You're now taking the deep dive into our website to learn about OUR APPROACH.
There are so many layers to the list of available services, and the needs for each and every project are unique. If you have questions about your project or service needs, please reach out to us to set up a phone consultation.
1.
SITE STUDY
OBJECTIVE: DOCUMENT THE EXISTING SITE AND BUILDING FEATURES AND MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS THAT IMPACT SCHEMATIC DESIGN STUDIES
- First site analysis includes determining if any building code, ordinances, restrictions, or local covenants including the neighborhood may have jurisdiction over the property. Review National Wildlife Federation and Endangered Species NatureServe Heritage Program, FEMA floodplain and wetland restrictions, and any limitations or restrictions for construction on the property.
- It’s typical to collect/procure a current survey to understand the physical features, property setbacks, location of waterways, and topographical information. How much does an unexpected setback impact the budget if you only discover it after the equipment is on-site and the dust starts flying? Analysis and Study lay the foundation on which we will create your design, and a solid foundation is an absolute necessity in any successful project.
- Geotechnical evaluations and Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment may be appropriate and warranted to fully understand the existing conditions.
- Purpose: identify existing or potential Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), Controlled RECs (CRECs), and/or Historical RECs (HRECs) in connection with the Property. A REC, CREC, and HREC are defined under ASTM Standard E1527-13
- Sun Studies, siting and view evaluations, wind flow evaluations, and other key natural indicators.
- We meet (if relevant and appropriate) with city and county building and zoning officials, fire marshals, life safety experts, code experts, city and county ordinance experts, reviews with historical preservation, downtown development authority, midtown alliance, neighborhood protection units, planning boards, city councils, government agencies that may have jurisdiction over the construction permit, land disturbance permit, demolition permit, certificate of substantial completion, certificate of occupancy, or any other level of approval or acceptance that may be a requirement of the project.
- Investigate Tax Allocation Districts, Federal and Local Opportunity Zones, and review National Wildlife Federation and Endangered Species NatureServe Heritage Program, FEMA floodplain and wetland restrictions, etc. for any limitations and/or restrictions for construction on the property. A current survey must be provided by the client, to include all utilities, setbacks, waterways, and topographical information. If the client does not have a complete survey as described then CI will help the client make arrangements to have the property surveyed.
2.
FEASIBILITY STUDY & NEEDS ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVES: IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL BUILDABILITY OF THE PROJECT/PROPPOERTY MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR, IDENTIFY THE “BUILDABIILITY” OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT.
- Feasibility Study: CI will investigate and evaluate the existing property, any existing building(s), and the site conditions in the areas of potential construction to better understand the environment, the surrounding views, the exposure to sunlight and pathways of natural light, and the potential for a built environment on the site. Combined with the information collected from building, zoning, etc., CI will provide analysis of the feasibility for the potential changes to the property. CI will present all findings, related correspondence with building officials, and a summary in a written document delivered to (owner/client).
- Needs Analysis: Owner/client will consult CI to identify the list of most important needs, desires and preferences of the owner/client for the project. CI will review with the owner/client to discuss an overall design vision for the property, and to identify the goals and priorities for the project, and explore possible ways that architecture, interior design and construction may provide solutions.
3.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
OBJECTIVE: DEVELOP CREATIVE DESIGN SOLUTIONS AND EVALUATE THEM RELATIVE TO PRE-DESIGN PHASE PARAMETERS
OUTCOME: CLIENT APPROVAL OF PROJECT SCOPE, DESIGN, AND PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COSTS
Collaboration and exploration with the clients to open all of our minds to better understand the extent of what may be possible for the project. Begin preliminary design concept sketching and doodling to capture purpose, emphasis, and inspiration, create concept drawings to inform the creation of digital drawings and 3D digital modeling, BIM modeling. Conduct meetings to begin preliminary consultation with experts from landscape architecture, plumbing, mechanical, electrical structural, and civil engineering disciplines to coordinate our collective ideas and efforts. Consult with manufacturers and providers of systems and materials to be considered to obtain specifications, construction standards, and detailed information about the products. Consult with contractors from multidisciplinary backgrounds and various skill sets to develop our design intelligently to be as buildable as possible. Comprehensive, thoughtful, and thorough, our design process leaves no questions unasked, no stone left unturned, no possibility unexplored. Preliminary pricing documents are prepared to be shared with qualified pricing consultants for Once the design is complete and the integration of the collaborators has been coordinated, the design must be approved by the client.
- GENERATE DESIGN STUDIES AND REFINE PRELIMINARY CONCEPT(S).
- CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION.
- CONSULTANT/ENGINEER COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION.
- CREATE PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS.
- REVIEW CONTRACTOR’S FEEDBACK AND COST ESTIMATE(s).
- ANALYZE PROJECT SCOPE & BUDGET ALIGNMENT.
4.
PRELIMINARY INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTATION AND MODELING
Objective: design concept and digital 3D model to share for client approval for general aesthetics and design.
- Create color and material palette consultation and coordination.
- Preliminary selections of hardware, fixtures, furniture, architectural components and equipment.
- Space planning for arrangement of specific furniture and accessories.
- Create a basic 3D digital model for client approval and preliminary pricing consultations (big ballpark)
Designed Outcome: Client approval of project scope, preliminary designs, and preliminary ballpark construction pricing.
*Revisions: changes and redesigns during Schematic Design Development and Preliminary Interior Design Consultation are expected and will be acceptable for multiple minor revisions and some major revisions within reason. However, revisions that the client or their agents request exceeding a reasonable number of major revisions will constitute additional services and will be billed in addition to the fees of this agreement, and pricing for any major redesign(s) or for an excessive number of redesigns will be discussed and agreed upon by client and the design team prior to the beginning of the redesign process.
5.
RENDERED AND DETAILED 3D DIGITAL MODEL
Objective: develop digital 3D model for images and videos, including surroundings and occupant/user(s)
Based on the client approval of the preliminary designs, a photo realistic model of the project will be created, to include specifications for colors and finishes, materials and textures, fixtures and furniture, built-in casework, countertops, and details of specific architectural features beyond basic forms, specific material callouts, lighting, shadows, and landscaping.
- Photo realistic Images and renderings of the 3D model interiors and/or exteriors.
- Videos or animations of virtual walk-thru, fly-over, or tours of the interiors and/or exteriors.
*Revisions: changes and redesigns after approved Schematic Design Development and Preliminary Interior Design Consultation and during the final rendering requested by the client or their agents will incur additional fees based on the scope and impact of the changes.
Designed Outcome: Client approval of project details and the final design concept.
6.
PRESENTATION OF PREMILINARY DESIGN CONCEPT
Objective: prepare documentation, information, visuals and references as necessary for presentations for municipality, jurisdiction, variance applications, neighborhood unit, historic committee, development committee, board of investors, and/or public hearings.
Based on the clients’ approval of the Schematic Design Development Phase documents, CI will coordinate presentations to share Schematic Design Documents and 3D models with the city of [[ Villa Rica and the Mirror Lake HOA ]] for a preliminary design concept review. CI will review the feedback from [[ the city and HOA ]] with the clients and evaluate any impact on the scope, the design, the budget, and the schedule for the project.
Designed Outcome: Upon receiving the preliminary approval of [[ the city and the HOA ]], and upon receiving the clients’ written approval of the designs and specifications represented in the 3D model this step, CI will agree to provide the Construction Documents.
*At the conclusion of the Schematic Design Development, Preliminary Interior Design consultation, and upon the preliminary approval from municipality/authority, CI will review the terms of this agreement with the client to evaluate any changes to the expected scope of work, the services and deliverables requested by the clients, their agents, and [[ the city or the HOA ]]. CI reserves the right to revise this agreement, including fees, at any time if there are any changes to the scope of work, requested services and/or deliverables.
7.
Engineer Coordination
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural, Civil, Environmental, and Industrial (as necessary)
Objective: Organize the Collaboration and Coordination of the engineering disciplines relevant and necessary for the overall project completion and achieving performance objectives.
- Evaluation of project systems, which includes energy performance modeling.
- Evaluation of project design’s impact on Human Health for occupant/user(s).
- Evaluation of project construction and operations impact on Climate Health and the Natural World.
- Evaluation of project impact on local Ecosystems Health for the natural and built worlds.
- Evaluation of project impact on Social Health and Equity in a Circular Economy.
Designed Outcome: Eco-positive Design for Location, Building, People, Planet, and Profit.
8.
Construction Documents for Permit Application(s)
Objective: Prepare the details and drawings, with consultants as required, that describe the expected scope of work and standards of craftsmanship. Drawings will be refined to be used for permitting and construction.
- Site Plan and Details if necessary, Foundation Plans if necessary, Framing Plans as necessary.
- Floor Plans and necessary Details of Architectural Features and Major Components.
- Porch Roof Extension Plans + Roof Details for Soffits, Eaves, and Flashing as necessary.
- Exterior Elevations with General Exterior Finish Identification.
- Door + Window Schedules Identifying Sizes and Finish Identification.
- Detailed Interior elevations as needed to communicate design for contractor review: kitchen cabinet elevations, bathroom cabinet elevations, and laundry appliance and cabinet elevations.
- Lighting plans and specifications, including fixture schedule and detailed fixture placements.
- Specifications for HVAC, ERV, Make-up air, and interior air humidity control systems.
- Details for the installation of a vapor, moisture and air barrier wherever possible in the structure.
- Detailed diagrams and specifications necessary to clearly communicate the appropriate standards of structural integrity and craftsmanship held by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.
Designed Outcome: Client approval of drawings for submitting to approved contractor candidates for municipal permit application, and to use as reference and guide during construction.
9.
Interior Design Selections and Specifications
Objective: Prepare the details and specifications for Finishes, Fixtures, Furniture, Features, and Accessories.
- Identify selections and provide specifications for materials and installed accessories.
- Custom furniture design and customization of architectural features.
- Custom detailing of built-in casework, bespoke architectural features and/or installations.
- Sourcing and/or securing professional skilled crafts people for bespoke installations.
*Revisions: Once the project has progressed into the Construction Document phase, any changes to the architecture, layout or floor plan, structure or elevations, engineered systems, or the interior design that are requested by the client or their agents will incur additional fees based on the scope and impact of the changes. Any changes required upon permit submission as a direct result of a violation of a building code and/or zoning ordinance, and any changes required as a direct result of a violation of the covenants as they were written at the time of their preliminary approval will not incur additional fees, but will be the responsibility of CI to resolve if at all possible at no additional cost.
10.
Contractor Bid Document Package
Objective: Prepare the instructions, information, details and specifications for Contractor Bidding.
- Instructions for how contractors can review the complete set of bid documents and submit their bids.
- Detailed material selections and product specifications beyond generic material callouts.
- Sourcing and/or shopping for items to include the following: Paints, cladding, materials and other finishes for interior + exterior, all cabinetry, countertops, Light Fixtures, Plumbing Fixtures, Door + Windows, Cabinet Structure and Cabinet Hardware, Soft goods, including specialty upholstery + drapery treatments.
- Providing access to and an escort for tours of showrooms, warehouses and craftsmans’ workshops to identify the specific items, finishes, fixtures, furniture, equipment and electronics that will be used during the construction and completion of the renovation project.
- Detailed Trim Package including crown molding, window, door and accent trim, base trim and casework (built-in cabinetry, shelving, storage units).
- Low voltage electronics including entertainment, security systems and Automation systems.
Designed Outcome: Documents will be developed to provide information to contractors that will be necessary for them to submit detailed bids for the price of materials and overall construction costs.
11.
Facilitate Bidding and Negotiation of the Construction Contract
Objective: Facilitate Agreement(s) between Client and Contractor(s).
- Soliciting and coordinating bids and/or bidding from more than one contractor.
- Responding to Requests from Bidding Contractors and Creating revised addendum bid sets.
- Assisting with the selection and awarding of the project to a contractor.
- Negotiating terms of owner-builder construction contract.
*At the conclusion of the Bid Negotiations, CI will review the terms of this agreement with the client to evaluate any changes to the expected scope of work, the services and deliverables required by the clients, their agents, the contractors, the city, and the HOA. CI reserves the right to revise this agreement, including fees, at any time if there are any changes to the scope of work, requested services and/or deliverables.
12.
Procurement/ Purchasing and Installation Supervision
Objective: provide services for the procurement of various architectural and interior design components. This service will include additional meetings and consultations to review the design and achieve the following:
- Guided showroom visits for material, finishes, fixtures, and furniture selections.
- Furniture Specifications including specifications for custom upholstery, materials, finishes, applications, and installations.
- Rugs, Artwork, decor, and selected interior design accessories.
- Receiving deliveries of procured items and inspecting for approval.
- Supervising installation of procured fixtures, trims, cabinetry, countertops, hardware, etc.
- Supervising installation of procured fireplaces, tile, hardwoods, feature walls, feature ceilings, railings, flooring, ceiling features, etc.
- Supervising installation of procured soft goods (furniture, window treatments, wall coverings, etc.)
- Accessorizing and styling the finished interiors (storage solutions/accessories, decor, etc.)
At the client’s request, materials, finishes, fixtures, furniture, equipment, appliances, accessories, etc. can be purchased by Ci on behalf of the client. All items being purchased shall be approved by the client via email, signature or digital approval. Purchase orders will not be issued until the client has approved the items and provided the indicated deposit or payment.
*Purchase Price Mark-up:
All designer discounts received from vendors and installation contractors will be shared with the clients and pricing will be based on the actual cost of goods and services procured by CI. All materials, fixtures and furnishings to be purchased by Ci will receive a mark-up at a rate that will be agreed upon by CI and the client when each purchase agreement is initiated. The fees associated with Purchasing services are not included with the pricing in this agreement. Those payments will be required at the time of each purchase.
Designed Outcome: the outcome of bid facilitation, procurement, and purchasing is to verify that the design team can work with the construction team to collectively achieve a construction result and complete the installation of features that aligns with the goals, design concepts, and craftsmanship detailing that meets the standards of CI and the approval of the clients.
*Revisions: Once the project has progressed into Contractor Bidding, procurement and Purchasing, any changes to the architecture, layout or floor plan, structure or elevations, engineered systems, or interior design features requested by the client or their agents will incur additional fees based on the scope and impact of the changes. Any changes required by the city as a direct result of a violation of a building code and/or zoning ordinance within the Preliminary Design Concept Presentation will not incur additional fees, but will be the responsibility of CI to resolve if at all possible at no additional cost.
13.
Construction Administration, Evaluation, and Review
Objective: Administer the owner-contractor agreement with minimal changes to scope, price, or schedule. CI will visit and inspect the project and provide consultation and advocacy to the client during construction.
- Preconstruction Meeting(s) with Contractors: review project objectives and details before work begins.
- Manage requests, inspections and inquiries from code officials as necessary.
- Soliciting manufacturer installation specifications as necessary.
- Coordinating, reviewing, and approving shop drawings as necessary.
- Review and approve Change Order Proposals from contractors.
- Review and approve contractors’ applications for payment.
- Review and submit applications for substantial completion.
- Review and submit applications for certificate of occupancy.
- Scheduled site visits will coincide with the major milestones during the construction:
- If the project involves any exploratory demolition (required to determine feasibility of construction), a site visit will be scheduled in coordination with the expected scheduled time the demolition is performed to inspect, verify, and evaluate existing conditions to determine if any changes to the design or construction will be necessary to complete the proposed project.
- Once a permit is approved and construction is underway, a site visit will be planned after forms for concrete footings are in place but before concrete is poured to verify dimensions and conditions are compliant with the design intent.
- A site visit to inspect the structure and to evaluate changes to the existing structure will be planned after framing is complete, before replacement windows are installed.
- A site visit will be planned after plumbing and electrical rough-ins (first fit) is completed and before sheetrock is installed.
- A site visit will be planned after the wall and ceiling boards are installed to verify the dimensions for built-in casework, feature finishes, and fixtures.
- A series of site visits will be planned during the installation of built-in casework, countertops, lighting and plumbing fixtures, flooring, and specialized feature finishes to verify their installation aligns with the standards of CI for craftsmanship and fine detailing.
- A final site visit will be scheduled once punch-out walk-thru and final inspection.
In the interest of saving everyone’s valuable time and for the health and safety of all parties, all other communications will be conducted through email, by phone, and with Video Conferencing to minimize the need for travel.
14.
Verification of Building Performance and Testing the Efficiency of Installed Systems
Objective: provide scientific evidence to prove the actual performance of the building, its systems, other relevant project performance objectives, and evaluate the occupants’ reaction/enjoyment of the project.
- Building envelope testing for leakage in the air, vapor, moisture, and thermal barriers.
- Commissioning of HVAC, Water, and Electrical systems for verification of energy efficiency and overall building performance.
- Survey(s) and interviews with the people who the project is intended to have the greatest impact to verify the objectives and purpose of the project have been achieved.
- (when applicable) Evaluation of occupant use of the facility and their performance improvements.
The Verification of building performance allows the contractor to identify the areas of building envelope leakage and energy inefficiencies prior to the completion of the construction, and time to fix issues before occupancy.
15.
Applications for Building Certification(s)
- Applying for building certification from LEED certification(s), Earth Craft Certification, Net Zero certification, WELL Building Standard certification(s), Passive House Design certification, National Green Building Standards, and/or the Sustainable Green Building Code certificate of achievement.
The achievement of building certification(s) ensures the scientifically tested quality of the finished building and its performance. Certification provides a pathway to earn tax credits, rebates, and grants. Building certifications can help to ensure the financial return on the investment(s) with increased market value of the building.
Environmental and Sustainable Design aspects to be included wherever appropriate:
Objective: to identify opportunities to improve the existing house, and design the construction in a way to make efficient use of materials, to work within the environmental context to help make the home well-suited to its location, reduce the energy used to heat and cool the home, promote efficient water use, provide a healthier interior environment and indoor air quality. These steps are taken to create a more environmentally-positive home, and limit detrimental environmental impacts of the construction and operations.
- Providing meetings, conversations, research, and opportunities for collaboration and encouraging contributions and input from all disciplines during schematic design development.
- Implementing a waste management, erosion and sediment control plan for the construction period.
- Provide guidelines and protocols regarding proper storage and protections of construction materials.
- Water efficiency solutions including Energy Star appliances and WaterSense fixtures.
- Energy efficiency through material selection and construction methods, proper insulation.
- Enhanced acoustic considerations for controlling and limiting sound infiltration from neighboring sites.
Environmental design services to be investigated to determine if they may be applicable include:
- Local sourcing options for material selections and local options for labor and installations
- Sourcing building materials from manufacturers with sustainable practices (example: lumber from forestry stewardship council approved providers, etc.)
- Low-VOC emitting interior finishes and low carbon emitting exterior finishes and materials
- General landscape design where appropriate to coordinate with the house and the rainwater management.
- Outdoor adaptive and indigenous plants, watering solutions such as rainwater harvesting.
- Water metering and submetering, and gray-water system implementation
- Energy system metering and submetering to monitor energy uses and overall consumption
- Incorporating renewable energy sources (example: solar panels, etc.)
- Providing recommendations for energy efficient doors, and exterior cladding products.
- Integrating automated timers for lighting controls and systems to minimize energy use
- Implementing a demand response energy plan to accommodate and coordinate with demand schedule
- Implementing a waste control during construction and an ongoing waste management and recycling program for the occupants to continue using.
- Enhance indoor air quality strategies, enhanced sound control strategies, enhanced thermal comfort strategies, and enhanced moisture and humidity control strategies.
- Implementing solutions for life-cycle impact reduction for building materials and construction methods
- Applying for tax credits and other financial incentives for sustainable design initiatives
- Identifying potential carbon offsets and outreach programs with resources available for purchase