Designing homes which combine the goals and needs of the client's family with the unique features of a site is one of the most enjoyable tasks of our office.
"People who build their own home tend to be very courageous. These people are curious about life. They're thinking about what it means to live in a house, rather than just buying a commodity and making it work." - Tom Kundig.
These images show the wide range of our projects - from large to small, residential to commercial/retail and large housing/mixed-use projects, as well as our garden design work. Click on image to enlarge.
Our Design Process is the same whether the project is large or small, a house, a retail project, or a garden.
The first steps in every project involve meeting with the client to discuss in detail all aspects of the proposed project.
We encourage clients to start a notebook or journal and use it to write down all their ideas & requirements - daily life requirements and long-term goals, as well as everything they see that is inspirational and related to their project.
A notebook can be used to keep magazine clippings / Google images / lists of requirements - All of this material constitutes the owner's "program".
If this is well-defined, then - it is our job to design the project to incorporate every one of these requirements & a very responsive & exciting project will result.
The first step in the design process is to discuss and define the client's ideas, goals, and requirements for the project.
The more complete and defined the owner's program is, the more successful the end product will be in satisfying each of the owner's dreams and expectations.
Details of daily life need to be responded to, as do the requirements of long-term goals, projected 10 or 20 years into the future.
The second task is to examine the building site. The unique features of the site will be as important as the owner's program in inspiring the design.
Sun orientation, topography, special features such as views from certain areas of the site, special trees, areas that need privacy screening from neighbors, etc. - are all important factors influencing the design.
The third task is to research all local zoning issues that always have important impact on project design.
In the Design Phase, the creative process begins, sparked by something we saw on the site or heard in our discussions with the owner.
We begin by sketching plan layouts on the site plan - responding to and incorporating the information gathered in the research phase.
In Schematic Design, we develop two or three optional plan layouts, and we review these with the client.
The best layout option is selected by the owner and it is developed in detail during Design Development. Building elevations, sections, and 3-D views are prepared which illustrate the building facades, materials, lighting, roofing, hardscape materials, planting.
This is reviewed with the client, and revised as needed.
After client approval, we prepare construction drawings, including all structural information, for building permitting.
We prepare a complete construction documents package, including floor plans, roof plan, lighting and elec plans, building elevations and sections, door and window schedules, details and energy-use calculations, as well as structural drawings including: foundation plan, floor framing plans, roof framing plans, and structural details.
We submit the working drawings package to local jurisdictions for planning and building permits, and we meet with officials to respond to their comments. We assist the owner in obtaining all required permits.
We can also assist the owner in the contractor selection process, and in reviewing cost estimates prepared by prospective contractors.
During construction, we are available to meet at the site to answer contractor questions and provide clarfication details as needed.
We can also observe construction, to ensure that quality of materials and construction methods is maintained, and that the work is in compliance with the contract documents.
All project engineering and energy calcs for our projects over the last 25 years have been provided by TH&A Engineering. They provide clear, detailed engineering plans and excellent, responsive on-site consultation during construction, to keep projects proceeding smoothly.
We love working with color, materials, space, light, planting - to create exciting places that stimulate and enlarge quality of life for users.
We're driven to do the best and most thorough job possible on each project we undertake.
We are committed to the idea that architecture and gardens can both be shaped and fitted to the users lifestyle to provide great pleasure and support.
"Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space … On the one hand it's about shelter, but it's also about pleasure."
- Zaha Hadid.