Working With An Architectural Designer for the First Time

In our practice we really value making architectural services accessible to homeowners, so we often work with clients who have never worked with architects before. 

For people who are embarking on their first major renovation or new build, the process can be confusing and it's hard to know what is to come. Here’s a guide to what our process looks like:

Step 1: Getting Started

Our first step in any project is to meet the client and see the site. We tailor our services to fit the project so setting a clear project brief from the outset is important to us. To make sure our clients have enough information to set realistic goals about the property, we offer 3 tiers for the first meeting. 

Tier 1 

This option is great for clients who know exactly what they want. Includes a site walk-through and discussion of the scope, pertinent codes, estimated permit fees, potential pitfalls, and similar that are readily visible without measurements. 

Tier 2

This option is best for people who aren’t sure about the scope of the work they want to do but want to consider their options. Includes a site walk-through and discussion of the scope, taking of rough key measurements, and generation of a written summary of pertinent codes, estimated permit fees, and potential pitfalls for the project.

Tier 3

This option is best for people considering major development on a lot and is basically the whole first phase of the project. Includes a site walk-through and discussion of the scope, full detailed site survey, generation of as-built drawings and 3D, and a written summary of pertinent codes, estimated permit fees, and potential pitfalls for the project. 

Recently, we prepared a tier 2 report for a client who was trying to decide if she wanted to sell her home which she had outgrown or if she wanted to renovate to make the space work better for her. 

We considered adding a wing for more living space, adding dormers for more head space in the converted attic, adding an accessory structure, and more. At the end she had enough information about estimated square footage and construction costs to take to a realtor and make a decision. 

Step 2: Groundwork

After setting up an understanding of the project brief, we move into the first phase of our work which is information gathering. As architectural designers, this is where the magic starts to happen.

This phase is roughly described in the tier 3 option. We will measure the space extensively, prepare as-built drawings, check zoning codes, and gather any additional reports as necessary (for instance arborist reports or ground surveys). 

If the project involves expanding a building’s footprint or adding a detached structure, we will draw a rough sketch out the allowable extents of that structure per our code findings. If necessary, we will review the code findings with you and discuss options. If not, we will move on to step 3.

Step 3: Design

Once we know what we are working with, we move into the schematic design phase. For most projects, this phase gets divided into 2D and 3D design, but for very simple or straightforward projects sometimes only 2D is necessary. 

In 2D we design the floor plan and the general layout for the building, and in 3D we design the look and feel of the space. In some projects we are hired to do some interior design work, and in others the clients do that themselves with the help of their contractor or they hire a separate interior designer. We work closely with clients in this phase to make sure the design meets all their needs and matches their style. 

We take a collaborative approach to this process which means we prioritize our clients needs over an aesthetic agenda on our end, but that we ask our clients to trust our spatial design expertise. 

Step 4: Structural Design and Cost Estimating

For projects that have structural scope, we will prepare a set of drawings that get sent to the structural engineer for their use in preparing a structural design. 

This set of drawings will continue to be developed and revised for all coming phases. When the scope of the structural design is large, we tend to recommend that clients wait until we have a structural design before we go into bidding. 

However, it is often possible to prepare and send out a set of drawings for bidding while we wait for the structural engineer to complete their design. Bidding is important for clients to get an idea of what the structure’s cost will be. 

During the schematic design phase, we will be able to give you rough ball park estimates of what costs will look like which will be useful in making preliminary decisions, however a contractor is the party who can give you an accurate estimate on the cost of the design. When a contractor is hired, we are able to work with their recommendations on how to reduce the overall project cost if necessary. 

Once the scope is refined and the structural engineering is complete, were ready to go on to permitting.

Step 5: Permitting

Permitting processes vary in complexity and time based on project scope and jurisdiction, but the basics are always the same. 

We refine the drawing set again to include all the information from the bidding and structural phases as well as the information from the building codes that the city will need to see. We combine our drawings with the engineers, arborists, and any other relevant party’s drawings or documentation, we fill out all relevant paperwork, we submit, and we wait. 

The jurisdiction will review and provide comments and corrections, which we respond to until the permit is delivered. 

Step 6: Construction

From here on out, the contractor takes the lead. We are always available for the contractor to ask us questions if issues arise, but on most projects with small or moderate scopes we are not required on the project any longer. But we always enjoy being invited back to see the finished work!

Ready to Meet Your New Architectural Design Team?

We’re here to help. We work with folks in the Portland Metro (and greater Oregon) to conceptualize, design, permit, and help build their dream projects. Contact us today to talk about your specific idea.