Our Services
Hello and thank you for your interest in our office. If you are considering our services, we welcome you to read below for a better understanding of how we work. First and foremost, we are a local office. We have been practicing architecture in the high desert and Coachella valley for over 20 years. We respect our community, we understand the eco-system and we are a boots-on-the-ground resource for building your project.
As a standard offering, our office provides client support for every stage of the design and construction process. We design your home, we permit your home, and we ensure that your home is built according to plan. Our work is done in phases so that you are always aware of the project progress. Our billing is phased as well, so you only pay for what you get. If you are considering our services for a residential project in the low or high-desert area, you may read below for an outline of our services. If your project falls outside of these parameters, please contact our office directly.
The ‘pre-design’ phase of our service involves a free consultation, a project feasibility study, and a proposal for services, as follows.
Pre-Design Services
1. Free Consultation
We’re happy to discuss your project with you and answer any questions that you may have. We have been building projects in the high desert for over 20 years, and we’re happy to volunteer information based on our experience. If your project seems like a good fit, we will arrange a feasibility study for you.
2. Feasibility Study
Before you begin a project, it is critical to properly research the development standards for your property. Zoning requirements, property easements, utility access, and other items can affect how you move forward with your project. We research these items early in the process to guard against surprises down the road. Our pre-design phase includes a comprehensive feasibility study and master plan that helps define the project scope. With due diligence, we then draft a proposal for your project that is based on our research.
3. Proposal
After completing the feasibility study, we will provide a detailed proposal for services. This proposal will include an estimated project cost and timeline. It will also include our fee for design services. The ‘design services’ included in our proposal are performed in phases as outlined below. Each phase is designed to keep you involved and informed about your project.
With the ‘Pre-Design’ phase complete, we begin working with you to design your home. Our ‘Design Services’ are phased to ensure a clear and understandable path forward. Each phase refines the project and provides a benchmark understanding of scale, scope and cost. We do our best to provide a home that fits your vision and your budget. If for any reason to wish to pause the project, you may do so without financial commitment beyond the services rendered. Our Design Services include the following:
Design Services
1. Schematic Design
Based on the information gathered in our feasibility study, we begin the process of schematic design. This involves big-picture concepts, site planning, floor plan layouts, and building massing. We use 3d modeling to present our ideas in a way that is clear and understandable. We work with you until we find a design that works with your vision.
2. Design Development
In this phase we take the schematic design concept and refine it. We discuss material specifications, fixture types, and equipment details. At the end of the design development phase we have a drawing set with enough information to seek preliminary cost estimates from contractors. If costs are inline, we proceed to the construction documents phase.
3. Construction Documents
The project is now ready for final detailing. Information is added to the drawing set that will satisfy local building authorities and ensure building permit approval. Permit approval does not guarantee a successful project. We provide additional detailing that clarifies the design intent and assists the builder during construction of the home.
4. Permitting & Contracting
We help you navigate the permit approval process. We have experience working with local agencies to expedite the approval process and keep the project moving. We also work with you to gather final cost estimates and select a contractor that you are comfortable with.
5. Construction Administration
Our job does not stop after permitting. We work closely with the contractor to ensure that the home is built to the standards that were promised. We are a local office, and are able to be onsite as needed throughout the construction process.
6. Occupancy
Our job is finished when the home is finished. We’re there with you through the construction process and (hopefully) there with you at the house warming party.
We’re here to answer your questions.
Schedule a free consultation.