Initial Consultation: We offer an introductory meeting with potential clients to discuss their vision and expectations for the project. Typically conducted over the phone, this initial consultation allows for immediate feedback and input as we explore the site characteristics and main project goals together. If a site has already been identified, we will visit it to gain firsthand understanding of the land and surrounding community. This first meeting also enables mutual understanding between our team and the client.

Pre-Design – (Optional): This supplementary service, billed at an hourly rate, helps bridge the gap between the initial consultation and a formal Design Agreement. It can prove beneficial in cases where uncertainties warrant further exploration before starting Schematic Design. For instance, it may be used to assess property feasibility and confirm the ability to build a desired project on a site with unique or unknown features prior to purchase.

This marks the inception of the core design process, setting the groundwork for the project's design and construction. Information gathered from the client aids in defining the program, square footage, unique features, site-related opportunities and constraints, target budget, and time frame.

Preparation we will ask you to provide are:

• completing a questionnaire

• obtaining a topographic and boundary survey

• Geotechnical(soils) report

• providing supporting documents

Presentations follow, featuring sketches, floor plans, and elevations. The iterative process refines room arrangements, organizational strategies, and material choices, culminating in approved floor plans, renderings and general siting. Engagement with a builder may be discussed at this juncture to ensure alignment with the target budget.

At this stage, plans become more concrete, defining room arrangements, exterior characteristics, and general details. Attention turns to refining the details and selecting materials and finishes. Technical drawings emerge showing precise dimensions and assemblies, and consultants are brought on board to provide specialized expertise. With the client's approval of the final design and contractor's budget estimate in hand, the project transitions into the Construction Document phase.

We assist in obtaining consultant proposals and after selection all management/coordination is handled by us.

Additional Consultants that may be needed:

• Structural Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Energy Model

• Landscape Architect

• Septic Design

• Well Design

• other depending on your needs

Contractor Selection (DD) - Optional: For clients without an existing contractor who choose a competitive bidding process, we offer help in selecting contractors, though the client makes the final decision. Note that contractors may charge a fee for detailed cost estimates.

Once the final design is approved and the contractor is under agreement, a comprehensive set of drawings will be compiled for permitting and construction. These drawings will include detailed information on building systems, materials, finishes, fixtures and other necessary details. Ongoing coordination with consultants throughout previous phases will streamline this process, and the final drawings will then be delivered to the contractor.

We routinely visit the site to directly collaborate with the contractor and owner, keeping us informed of the project's progress and completed work. Comprehensive reports and photographs detail finished tasks and items needing input from the architect and owner to keep the owner updated.

We respond to the contractor's Requests for Information along with reviewing material samples, shop drawings, and contractor specifications. Throughout the project, we maintain open communication to foster a collaborative atmosphere.

As the project nears completion, we thoroughly walk through with the contractor and owner to oversee closeout procedures and punch lists, ensuring alignment with the intended design before concluding the project. This final evaluation provides a comprehensive review.