Services
asquared studios is traditionally engaged in a full service arrangement to design and manage a project from conception through to construction completion. To those who have never participated in the architectural process, the journey can seem complicated and time consuming; So, we like to approach the journey by identifying the distinct phases required to achieve a successful outcome. We have taken our professional expertise and distilled our services into 3 general categories or phases of work.
Category 1
The Pre-Design phase is centered around the project program (or your wish list) and overall project objectives. It is during this phase that a comprehensive zoning study is preformed to isolate any planning and code constraints on possible design solutions. Concurrent with the Programming component, we analyze the proposed site and/or existing buildings. In the case of existing structures we will document the buildings and any site features that may have an effect on the design. Typically, surveys and soil reports would be provided by the client at this stage. Pictures and detailed notes are taken to determine desirable views from the site, and natural features ranging from wind patterns, noises, and solar angles are also recorded and analyzed. This detailed understanding of the site, combined with the final Programming Statement is the foundation on which we initiate the Schematic design Phase.
The Schematic Design phase studies and establishes the intent, size, spatial relationships, and overall conceptual design of your project. During the Schematic Design phase, drawings typically consist of sketches, diagrammatic site plans, floor plans, and exterior elevations. We work hand in hand with you during this phase to create a clearly defined concept to present for discussion, revision, and eventual approval.
We have found that having a contractor on board early to evaluate the budget could help keep the project on track and realistic. Often we will recommend including what we call a “feasibility study” at the completion of the Schematic Design phase of work. This will allow us to help you establish a competitive budget number for your project that can be maintained throughout the remainder of the design process.
Category 1
Pre-Design • Schematic Design
The Pre-Design phase is centered around the project program (or your wish list) and overall project objectives.
Category 1
The Pre-Design phase is centered around the project program (or your wish list) and overall project objectives. It is during this phase that a comprehensive zoning study is preformed to isolate any planning and code constraints on possible design solutions. Concurrent with the Programming component, we analyze the proposed site and/or existing buildings. In the case of existing structures we will document the buildings and any site features that may have an effect on the design. Typically, surveys and soil reports would be provided by the client at this stage. Pictures and detailed notes are taken to determine desirable views from the site, and natural features ranging from wind patterns, noises, and solar angles are also recorded and analyzed. This detailed understanding of the site, combined with the final Programming Statement is the foundation on which we initiate the Schematic design Phase.
The Schematic Design phase studies and establishes the intent, size, spatial relationships, and overall conceptual design of your project. During the Schematic Design phase, drawings typically consist of sketches, diagrammatic site plans, floor plans, and exterior elevations. We work hand in hand with you during this phase to create a clearly defined concept to present for discussion, revision, and eventual approval.
We have found that having a contractor on board early to evaluate the budget could help keep the project on track and realistic. Often we will recommend including what we call a “feasibility study” at the completion of the Schematic Design phase of work. This will allow us to help you establish a competitive budget number for your project that can be maintained throughout the remainder of the design process.
Category 2
Design Development expands upon the approved schematic design, refining and cultivating creative solutions to the project specific goals and moving into greater architectural detail, materials, and building systems. The goal is to refine the project’s size, aesthetics, major components, and details. It is important to continue to work closely together with you in the selection of finish materials, door and window systems, appliances, etc. as these items may inform building system components such as mechanical systems, electrical systems, and structural systems. During this phase we will begin to coordinate this information with a team of client contracted specialty consultants and engineers, until the project is developed into its final form and construction documentation can begin.
Construction Documentation is the process of creating a detailed set of drawings and notes that describe how the project is to be translated into built form. The detailed information will include all architectural elements as well as the information developed by the specialty consultants and engineers. This set of drawings will typically be used to bid the project, achieve the necessary building permit(s), and build the project. It has been our practice to create the most complete set of documents possible, typically going beyond what most designers and architects consider substantial, as we have found taking this additional effort reduces confusion and provides for a smoother construction process.
At approximately 80% – 90% completion, a permit set of documents will be generated for review by relevant building officials. Once the drawings have been reviewed by permitting officials, either they will be approved, or request for revisions will be made. At this point, we will push to finalize the construction documents by responding to building official comments and the result will yield the completed documentation used for construction.
Category 2
Design Development • Construction Documentation
Design Development expands upon the approved schematic design, refining and cultivating creative solutions to the project specific goals and moving into greater architectural detail, materials, and building systems.
Category 2
Design Development expands upon the approved schematic design, refining and cultivating creative solutions to the project specific goals and moving into greater architectural detail, materials, and building systems. The goal is to refine the project’s size, aesthetics, major components, and details. It is important to continue to work closely together with you in the selection of finish materials, door and window systems, appliances, etc. as these items may inform building system components such as mechanical systems, electrical systems, and structural systems. During this phase we will begin to coordinate this information with a team of client contracted specialty consultants and engineers, until the project is developed into its final form and construction documentation can begin.
Construction Documentation is the process of creating a detailed set of drawings and notes that describe how the project is to be translated into built form. The detailed information will include all architectural elements as well as the information developed by the specialty consultants and engineers. This set of drawings will typically be used to bid the project, achieve the necessary building permit(s), and build the project. It has been our practice to create the most complete set of documents possible, typically going beyond what most designers and architects consider substantial, as we have found taking this additional effort reduces confusion and provides for a smoother construction process.
At approximately 80% – 90% completion, a permit set of documents will be generated for review by relevant building officials. Once the drawings have been reviewed by permitting officials, either they will be approved, or request for revisions will be made. At this point, we will push to finalize the construction documents by responding to building official comments and the result will yield the completed documentation used for construction.
Category 3
During the bidding and negotiation phase we will assist you in creating invitations to bid, instructions to bidders, and in evaluating and understanding the bids received. Our work will include the distribution of the construction documents and specifications completed in the previous phase of work. We will answer contractor questions and prepare any necessary addendum revisions to the original drawings or specifications as will be beneficial to the bid process. Once the bids are received, we create a detailed summary that analyzes the multiple bids in a simple matrix for ease of interpretation and comparison. This becomes an invaluable tool for the interview and negotiation process that follows in order to make the final general contractor selection.
Once the general contractor selection is made the Construction Contract Administration phase begins. This phase of work occurs during the physical construction of your project. It involves regular field visits as defined by your specific contract, the review of the contractor’s requests for information, requests for payment and change orders, and the creation of supplemental information for conditions that arise during the construction process. The goal is to ensure the design intent, expected budget, schedule, and the desired level of quality and craftsmanship is delivered throughout the construction process. Our team is your representation, advocate, and point of contact throughout construction.
Category 3
Bidding • Construction Contract Administration
During the bidding and negotiation phase we will assist you in creating invitations to bid, instructions to bidders, and in evaluating and understanding the bids received.
Category 3
During the bidding and negotiation phase we will assist you in creating invitations to bid, instructions to bidders, and in evaluating and understanding the bids received. Our work will include the distribution of the construction documents and specifications completed in the previous phase of work. We will answer contractor questions and prepare any necessary addendum revisions to the original drawings or specifications as will be beneficial to the bid process. Once the bids are received, we create a detailed summary that analyzes the multiple bids in a simple matrix for ease of interpretation and comparison. This becomes an invaluable tool for the interview and negotiation process that follows in order to make the final general contractor selection.
Once the general contractor selection is made the Construction Contract Administration phase begins. This phase of work occurs during the physical construction of your project. It involves regular field visits as defined by your specific contract, the review of the contractor’s requests for information, requests for payment and change orders, and the creation of supplemental information for conditions that arise during the construction process. The goal is to ensure the design intent, expected budget, schedule, and the desired level of quality and craftsmanship is delivered throughout the construction process. Our team is your representation, advocate, and point of contact throughout construction.