The Design Process

    For Renovation/Addition projects, the first step is to get a set of plans and elevations drawn to scale that reflect the Existing Conditions. I will visit the property and spend a few hours sketching and measuring your home's floor plans and elevations. I will build a 3D computer model and return to you a PDF set of Floor Plans and Exterior Elevations that show the home “as is”. Smaller scale jobs may only require measuring the portion of the home that is relevant and affected by the design.  

    The next design step for Renovations and New Construction is to produce a Schematic Design that addresses all your wants and needs. You tell me about your ideas, your budget, show me pictures of things and styles that you like, and I work to incorporate everything into one cohesive design.

    I’ll give you back a set of Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations, and a Cover sheet with a few 3D exterior views that show the proposed design.

    The first design for anything is rarely perfect, so once we have an idea on paper, we can discuss the things you like and don’t like about it. We can change the roof pitches, siding types, window sizes, styles, locations, make rooms bigger, smaller, etc. We “push-and-pull” on the design to get things just right for you 

    After each discussion, I return to you a set of plans containing the plans and elevations showing the latest design.

    Once we’ve settled on a final design, I will complete set of Drawings that your Contractor(s) can use to develop comprehensive Project Pricing. It includes a site plan, demolition plans, fully dimensioned proposed floor & roof plans, schematic framing plans, door & window size schedules, exterior elevations with materials notes, building sections, wall sections & details, and an electrical layout showing fixture & switching locations. 

    The Pricing Plans don’t include any Structural Specifications that fall outside of the general Building Code. I’m not a Structural Engineer, so final sizing and specs for beams, headers, posts, joists/rafters, foundation reinforcing, and lateral wall bracing, needs to be addressed by others. 

    I work with multiple Engineers that can mark-up my Framing Plans with the proper sizing/information, I draft up a final set incorporating their comments, and the Engineer certifies/stamps the final Structural pages.

    Now you are ready to submit plans to your Building Department for Permits!