Our Process

The design team seeks to learn everything it can about the site, the programs, and the context. In effect, the goal is to create a balance sheet of strengths and weaknesses for each of the above issues and at the same time to identify the goals and design principles that guide the design process

The design team creates alternative “solutions” based on the information that has been gathered and analyzed. Design alternatives are reviewed and compared with benchmark facilities

Based on the evaluation of alternatives by stakeholders, the design team prepares a “final draft” concept plan and program for discussion and review. This plan, crafted to reflect the consensus input of stakeholders, becomes the basis for further development of the design

The design team seeks to learn everything it can about the site, the programs, and the context. In effect, the goal is to create a balance sheet of strengths and weaknesses for each of the above issues and at the same time to identify the goals and design principles that should guide the design process. Some of the information that the team analyzes is objective or “hard” data (base maps, past master plans, existing conditions, square footage requirements, base-line environmental practices, energy use, etc.); some is subjective or “soft” data collected from stakeholders (perceptions, hopes, fears, goals, etc.). All of the information will be used to further a more complete understanding of each of the major issues.

After approval of the Conceptual Design by the client, the project moves into the Schematic Design which will elaborate upon the concept and begin to design plans and elevations consistent with that concept. Typically, we propose that the client organize end-user groups (depending on the size of the client and key stakeholders) and that we establish a weekly or biweekly meeting schedule where these user groups are met individually. We have found that his creates an investment mentality in the end user and establishes the framework for conducive, constructive dialog where the best design emerges.

At the conclusion of that series of meetings, we recommend holding a ‘core team’ meeting. This core team is a group of persons, preferably 4-6, that are empowered as decision makers and arbiters of conflicting request or directions. At that core team meeting they are updated as to the progress of design, the end user group meetings and outstanding issues. We will provide a cost estimate at the end of this phase.

As the final phase of the design phase begins, after approval of the design development by the client, we propose a less frequent meeting schedule with the end users and core team. This phase is focused on documenting and detailing all the decisions that have been previously made, coordinating disciplines and establishing a completed biddable set of documents. Some end-user and core team meetings will be required as update meetings. We have found that his continues the spirit of cooperation that has been fostered throughout the process and is an outward expression of the respect that the design professional has for this team approach of design and problem solving. We will provide a quality control review and final cost estimate prior to bidding.