The
Design Process
In
order to understand the process of designing and building a
new home Earth and Sky Architecture has broken down the process
of design and construction for you:
Visualize
the design.
Once we define what’s to be built together, we can help
you visualize the design possibilities in a number of ways.
Using rough sketches or computer programs, we can show you
the general arrangement of your new house and its effect on
the site. While not finished construction documents, these
visual presentations are meant to show possible approaches
for you to consider. We can refine these concepts until a
solution is developed that you agree meets your needs.
Depending
on the project and your needs, we can also provide three-dimensional
renderings, build models or even stake the site so you can
physically see important features, such as traffic flow, access
and views.
Many
architects also provide interior design services. Ask to see
examples of the architect’s interior work. If these
examples suit your tastes, we can work with you to get the
most out of the design process from start to finish.
Help
prepare construction documents and select a reputable contractor.
After your approval, the design is developed even further.
We will prepare detailed drawings, or construction documents,
to illustrate floor plans, which show all the spaces to be
built in their correct proportions — down to almost
every detail. Outline specifications also are prepared that
specify the primary materials and finishes to be used. These
details and specifications will be used by the Contractor
to establish construction costs and build the project.
When we use AIA (American Institute of Architecture) documents,
you benefit from what are considered to be "the bible"
of the construction industry. These standard forms of agreement
represent a current consensus among construction industry
leaders representing owners, contractors, engineers and architects.
Many
details are covered in clear language that’s widely
known and accepted in the construction industry. In addition
to the highly regarded AIA owner-architect and owner-contractor
agreements, we can make available documents for small projects,
construction management, project administration and a range
of abbreviated-form agreements.
We
are familiar with the abilities and reputations of the Contractors
in Rocky Mountain region. We share long-standing working relationships
with several well-qualified, professional Contractors, which
helps ensure reliability and quality work.
Or,
if you wish to choose among several qualified contractors,
we can prepare the necessary bidding documents. We can also
can help you determine which bid may give you the best value
in terms of the Contractor’s reputation, expertise,
quality of work and reliability.
We
can help you evaluate a contractor by using a standard Contractor’s
Qualification Statement, available through the local AIA chapter,
to verify the contractor’s background, history, references
and financial stability. This form provides a sworn, notarized
statement with appropriate attachments to assess important
aspects of the contractor’s qualifications.
Schedule
the work.
After the design phases are complete, the management and scheduling
of the construction work is critical. The actual work of construction
could disrupt your lifestyle considerably. The many decisions
that have to be made and numerous details can be overwhelming.
Making such decisions and coordinating the necessary manpower
and materials requires professional attention.
We
have been through the construction process many times, which
is where we encourage you to depend on our expertise as much
as possible. We can anticipate problems so that your decisions
are followed, construction is carried out efficiently, and
the project is kept on track.
Manage
the project.
From conception to move-in, we protect your interests and
pursue ways to make the design and construction processes
go smoothly.
During
construction, we visit the site to help verify that the project
is being built according to the plans and specifications you
approve. With our firm personally observing construction,
you get informed reports of the project’s progress,
a trained eye toward quality control — even a check
on the contractor’s invoices, mandating that the contractor
does not get paid until the architect is satisfied that the
contractor has fulfilled all obligations to you.
In
addition, if your project requires engineering or other design
services, we can coordinate this team of experts.
Take
advantage of Earth and Sky's experience and creative vision.
Contact us today!
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