Our Process
Our team of architects and interior designers work collaboratively using their combined skills and talents to take the project from conceptual design to completion. Our process begins with an in-depth consultation with the client to become familiar with the general goals for the project, such as space requirements, lifestyle needs, aesthetic vision, budget parameters, and schedule. Based on the initial consultation, a proposal for architectural services describing general scope of architectural services and related fees can be prepared, for the client’s consideration to engage CGA Studio for the project.
The project begins with an introduction to the client of the team of experienced architects and interior designers who will provide ideas and drawings for the project as it evolves from the big picture to smaller detail. The project will be broken into three phases: Design Phase, Construction Documents Phase, and Construction Phase, which are summarized below:
Phase 1 - Design Development
Preparation of Existing Conditions - To begin the project, our team will meet at the site to collect data regarding the existing conditions of the property affected by the proposed
work. Measurements and photographs of the existing structure will be taken to develop drawings of existing conditions. The property survey, provided by the client, will be used
to prepare a zoning analysis to identify local zoning restrictions related to the project.
Preparation of Design Schemes - The Project Team will formulate ideas in response to the goals, design criteria, and budget for the project, and prepare alternative design schemes.
A series of bi-weekly meetings will be conducted to review these drawings with the client and to make decisions on the best design approach to achieve the goals for the project.
At each meeting, we will present a further development of the design drawings, showing the client an evolution of the project from simple design concepts and schemes to detailed floor plans and elevations.
Design Development - Reflecting ideas and decisions made at Owner/Architect meetings, the Design Drawings will be developed to describe all design aspects of the project,
including floor plans, furniture layouts, lighting layouts, kitchen and bath layouts, interior and exterior elevations, color and material schemes, and 3D visualization of the project.
Final Design - Drawings will be submitted for the client’s review and approval prior to proceeding with the Construction Documents Phase.
Phase 2 - Construction Documents
Preparation of Construction Documents -Based on approved Design Drawings, Construction Documents will be prepared, consisting of drawings and specifications describing in detail requirements for construction. The Project Team will meet with the client to review options materials, such as siding, roofing, windows, doors, interior finishes, etc., as needed to prepare lists of materials and written specifications. Meetings will be held to review these documents, and to obtain the client’s approval of the final set of Construction Documents to be used for obtaining contractor’s bids and the building permit.
Approval Process - We will prepare letters, applications, and drawings, required by the local municipality to obtain necessary approvals for the project, including submissions and presentations required for approval by the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeal, Architectural Review Board, and Landmark Historical Review Board.
Interior Design Services - In keeping with CGA’s philosophy to provide a complete and harmonious project that integrates architectural and interior design, interior design services related to design of built-ins and selection of cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, recessed and indirect light fixtures, are included in basic architectural services. Interior design services to source and select decorative light fixtures, hardware, tile, countertops, paint type and colors, wallpaper, window treatments, and furniture, can also be provided as an additional service.
Energy Modeling Services - For projects targeted for LEED, Passive House, and/or Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) certification, energy modeling using WUFI software, will be provided.
Phase 3 - Construction
Bidding Process - Construction Documents will be prepared and distributed by the Architect, in consultation with the Owners, to obtain construction bid prices. The Architect will provide a comparative analysis of the bids, and assist the client the Owners with selection of the contractor and award of the Contract for Construction.
Consultation During Construction -To ensure that the design is executed as intended, we work closely with the contractors and architects on the project to ensure they have all the information necessary to begin construction. Site meetings will be conducted with the Owners / Contractor/ Architect on the construction site on a bi-weekly basis. Based on site observations at these visits, the Architect will determine if work is in accordance with the Construction Documents, and will inform and advise the client about the progress and quality of the work.
Project Close-Out -At time of substantial completion, which is when newly built or renovated spaces can be occupied, punch lists of incomplete items will be prepared by the design team for review with the client and contractor. The Project Architect will conduct a walk- through of the construction site to verify satisfaction of punch list items and final completion of the project.
