JML Architects | Schematic Design/Design Development/Construction D...

http://www.jmlarch.com/sch-des-con.htm

The design process truly begins after the architectural program and construction budget have been established. JML Architects sees design as a linear progression of steps in which each step elaborates upon previous decisions. The resulting continuity benefits and coordinates both client and architect. At each phase, we work with the Construction Manager and the client's representative to review and refine cost estimates. This enables us to ensure that the quality of the building and all of its elements are in line with the construction budget.

Design begins with the Schematic Design phasedefined by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as "the phase of the architect's services in which the architect consults with the owner to ascertain the requirements of the project and prepares schematic design studies consisting of drawings and other documents illustrating the scale and relationships of the project components for approval by the owner." Schematic Design's primary objective is to develop a feasible conceptual design of the project through creating and evaluating a series of general schemes that take into account the established program and budget. The architect may work with the client to clarify or modify program as necessary and update construction-cost estimates to ensure that the project remains within the previously determined budget. 3-D visualization software, such as SketchUp, provides vivid digital models in correct perspective. These models greatly help both architect and client to investigate schematic designs. 3-D modeling allows all participants, even those who may be mystified by traditional 2-D plan-section-elevation drawings, to fully comprehend and evaluate the scope of the project from its earliest stages.

Next comes Design Development"the phase of the architect's services in which the architect prepares the design development documents, from the approved schematic design studies, for submission to the owner for the owner's approval." In this phase, we elaborate and refine the design concept so as to define and resolve all important aspects of the project. We refine the drawings begun in Schematic

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JML Architects | Schematic Design/Design Development/Construction D...

http://www.jmlarch.com/sch-des-con.htm

Design into more detailed and elaborate documents, and begin to finalize building materials. We do everything possible in Design Development to ensure that all design decisions have been made and coordination issues resolved by the end of the phase. Unfortunately, many design firms anxious to move into the Construction Documents phase often "gloss over" Design Development. This approach does not satisfy us. We prefer to allow enough Design Development time for the project to fully mature, which guarantees superior results. The luxury of Autodesk's Architectural Desktop software truly enables us to continue the design process through the development of a complete 3-D model of the proposed design.

In the Construction Documents phase, the architect further refines the drawings from Design Development into construction documentsthose "drawings and specifications that set forth, in detail, requirements for the construction of the project." While this phase centers around graphic representation of all building materials and elements in a format useful to contractors, we also use it to further integrate "buildability" into the many details which must be determined and documented. Feedback from the Construction Manager and material suppliers can minimize construction time and cost without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics. Near this phase's conclusion, the architect assists the client in preparing bidding documents.

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