1.0 Design Conceptualization
RTDCP is in the development of personalized designs for a wide variety of architectural styles, sizes and construction methods. The process may begin with merely spoken design criteria and objectives; or the Client may have already sketched a conceptual idea and assembled photographic design examples from magazines. Often times our Clients have ideas from how-to-do manuals that require significant modifications in design and construction methods.
Whatever the starting point, RTDCP will undergo conceptualization process through several stages; beginning with relatively simple drawings, then systematically developing the design and drawings until a comprehensive set of working drawings reflecting the Client's objectives is achieved. The standard procedure is as follows:
1.1 Preliminary Meeting
Schedule an initial consultation (complimentary).
Discuss design objectives: architectural style, desired features, required rooms and room-sizes, relationship of
spaces, site features/constraints, anticipated budget, etc.
Review Clients sketches, photographic examples, site plan, etc.
Discuss known key materials to be incorporated (interior and exterior)
Establish desired ceiling heights, discuss desired ceiling features.
Determine construction methodology, conventional vs. use of alternative building systems.
Establish a genral time-line/schedule.
1.2 Proposal
Based on the initial meeting, RTDCP will develop a proposal, acknowledging the objectives of the project,
outlining the scope of work to be performed, and establishing as service fee structure.
Upon acceptance of the proposal, an initial payment (normally 30% of the total project fee) is requested to
schedule and commence with the design process.
2.0 Design Development
RTDCP will develop an initial set of drawings called Preliminary Drawings. This is typically accomplished as collaboration between the Project Aechitect and the Draftsman assigned to the project.
The goal of the Preliminary Drawings is to develop the basic floor plan and key elevation(s) by creatively interpreting te design criteria and objectives. Typical Initial Preliminary Drawings will include a First Floor Plan, Second Floor Plan (if applicable), and Front Elevation in a simple format.
The Initial Preliminary Drawings are presented to the Client for review. A progress meeting is scheduled to resolve design issues, explore options, and to further clarify criteria and objectives.
The Preliminary Drawings are then developed further to incorporate the agreed-upon revisions. Typical Refined Preliminary Drawings will include Side and Rear Elevations.
3.0 Pricing Drawings
The goal of the Pricing Drawings stage is to establish a drawing set composed of plans and specifications that have an appropriate amount of information for a builder to generate cost information.
Depending on the complexity of the design, whether the project will be negotiated with a single builder or bid to several builders, and whether the objective is to obtain ball-park pricing vs. detailed pricing, the extensiveness of drawings, details and specification included in the Pricing Drawings will vary. This Client-objective will have been discussed during the initial Meeting and considered in the RTDCP's proposed service fee.
