Our Architectural Design Process
Phase 01: Design
1) Consultation: Getting to know you and your vision is the first step of the design process. During consultation, your Envision Design architect will sit down with you to discuss ideas, costs, and timelines. Your architect will then collect documents, take photos, take field measurements, and gather all other relevant information needed to begin work if you decide to go forward. Consultations are free of charge.
2) Initial Design: Once you and your Envision Design architect have thoroughly discussed the scope of your project and its requirements, your architect will develop various plan iterations for your review.
3) 3D Model/Photo-realistic Rendering: Once we have worked through the initial plans, we take your project to the next level with 3D modeling and rendering to further develop the design. Here we can explore items as detailed as which faucet works best with your bathroom vanity to larger items such as which stone or siding best represents the vision of your perfect home.
Phase 02: Construction Documents
4) Material & Fixture Selection: Once your design is finalized, your Envision Design architect will help you select actual materials, fixtures, and hardware that match the renderings provided in the design phase.
5) Construction Documents: After your materials are selected, your Envision Design architect will prepare a full set of construction documents. These documents supply the builder with every detail needed to estimate costs and determine timelines.
Phase 03: Permit and Bidding
6) Building Permit Acquisition: Envision Design will handle the entire permitting process for you. Your architect will submit all required documents to your local municipality and follow through until all permits are issued.
7) Bidding & Contractor Selection: While waiting for your building permits to be approved and issued, Envision Design will send your project out for bidding. This process entails sending your construction documents to several well-vetted, experienced builders or remodelers. Once we receive proposals from those providers, we will sit down with you to review each proposal to determine the best fit.
Phase 04: Construction Administration
8) Site Visits & Construction Monitoring: Envision Design will monitor the entire construction process to ensure your project is being built per the construction documents. We will make site visits throughout construction and keep you updated on any issues needing attention.
9) Contractor Questions: Contractors will inevitably have questions that arise throughout construction. Your Envision Design architect will field these questions for you and ensure no shortcuts are taken.
10) Technical Drawing & Document Review: Each supplier of materials and services will likely have technical drawings that need to be reviewed. Your Envision Design architect will review these documents for you, ensuring accuracy and compliance with the construction documents.