‘design’ set of documents submitted for COA. If desired by the client - provide supplementary information to enhance the submission. Usually I represent the proposal at the COA hearing (alternatively may be the client, builder, a planner or lawyer).
It is determined with the client the desired point for the design drawings to be developed for purposes of building permit submission. Normally I do the submission - or a client may choose to do so. The permit drawings are large format (often 22”x34” b+w) 1/4” scale plans/elevations/sections & 1/8” scale site plan - limited generally to the minimum information necessary for the plans review - more detailed aspects such as interior elevations, electrical layout, selection of fixtures, detailed specification of construction methods, etc - may be desired. I no longer provide tendering to select contractor or construction review (not mandatory unless a certain complexity) - if desired, these aspects may be outsourced to a colleague.
Design/drawing documentation may be 2D only or include 3D - b+w only or with colour… as desired by the client/sensible for the circumstances. 3D (of exteriors +/or interiors) usually significantly aids the perception of a proposal, make the design process more time-efficient, improve chances of COA approval & aid in builders understanding what to construct. For similar reasons - physical study models (simple b+w card or showing colour/textures) may be desired.
engagement
Following initial discussion with a prospective client, a proposal for services will be sent by email for consideration - of which the following are key aspects: fee basis to be hourly* with half travel-time involved charged for, copying separate/additional, initial 35% (of estimated total fee) due at outset of work with subsequent payments to be received within one calendar week of invoice. It is preferred for payments to be done via electronic transfer. With consideration to the above and low overhead, the fee rate is limited. Municipality & consultant fees separate/additional to architect fee.
*- a single rate is utilized for simplification - at a median of rates differing tasks such as drafting, design, COA, etc may be. From experience there are many variables which almost always make it difficult to predict the time involvement for a project without the likelihood of it becoming different. I believe strongly that the hourly rate rather than fixed fee basis is fairest and best for both myself and clients - but if absolutely desired - a fixed rate basis can be used - where the anticipated scope of work would be defined and a contingency amount factored in.
for project list - see here