T H E F U N S T U F F
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The Schematic Design phase's focus is to generate ideas, explore possibilities, and find solutions not previously imagined. |
T H E P R O C E S S
Design. Review. Repeat.
It’s not a linear process - there are starts and stops, dead ends and discoveries that lead to new considerations. It’s iterative, repetitive and, at times, a bit messy.
We describe the process this way - we do the work, we talk about the work. Repeat.
Handiwork
We work by hand. We sketch, re-draw, and re-draw again, layering one option on top of another, quickly adjusting as we go. It's a fast, loose, and open-ended design method, whose ultimate goal is to discover and establish a singular design direction.
> ARTICLE: What to Consider When Selecting a Designer
Ironically, a successful design process includes a lot of discarded ideas. Many of the early options don't work. It's reminiscent of the days when you dropped off a roll of film to be developed. Of the 36 images, maybe two or three were worth keeping.
We describe the process this way - we do the work, we talk about the work. Repeat.
Handiwork
We work by hand. We sketch, re-draw, and re-draw again, layering one option on top of another, quickly adjusting as we go. It's a fast, loose, and open-ended design method, whose ultimate goal is to discover and establish a singular design direction.
> ARTICLE: What to Consider When Selecting a Designer
Ironically, a successful design process includes a lot of discarded ideas. Many of the early options don't work. It's reminiscent of the days when you dropped off a roll of film to be developed. Of the 36 images, maybe two or three were worth keeping.
FAIL FAST It's the nature and essence of the residential design process. Sketching allows us to "fail fast" and move on to better options quickly and hopefully find some gems along the way.
A Note on Computers
Although the computer and CAD software are critical tools in the design process, we use them primarily to document what is already known. For us, drawing by hand is faster and more fluid. It allows for multiple ideas to be considered, developed, or discarded quickly.
The computer records the results.
Although the computer and CAD software are critical tools in the design process, we use them primarily to document what is already known. For us, drawing by hand is faster and more fluid. It allows for multiple ideas to be considered, developed, or discarded quickly.
The computer records the results.
P R E L I M I N A R Y P R I C I N G
Price Check
Surprises can be fun, but not in the design process - especially surprises in cost.
Over the last few years, there has been a lot of pricing volatility, in both materials and labor. That's why we obtain preliminary pricing input from a local, licensed builder at the end of Schematic Design.
Securing preliminary pricing in Schematic Design is the ideal time to verify whether or not the design direction is aligned with the project budget.
Over the last few years, there has been a lot of pricing volatility, in both materials and labor. That's why we obtain preliminary pricing input from a local, licensed builder at the end of Schematic Design.
Securing preliminary pricing in Schematic Design is the ideal time to verify whether or not the design direction is aligned with the project budget.
GREEN LIGHT Before we move on to the next phase in the design process, we submit the drawings to a licensed local builder. They are the pricing experts and their early pricing input is critical to long-term success of your project. We won't move forward until you are comfortable with preliminary pricing and give us the green light.
Pricing at this juncture is not a final or formal bid; rather, it's a preliminary price check. It's a test whether design direction is aligned with the project budget to determine if adjustments need to be made to design, project scope, or budget.
If required, adjustments to design direction are more easily accomplished during Schematic Design, rather that later during the bid process.
If required, adjustments to design direction are more easily accomplished during Schematic Design, rather that later during the bid process.
Next Phase: Design Development
