Our discovery phase is where we plot out the viability of your project. We investigate the feasibility of the proposed building site, local zoning ordinances, environmental concerns, and utility capabilities. Our extensive construction background plays a major role here in helping us determine what is possible from the earliest stage of pre-design. Then, through in-depth programming, we detail the sizes and functions of each room and how everything fits together. The strategy and pre-design lay the groundwork for the design phase.
- Pre-Design & Programming: Detailing needs and functions.
- Feasibility Studies: Determining if the proposed structure is physically viable.
- Preliminary Cost Modeling: Grounding our approach in established financial parameters to ensure practicality.
- Site Evaluation & Analysis: Reviewing the land, topography, and constraints.
- Strategic Planning & Development: Mapping out the long-term vision.
- Facilities Master Planning: High-level planning for large campuses or complexes.
- Existing Conditions Documentation: Measuring and recording what is already present on-site.
- Integrated Constructability Reviews: With our construction experience, we anticipate and analyze any potential buildability issues before they happen so our overview of the proposed project is complete from the start.
In the design phase, we translate your ideas and concepts into the data we’ll use to complete the structure’s plans. We move from initial schematic design to more in-depth design development through to massing, 3D rendering, and spatial coordination. By the end of this stage, you’ll have a true feel for the size, shape, look, and materials of the structure you’ve envisioned.
- Design & Planning: The creative phase. Encompasses industrial, residential, institutional, academic, retail & restaurant, and corporate.
- Space Planning: Optimizing how occupants move and flow through the interior.
- 3D Computer Modeling & Rendering: Creating a fully detailed virtual version of the structure.
- 2D Plan & Elevation Rendering: Artistic concepts of the exterior and floor plans.
- Real-World Prototyping: Our designs and renderings account for realistic material performance and construction so you know everything we design is structurally sound.
- Historic Restoration & Renovation: Specialized design for preserving the look and materials of buildings from the past.
- Interior Design Selections: Furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
- Graphic Design, Signage, & Wall Artwork: Incorporating personality into the architecture.
We finalize the designs and blueprints into construction documents (CDs) for the builder. Having this data allows construction companies to understand all the intricacies of your project so they can accurately bid, acquire permits, and procure the correct materials. Our responsibility in this phase is MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) coordination so every technical aspect of the structure is accounted for to prevent field changes and delays.
- Build-Ready Construction Documents: A complete set of detailed, experience-informed blueprints for builders to bid and obtain permits.
- Specifications (specs): An extensive written section of the documentation describing the materials and build quality.
- MEP Coordination: Seamlessly integrating the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems into the architecture.
- Schedules: Detailed lists of doors, windows, and finishes.
S|D|A Architects, P.C. is with you throughout the construction phase. At this point, we serve in a construction-administration role to advocate for the structure’s owner during the build. We visit the construction site periodically to confirm work is adhering to specifications and provide you with field reports. Our final role is to see that the builder adheres to the agreed-upon design and quality control.
- Construction Administration: Serving as the building owner’s on-site advocate, performing occasional site observations for quality verification.
- Construction Inspection: Understanding the construction job as well as the contractors. We ensure the build adheres precisely to the approved designs and codes.
- Requests for Information (RFIs): Issuing RFI responses to builder queries.
- Financial Institution Progress Inspections: Creating detailed reports for bank funding.