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Pre-design is an information gathering phase that will be the foundation for the design phases to follow. The main goal during this phase is to learn everything possible about our clients’ personality, lifestyle, and needs as well as determine how much space you need now and likely to need in the future, and how that space should be used, organized, and arranged. An additional exercise part of Pre-design phase is observing and documenting the existing conditions at the project site. This usually entails a survey of the land to determine the property line locations and/or measurements of any existing structures. We also do technical research to better understand how the site relates to the surrounding area, climate, people, and the regulations that affect the project. Clients should be incredibly involved and ready to answer personal questions during this phase. Collaboration is critical and allows us to better understand your values and needs, resulting in a design that reflects your individuality and expectations.
In this phase, we begin the process of translating the Pre -Design info into an efficient building design. This is when we start exploring design concepts; it is the time for testing options and getting a general idea of the look and feel. The floor plans and shape of the project will begin to take form, however specifics regarding materials and details will come in subsequent phases. The Schematic Design phase includes meetings where we present ideas to our clients and approving design committee if applicable using images of other projects, hand sketches, and models to help visualize the size, shape, and relationship of spaces to each other. We note all observations and reactions, then refine the ideas according to your feedback until we reach an agreed upon design direction to develop further in the following phases. Clients can expect to be quite engaged throughout this phase and to be asked for approval of the Schematic Design before work proceeds.
During Design Development, we advance the design significantly based on the floor plan and exterior concept approved in the previous phase. The priority of this phase is to define and develop all the important aspects of the project and produce a set of drawings and outline specification to show potential contractors for preliminary cost estimating. If adjustments are necessary to bring the project scope in line with the construction budget, it is most efficient to do this sooner than later. This control is done primarily through an Integrated Project approach involving a General Contractor from the very beginning who gives suggestions and observations regarding construction systems, material availability and costs. As we proceed to refine all the interior and exterior designs, we will incorporate our engineering teams to look at major systems and how they may affect design intentions. This phase is usually when our clients feel the project coming to life and it becomes possible to see themselves in the new space. By the end of the Design Development phase, the building exterior will be more fully designed, the interior layout completed, dimensions of all spaces finalized, and most materials selected. The deliverable will be a more detailed set of drawings that communicates the overall layout and volume of the building or space, all significant equipment, and the type of material or finish for every surface of the project.
In this phase we develop the Design Drawings into a thorough and precise set of Construction Documents. These drawings and specifications have all the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to communicate the entire design intent to the builder. We show how the building components should be connected, specify all the materials, finishes, fixtures, equipment, and appliances to be installed, and coordinate our drawings with the structural engineers and any other consultant drawings. The Construction Documents phase often requires the most time, which can surprise clients because the design seems complete after Design Development. However, this is a critical step in the process of successfully and accurately executing the design you have invested in. Early in this phase there may still be options on the table for some of the items to be specified. Clients should be prepared to make decisions during this phase. It is our job to make recommendations and educate you about the options, but ultimately you will be the one occupying and maintaining the home or building and you have the final say.
The permitting phase has varied start dates to avoid delays and requires multiple types of deliveries to governing bodies having jurisdiction over the project. Environmental impact studies are started as soon as possible, followed by deliveries to CFIA also known as the College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica. The municipality will issue the final building permit after approvals also from the Ministry of health, the Costa Rican tourism board and design committees such as in Peninsula Papagayo for example. We monitor the progress during the review period, and give additional information or clarifications as requested. Little, if anything is needed from the client during this phase—except patience. Our goal is to shepherd your project through as quickly and painlessly as possible, but the length and cost of this phase can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction, complexity of the project, and any special historic district or community design review processes.
While most of the architect’s work is done before any building begins, our consistent presence during the construction phase is equally important. During this phase we visit the jobsite at regular intervals to answer questions from the builder and proactively address potential issues. The frequency of our site visits could be weekly or monthly depending on the project and your needs, but it is vital to have us keeping an eye on things to ensure the finished project meets your expectations. Inevitably, some decisions must be made or modified in the field, and our involvement and ability to work quickly with your contractor to solve problems is essential for helping you avoid costly delays and change orders. During Construction Administration, the architect’s role is advisor to the owner. At our site visits we will take photos and write field reports to document the progress, confirm the materials and workmanship are of the quality you agreed to. At the end of the project, we help you develop your final Punch List to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.
