Method
There are five main phases from conception to completion.
The Vision
The majority of clients have an idea of what they want, but have trouble visualizing it – and many times, they don’t realize the vastness of possibilities. This is when it’s imperative to communicate your ideas with the designer. Designing and building a home, whether if be new construction or an addition – is such a giant endeavor that it should never be rushed. It’s a process that takes time, and begins with a client’s vision combined with developing a relationship with your designer. It’s the designers responsibility to translate that vision, and see it through until the end.
Site Study and Feasibility
Not all projects will require interior direction from a professional, but in some cases clients prefer to work with Interior Designers and Kitchen Designers to achieve a desired look. An interior specialist will guide the client through all the many options of finishes for each room. If an interior designer is desired, we would all work together as a team to achieve a seamless look that compliments the house design.
Design Development
This phase of the project puts all the pressure on me. After spending time with clients and really getting to understand them and their vision, it’s my task to develop the conceptual plans in coordination and harmony with the site. Aside from the commencement of construction, this is the truly fun part for the client. They get to see the spaces come to life and see the massing take shape in elevation. All of this achieved by creativity, understanding the site and being conscious of my client budget. The exciting part of this phase is that we have the ability to sculpt the dwelling as needed to achieve everything the client desires prior to breaking ground.
Construction Documents
This phase of your project will involve limited coordination between myself and my clients. Here, I will be tasked with taking the design and developing all the details needed to build house with accuracy. Out of all the phases, construction documents are the most involved aspect of the project for KMWD. Quite a bit will go into completing the set for permitting and the commencement of construction. Here, I will work closely with the selected contractor, finalize any site modifications and coordinate with a structural engineer to meet the clients desired time-frame for the project.
Construction Support
Although every phase is exciting, breaking ground might be the most rewarding time for all parties involved. It’s the result of many many hours of fine-tuning your design. It’s undescribable to see an initial concept taking shape on site. In my opinion, this is an absolutely critical time for your designer to be involved. Although, your contractor has a full set of detailed plans – it’s not always easy to transform a detail on paper into the built form.
