Step 1: Information Gathering

Before we design a new project, it is essential to know as much as possible about the existing house, the constraints that it will present, as well as considerations and requirements imposed by the city.

Step 2: Preliminary design & review

We collaborate with the client to create a preliminary design that responds to their needs and desires, but still considers the constraints imposed by the city, and general budgetary considerations. If a formal submission to the city Planning Department is required, it would occur during this part of the process. At this stage we strongly recommend the client allow us to gather preliminary budget numbers from contractors.

Step 3: Pre­engineering package

Now that we have a design that the client likes, and passes a basic budget reality check, we move on to producing the drawing components that an engineer will need to create the engineering calculations and markup.

Step 4: Drawing production

Once we have received an engineering markup, we can proceed with creating all the drawings that are needed to convey the design intent and engineering requirements to the City Building Department, and bidding contractors.

Step 5: Plan submittal

The completed plans are submitted to the city and go through the Plan Check process. This usually results in comments and questions from the city which need to be addressed by both us and the engineer. depending on project scope and the city backlog this step can take from 1 day to several weeks

Step 6: Final bids

Using the same plans submitted to the city, additional copies are distributed to the bidding contractors for final bids. We can combine step 5 & 6 to save time, but the bid may need to be updated if the city requires revisions.

Step 7: Building permit issued.

After signing an agreement with the client, the contractor obtains the Building Permit. This allows the project to commence from concepts and calculations toward physical reality.