WORKING WITH US |
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Projects going over time and over budget is the #1 problem. Our structured approach will help minimize that risk. As your trusted partner, we guide and assist you throughout the entire design and building process, from bringing the first ideas on paper to the completion of your new home.
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Embarking on a building project is a daunting endeavor and requires thorough preparation. While most architects start with having you sign a large design contract, we developed some tools to help you go through the pre-contract phase before you even consider hiring a designer.
" IF I HAD SIX HOURS TO CHOP DOWN A TREE, I’D SPEND THE FIRST 4 SHARPENING THE AXE " - Abraham Lincoln - |
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PRE-CONTRACT
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01 // RESEARCH & PREPARATION
A good working relationship with your architect is based on open, honest communication. This starts with a good brief that helps the architect understand your expectations, preferences, wants, needs, aspirations and lifestyle. We created a guide to help you cover the critical aspects of a design brief. You can download your copy in our toolbox. We see too many people move projects into the design phase without the proper research completed. This is like a doctor starting surgery without a thorough diagnosis or trying to build a house on a bad foundation. That is why we created the 'Project Panning Pack', a guide helping you tick the right boxes and establish a comprehensive project brief. 02 // FEASIBILITY CHECK
The ‘Feasibility Check’ is probably the most valuable investment you will make to guarantee the success of your project. The lack of sufficient upfront planning is the number one reason projects don't finish on time and on budget. Our process will allow you to fully understand the requirements, constraints, and potential roadblocks for your project and will minimize your risk of faulty design decisions by laying the proper groundwork up front. 
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DESIGN CONTRACT
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03 // DESIGN
Once the projects goals and a realistic budget are established the fun begins and your vision starts to take shape. In most cases this is a 3 part process. SCHEMATIC DESIGN // We confirm and refine the project brief and review applicable codes and requirements of the authorities. Based on what we learned we start to develop a series of concept ideas and prepare schematic design documents. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT // During this phase we finalize spatial layouts, materials for construction and incorporate the work of any specialist consultants, such as structural and mechanical engineers and prepare design development documents to start the entitlement process. To assure we stay within the established budget we typically engage a suitable general contractor to provide cost estimates at set intervals and make recommendations for potential cost savings. ENTITLEMENTS // This is where the property owner and their trusted architect work for approval from the county or city. Depending on scope this may be done over the counter or requires a formal submittal. We will take you through the process step by step. |
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04 // DOCUMENT
Once we have arrived at a solution meeting the objectives we start resolving the technical aspects of the project and produce detailed construction documents for all building components. Obtaining these documents can be time consuming, but they are crucial to keep cost under control and for a smooth transition into the building process. This is where the property owner can sit back, relax, and let Studio Graf together with the specialty consultants do their magic! Once all documents are sufficiently completed we obtain the building permits. Unfortunately it is not often the case plans are approved in the first go around. Plans can be reviewed many times before a permit is issued. Patience is key, but we take care of this for you. |
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05 // BID
To obtain final pricing information and select a builder we send the construction documents to selected contractors and respond to their requests for information. This process helps to reduce changes and unexpected cost during construction and results in a better project. Once all bids are submitted we advise you on selection and implications of alternatives as applicable. |
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06 // BUILD
This may be the most rewarding stage of the process, you get to see your dream home become reality! Our team stays actively engaged to monitor construction progress and to ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the contract documents. We attend regular site meetings and review and approve contractor submittals, shop drawings and change orders. At the end of construction we review every aspect of the project together with you and the builder and manage the process to a successful completion of all work. |