Design process

Design process

For architectural work to be successful, it involves the following stages of the design process:

The pre-contract stage:

Also known as the programming phase, this phase kicks off the architectural design process.

In the pre-contract stage, after we’ve been commissioned to do the work, we meet with the client to learn about the brief that is the client’s wishes for the future building. We will then go to the site to carry out site documentation and analysis: this is important because we believe in coming up with designs that agree with the prevailing site conditions. We will also research on the local zoning and land-use restrictions so as to advise the client accordingly.

There are no charges at this point.

The outline Design Stage:

In this stage, our design team will begin to translate the client’s brief into a building design concept. This may involve sketches, drawings, 3D renderings, animations and preliminary site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. It is at this stage that we approach other consultants such as Structural Engineers, Quantity surveyors, service engineers, etc for appointment by the client.

We will then have a meeting with all the consultants to discuss on the outline design drawings. We will then organize a meeting with the client for a presentation of the proposed drawings for his input.

The outline design stage Fee is charged at this point.

The scheme design stage:

This is the stage where our design projection manifests as a detailed plan. We will also present the client with both exterior and interior finishes since Finishes can greatly affect the total cost of a construction project as well as the project schedule, so this is the stage that we handled with the utmost degree of respect. The other appointed consultants will have come up with drawings in line with the architectural drawings.

At this point, a more realistic cost estimate will come into view with the help of the appointed Quantity Surveyor. We will then organize a meeting with the client and present the works together with the projected cost of the project.

This is the point where we will proceed to the local authorities for approval of the project. We will submit the required set of drawings as part of a larger permit application. The city or county will review the submittals for structural integrity and adherence to zoning laws and building codes. Depending on the complexity of the project one can get approval in a matter of a few days. Here we come in to do the circulation on behalf of our clients for approval of the projects at the county offices.

The scheme design stage fee will be charged at this point.

The detailed design and production stage:

In this stage of the architectural design process, design becomes a reality. We produce sets of detailed drawings that specify every detail of their final design. We are always so keen on details since we believe architecture by itself is well expressed via the projects’ details.

 A set of approved construction drawings will remain on-site throughout the construction process, a set will be in the architect’s office and another set will be under the client’s custody. The other set will remain in the local permitting authority, whether that’s a city or a county. If it is a design-build project, then our in-house contractor becomes involved at this point.

The detailed design stage fees will be charged at this point.

 Tender and contract stage:

At this stage is where we prepare tender documents and advise our clients on the types of tenders to adopt, we will then follow all the tendering procedures as stated in the law so as to get the best contractor for the works. We are always keen on the kind of contractor chosen since they will help in realizing the building as envisioned on the drawings with proper supervision done by our team.

The contract stage fees will be charged at this point.

The contract administration/management stage:

In this final stage, we will shift from creative design to project management. While we don’t physically manage the job on site, we make regular site visits to ensure that the project is being executed according to our plans and details.

The contractor and their team assume control of the project after they have been handed over the site.  We check contactors programme of works and advise on amendments where necessary.

We ensure that the client gets the proper weekly site reports as the work continues on site. We normally conduct site meetings; it can be weekly or monthly site meetings depending on the complexity of the project.

Modifications and variations with need for extension of time might be experience on site as the construction continues, but with our careful supervision, we’ve always been able to avoid such occurrences. Periodic Valuation will be done by the Quantity surveyor followed by issuant of interim certificate to allow for contractor’s payment by the client. As the works nears completion, our team will carry out practical completion inspection before the issuant of certificate of practical completion.

After the defects liability period we will issue the signed certificate of making good defects. This will be a confirmation by us that the construction contract has been fully completed. We will oversee the issuant of the final payment certificate based on the final account as agreed by the Quantity surveyor and the contractor, this will mean that all patent defects must have been remedied, all adjustments to the contract sum must have been agreed and all claims settled.

We will also ensure that the other appointed consultants submit their final fees to the client and check that they are settled before submitting our own final accounts for fees.

Finally, we will hand over the project to the client after all of the above procedures and steps have been followed to the later.

We will then help the client obtain an occupation certificate from the local authorities.