Lisbon, Portugal
Book a MeetingCalifornia, U.S.A.
The Process
The Process
Building a new house, remodeling or even an extension doesn’t have to be too complicated. Understanding the process can make a daunting task quite simple.
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1. Initial consultation
The initial consultation with an architect is typically the first step in the process of building a new house. During this meeting, you will have an opportunity to discuss your vision for the project and ask any questions you may have. The architect will likely ask you about your budget, timeline, and any specific requirements or preferences you have for the design of the house. They may also provide information about their experience, credentials, and previous projects. This consultation is important because it allows both you and the architect to determine if you are a good fit to work together on the project.
1. Schedule a meeting
Contact us to schedule an initial consultation at our office or via phone/video call.
2. Discuss your vision
During the consultation, you will have an opportunity to discuss your vision for the project with us. This includes your ideas, needs, and preferences for the design of the house.
3. Budget and timeline
We will ask you about your budget and timeline for the project. This will help us determine what is possible within your constraints and provide guidance on how to proceed.
4. Specific requirements
You may have specific requirements or preferences for the design of the house, such as accessibility features, energy efficiency, or special materials. Be sure to communicate these to us during the consultation.
5. Our experience
We will provide information about our experience, credentials, and previous projects. This can give you an idea of our approach to design and our ability to deliver results.
6. Determine fit
The initial consultation allows both you and us to determine if we are a good fit to work together on the project. If all parties feel comfortable moving forward, we may begin developing design concepts and preparing a proposal for your review.
Assessment and Analysis
2. Site Analysis
The site analysis is an important step in our architectural design process that involves assessing the physical characteristics and conditions of the property where the new house will be built. Here are some things that may be involved in a site analysis:
The information gathered during the site analysis will help inform the design of the new house, ensuring that it is tailored to the specific features and requirements of the property.
The information gathered during the site analysis will help inform the design of the new house, ensuring that it is tailored to the specific features and requirements of the property.
1. Zoning regulations
We will review local zoning laws and regulations to determine what can and cannot be built on the property.
2. Topography and geology
We will study the shape, slope, and soil composition of the land to determine how it might affect construction and the placement of the house.
3. Sunlight and shade
We will analyze the path of the sun across the site to determine how to maximize natural light and minimize unwanted heat gain.
4. Views and privacy
We will identify any desirable views or privacy concerns on the site and design the house accordingly.
5. Access and circulation
We will evaluate how people and vehicles will access and move around the property, including the location of driveways, walkways, and parking areas.
6. Utilities and services
We will consider the availability and location of utilities such as water, electricity, and gas, as well as any sewer or septic systems required for the site.
Design and Refinement
3. Design development
We will work together to create sketches and drawings that illustrate your proposed design for your home. The design and sketches will be refined until you are satisfied with them.
1. Refining the project scope
Refining the project scope and budget to ensure alignment with your goals and expectations.
2. Preliminary design concept
Developing a preliminary design concept based on your project requirements, site analysis, and zoning regulations.
3. Refining the design concept
Refining the design concept through sketches, drawings, and 3D models to illustrate the proposed building’s form, function, and style.
4. Feasibility Studies
4. Conducting feasibility studies and cost estimates to ensure the project is financially viable and sustainable.
5. Collaboration
5. Collaborating with engineers, consultants, and contractors to integrate technical systems and materials into the design.
6. Finalizing the Design
Finalizing the design and preparing construction documents, such as drawings, specifications, and schedules, for the bidding and permitting process.
Preparing
4. Construction Documents
Once the design is finalized and construction documents are prepared, we will oversee the construction process. Below are some steps involved in this part of the construction process.
Our role during the construction phase varies depending on the scope of services agreed upon. We may provide full-time construction administration services or periodic site visits and review of contractor submittals.
Our role during the construction phase varies depending on the scope of services agreed upon. We may provide full-time construction administration services or periodic site visits and review of contractor submittals.
1. Selecting a Contractor & Negotiations
Selecting a contractor based on proposals and bids received. Negotiating the contract with the selected contractor and finalizing the terms and conditions.
2. Construction schedule
Reviewing the construction schedule and ensuring that it aligns with your requirements and expectations.
3. Site meetings and walkthroughs
Participating in regular site meetings and walkthroughs with the architect and contractor to review progress, address issues, and make decisions.
Reviewing and approving change orders and payment requests in accordance with the contract terms.
Reviewing and approving change orders and payment requests in accordance with the contract terms.
4. Final Walkthrough
Conducting a final walkthrough with the architect and contractor to ensure that all work is completed to your satisfaction and specifications.
Finishing up
5. Contractor selection
Contractor selection is the fifth step when working with us or our team to build a new home. This process involves choosing the right contractor for your project based on factors such as experience, reputation, and cost.
You may choose to have us help you select a contractor to build your home, or you may hire one on your own.
You may choose to have us help you select a contractor to build your home, or you may hire one on your own.
1. Developing a list of potential contractors
We can help you develop a list of potential contractors by using our network of industry contacts or by conducting research online.
2. Pre-qualifying contractors
We can pre-qualify each contractor on your list by reviewing their experience, licenses, insurance coverage, and references.
3. Conducting interviews
We can arrange for you to meet with each of the pre-qualified contractors to discuss your project and ask questions about their approach, timeline, and pricing.
4. Reviewing proposals & Select a contractor
We can review each contractor’s proposal in detail and provide guidance on how to compare them fairly. Once you have chosen a contractor, we can help you negotiate the contract terms and finalize the agreement.
Preparing
4. Construction Documents
Once the design is finalized and construction documents are prepared, we will oversee the construction process. Below are some steps involved in this part of the construction process.
Our role during the construction phase varies depending on the scope of services agreed upon. We may provide full-time construction administration services or periodic site visits and review of contractor submittals.
Our role during the construction phase varies depending on the scope of services agreed upon. We may provide full-time construction administration services or periodic site visits and review of contractor submittals.
1. Selecting a Contractor & Negotiations
Selecting a contractor based on proposals and bids received. Negotiating the contract with the selected contractor and finalizing the terms and conditions.
2. Construction schedule
Reviewing the construction schedule and ensuring that it aligns with your requirements and expectations.
3. Site meetings and walkthroughs
Participating in regular site meetings and walkthroughs with the architect and contractor to review progress, address issues, and make decisions.
Reviewing and approving change orders and payment requests in accordance with the contract terms.
Reviewing and approving change orders and payment requests in accordance with the contract terms.
4. Final Walkthrough
Conducting a final walkthrough with the architect and contractor to ensure that all work is completed to your satisfaction and specifications.
Getting things done
6. Construction Administration
Construction administration is the fifth and final step when working with an architect to build a new home. This process involves managing the construction phase of the project to ensure that it meets the design intent and quality standards. As a client, some steps involved in this process may include:
1. Reviewing and approving construction documents
Before construction begins, the architect will provide detailed plans and specifications for the contractor to follow. It’s important to review these documents carefully to ensure that they accurately reflect your vision for the project.
2. Securing necessary permits
The architect can assist with obtaining any necessary building permits from local government agencies.
3. Managing the construction schedule and budget
The architect can help monitor the progress of the project and keep it on track within the established timeline and budget.
4. Conducting site visits and inspections:
The architect will periodically visit the construction site to ensure that the work is being performed according to the plans and specifications.
5. Resolving any issues that arise during construction
The architect can act as a liaison between the client and contractor to address any unforeseen issues that may arise during construction.
In summary…
construction administration is the final step in building a new home with an architect. It involves managing the construction phase of the project in order to ensure that it meets the design intent and quality standards, while keeping the project on track within the established timeline and budget.