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The Design Process 

Regardless of how much design talent any designer or architectural firm has, it takes teamwork to pull off a successful project.  From the implementation of the design to the successful building your projects, the difference between brilliant design and great execution, is that teamwork.  Most architectural design firms are very competent designers, but the value of their services comes down to their ability to serve you as you need, to be a part of your team, and work towards your goals and objectives. Our process ensures that do this and brings together a collaboration of members that enables the best viable solutions and accurate execution of the design.

 
CONSULTATION
INTERIOR DESIGN
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PERMIT PROCESSING
DESIGN EXECUTION MANAGEMENT
CONSULTATION
INTERIOR DESIGN 
SCHEMATIC DESIGN 
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS 
PERMIT PROCESSING

The objective of this initial meeting is to evaluate the conceptual design requirements of the project, prepare and present design concepts for preliminary review and approval. At this time, we will develop the appropriate program including the professional services best fit for your project. We will review the functional and design criteria and establish the scope of work to be included. Our goal after this initial review is to present a design services contract to include some or all the design services from below. As we move into a contract, we become the project “Design Team” with all our focus, and yours, collaborating to achieve the new home, remodel, or reimagined space of your dreams.

 

Our design consultation is free* but is limited to reviewing enough information and materials to see if we have the potential for a good working relationship. If so, we will work out a program of services and determine the fee that would best fit your needs and your budget, and present you with a design services agreement.

*On-site visits will have a fee for the time out of office and travel cost.

We offer Interior Design and Decorating services as a standalone service when the more elaborate phasing and design planning is not called for. These services would be independent of any of the other services listed below.

• Conceptual design

• Space planning & layout

• Selection of materials & finishes 

• Color schemes

• Home organization

• Lighting concepts & plans

• Home sale preparation & staging

Based on the concepts, ideas, and criteria established during the initial Design Consultation, and thorough site review when appropriate, DBL will prepare multiple design schemes to document and alternative approaches to achieving the design intent.  These documents shall include basic as-built drawings of the space as needed including basic floor plans and/or elevations for each scheme. These drawings may be completed showing overall renovation including layout, room sizes, and adjacencies.  

 

During this phase, your input and involvement are critical, and multiple reviews by you may be needed to achieve the best and most functional design. Near completion of this phase, DBL will present the Schematic Designs for your review and critique. The Design Team will evaluate the positive and negative aspects of each design scheme.  It may be a single design or a combination of these designs, that will be selected to move forward into Design Development.

After selecting a design to move forward with, DBL will review the drawings and discuss changes, options, questions or general concerns they may have regarding the design. DBL will then prepare a set of CAD documents of the renovation showing modified floor plans, elevations and other drawings and details as needed to show the overall aesthetic values and function of the design. During this phase, the design will begin to take shape and the Designer will begin to focus on the details.  

 

At the completion of this phase you will be presented with a basic set of drawings, fixture and furniture selections, product literature and other required documents to show the final design concept. The Design Team may meet frequently during this phase to collect, organize and integrate both the critical design criteria and explore as many other options as possible, we want to leave no idea off the table! This design phase will not yield any usable construction documents in that the sketches produced will not fully communicate all aspects of the project, the complete working drawings shall be produced during the Construction Document phase.

Based on the drawings concepts and scope of work approved by the Design Team, DBL will prepare the final Construction Documents for your project consisting of the following documents (as needed): 

  • Floor plans, foundation plans, framing plans, roof plans elevations 

  • Typical details and sections

  • Preliminary electrical/plumbing/mechanical (MEP) layouts 

  • Schedules to include furniture, fixture and room finish specifications 

  • Product selections and specification documents

 

Prior to the commencement of this phase it is very important you engage and take the time for comprehensive review to ensure the exact intent and need of the Construction Drawings so DBL can best determine what drawings are needed to appropriately construct the project by your builder. At the completion of the Construction Document phase the DBL will have developed a complete set of drawings ready for construction, estimating, or permitting.

DBL will prepare necessary drawings and specifications needed to obtain local building permits required for the construction of the project. DBL will expedite the process to get projects permitted in a timely and organized fashion. Because of the potential differences in the requirements of each project the exact scope of permitting will be determined at the completion of the Construction Documents.

DESIGN EXECUTION MANAGEMENT

Provide oversight of the design implementation to ensure the project is being built according to the construction documents, allowances, finish schedules, all addenda, change orders, modifications and specifications set forth in the Construction Documents. 

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