INTERVIEW AND PROPOSAL

When I meet you, we’ll discuss your goals, the likely scope of work, your budget, and your schedule. Based on what I learn and perhaps what I might infer from you, I’ll give you a sense of how I might propose design services for your project. After we meet, I’ll write you a proposal. This will outline my understanding of your project and describe my proposed services - including a fee estimate and my timing. This proposal will be as detailed and clear as possible to minimize misunderstandings and surprises. Once the proposal is accepted, it becomes the basis for the owner-architect contract.

I do not charge for the initial meeting or for the preparation of the proposal.

DATA GATHERING

For new homes, it’s important to come to an in-depth understanding of the site. Getting a sense of the topography, existing vegetation, views, sun angles, and neighboring structures is critical, as is my research into property line setbacks, any easements, building coverage limits, and so on. Often, a legal property survey is required. We’ll spend time on the property to discuss the limitations and opportunities that the site presents.

For remodelings and additions, existing building plans are typically not available and so I start by taking detailed measurements of the house as well as extensive photographs. For significant additions, I’ll need to define the locations of the property lines in order to ensure that zoning code requirements will not be violated; again, a survey may be required to document the addition’s location.

DESIGN

Design is an iterative, collaborative process. From the initial sketches that I develop, we’ll begin a dialogue in which I present multiple possible solutions and then take your input to refine the design. As the design develops in greater detail, I typically move from hand sketches to computer modeling, using advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.

Because I like to draw, I present designs using a lot of 3D images, always with the goal to communicate the design as clearly as possible. Hand sketches are quick and fun and can start to give you a sense of different possibilities in a relatively short amount of time. Later, as the computer model takes shape, the evolving design becomes more and more detailed.

Design sometimes involves outside consultants such as structural engineers, but it depends on the design. I have worked with many consultants over the years, including interior designers, landscape architects, geotechnical specialists (for taking and analyzing soil borings), lighting designers, and low voltage system specialists. Your project may or may not require such services, but I’m always open to the opportunity to expand the design team when appropriate.

Liability: There have been time when I have made honest mistakes.  With every project being unique, and working with different clients all of the time, sometimes problems arise and misunderstandings or simple oversights happen.  While rare, they are impossible to avoid completely.  For this reason, Newland Architecture has carried professional liability insurance for over 20 years.

CONTRACTOR SELECTION AND PRICING

I have worked with several dozen general contractors and have had a good relationship with nearly all of them. For my part, I do my best to provide them with clear and thorough construction documents to work from. I also have a good understanding of the construction process, the need to timely responses to questions, and the importance of having product selections made in a timely manner.

I will always respect a client’s budget and I’ll be up front if the budget and desired design scope aren’t in sync. While there are aspects of the design affecting its cost that I can control (the complexity of the forms, the amount of custom millwork and special details, etc.), there are many other variables for the homeowner to work with. Product selections, from appliances to plumbing fixtures to decorative lighting, can vary in cost tremendously, as can building materials like countertops, tile, and flooring.

Cost estimates are best prepared by experienced general contractors, working with their subcontractors and suppliers. The more complete the documents that they use for pricing, the more accurate the estimates will be. Some contractors are reluctant to “ballpark” a project from preliminary design drawings, but getting early input is always a plus whenever possible. Ideally, multiple bids or estimates will be solicited in order to make a contractor selection.

CONSTRUCTION

During construction, I believe in a close collaboration between the owner, the contractors, and the architect. Open and frequent communications is critical to avoid conflicts and to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. To ensure the best continuity and control over the design, I usually remain involved during construction. This helps to ensure that the project is built according to the design drawings, that questions are quickly answered as they arise in the field, and I can review any submittals such as window orders, cabinetry fabrication drawings, etc.

One of the reasons I wanted to be an architect when I was young was because I loved being on construction sites. I still love visiting job sites and interacting with the tradespersons carrying out the work. To see something you created take shape is one of architecture’s greatest rewards, especially sharing in the increasing excitement of the homeowner!