Architects and Land Planners
Value Through Experience & Quality
OSK DESIGN PARTNERS, PA
THE PROCESS
The architectural process allows the architect to transform your thoughts wishes and feelings into a tangible form that can be experienced by many people.
All aspects of your life may be considered. Do you enjoy waking to the morning sun? Do you entertain formally or informally? How do children, adults, or even the groceries flow through your home? During the time you spend in your home, does its organization work for you, or do you change your routines to fit its requirements?
The Architect identifies a program of spatial requirements for all family members and how they interact both privately and communally within your home. All aspects of daily life are considered. This process continues with the interior space and its relationship to the exterior of the building, as well as the extended environment beyond. How should your home relate to the neighborhood that surrounds it?
The basic services that are normally offered fall into five phases:
1. Schematic Design
After meeting with the owner, the Architect will study and analyze the project requirements, upon which the Architect will prepare preliminary designs.
2. Design Development
Once the conceptual design is agreed to, the Architect may prepare more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design.
3. Contract Documents
Once the final design is established and approved, the Architect will prepare detailed plans and specifications that describe the scope and quality of the work. The complexity of these drawings may vary considerably depending on the project, the client’s needs, and the method of contractor selection.
4. Bidding & Negotiation
The Architect can assist in obtaining competitive bids from contractors and providing detailed bid analysis so the final contractor selection can be made.
5. Construction Administration
The Architect may visit the site to review the progress, quality of work, and conformity to design intent. The Architect can coordinate with the owner and contractor during construction to assist in finish selections, approval of payments, etc.
SUMMARY
The role of the Architect is to guide you through the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, and other aspects of construction to assure you of a finished product that is functional, enjoyable, and addresses your aesthetic sensibilities.