The culmination of any architecture large or small is a product of a complex process.

SD Atelier Architecture works directly and closely with each client to offer a personalized and efficient service to help guide them through the entire process.

“Like a director of a film, the Architect must bring to the table a unique combination of skills, he or she must be creative, as well as business like, simultaneously well organized and charismatic. The Architect must have the vision both to conceive a design and to see it through, the diplomacy to persuade a client to back that vision with “hard cash”, and the authority to supervise the construction site.”

The program is actually the “wish list” from the client which is used to develop the design ideas. We will ask detailed questions about your requirements, needs, available funds, schedule and design aspirations. Prior to putting any ideas on paper, we will review local and agency requirements and assess the schedule and budget to determine if the project is realistic. We will recommend adjustments as necessary.

Schematic Design (often viewed as the more glamorous side of architecture) is the conception of the idea based on the program established. This phase involves initial sketches developed on tracing paper. We work closely with the client to establish the basic flow, the relationship of spaces to one another and the exterior overall image. A range of options may be explored in this phase evaluating the costs along the way. The drawings in this phase will include conceptual building plans and exterior elevations and a three-dimensional visual or 3d computer model.

This phase is taking the schematic designs and developing the ideas further. This will fully describe the size and character of the project. Material options are evaluated, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing requirements. The actual design layout is completed at this point, and the architect can therefore begin to evaluate the structure, framing and overall construction process. Changes at this point should be kept to minor decisions on materials and specifications.

These drawings are used for approvals (i.e. zoning, HOA or other agencies) if required.

After the approval of the design development drawings, we will prepare the detailed drawings and specifications that the contractor can use to obtain actual construction costs, obtain permits and actually bid the project. The level of detail and completeness in a set of construction documents is one of the most tangible measures of an architect’s value. The construction documents are in fact the detailed instructions for building your customized building project.

Basic drawings should include Foundation Plans, Floor Plans, Framing Plans, Exterior Elevations, Building Sections. Relevant Construction Details and energy/light/ventilation code compliance. A specification outlining acceptable building materials, doors, windows and construction methods should also be done in conjunction with Construction Documents.

The Construction Documents are used for obtaining a Building Permit.

We will often suggest or provide names of reputable contractors to consider for bidding the project. We will assist with the bidding phase and answer questions from the contractors bidding the project. The contractor shall calculate material quantities from plans and obtain prices from suppliers. He estimates labor, gathers bids from subcontractors and assembles estimate into presentable format as a fixed bid or for a negotiable bid with a range of costs.

Decision is made on nature of contract, written and reviewed with owners, all contracts are signed and a deposit is collected.

The site is checked for logistical problems, storage areas, and access to site, line up crew and subcontractors and suppliers.

Whether you secure a contractor by way of negotiation or through competitive bidding, SD Atelier will assist in preparing the contract for construction. The AIA publishes contracts suitable for various projects. Should the client choose to use a non-AIA contract, it is important that the roles and responsibilities assigned to the various parties are clearly defined, and it should be reviewed by legal counsel. If requested by the client, we will act as the client’s representative during construction. We shall make site visits at appropriate intervals to observe the progress and quality of the work. This may require weekly or bi-weekly meetings. We have the right to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents and can authorize minor changes, but many not make changes to increase the contract sum or time to complete the project. We may be asked to review and assist in processing payment applications.

The successful completion of construction can only be achieved with open communication, a sense of trust and a positive working relationship with the client, the Architect and the General Contractor.

If requested by the client, we build presentation models (both physical model & computer 3D model) for one to understand the overall exterior and proportions

These models are also used for marketing purposes.