First, get in touch and tell us about your project.

Typically we'll then inquire about the details of your project, quickly review the site via online imagery, and follow up with a phone call and an initial site visit, as needed. This is when we discuss your project goals, and observe possible site constraints, in order to understand the scope of design work needed.

Next, we will draft a proposal/contract for design work. This outlines our proposed scope and the estimated fees. In order to begin design work, we will need a signed agreement and a deposit/retainer.

Upon initiation of the project, the next step is usually to conduct a site inventory. This may include collecting all relevant documents from the client or other consultants, including maps, blueprints, plans, surveys, soil reports, aerial photos, etc. It also often includes another site visit in order to take notes, measurements and photos, elevations, and just get a better 'feel' for the place.

The preliminary design phase includes analysis of the site based on the inventory and design objectives, preparation of base maps, and development of conceptual drawings or initial sketches representing one or more possible design solutions. We like to meet with our clients after this phase to review the concepts and ensure we are on the same page going forward.

After review and refinement of preliminary designs, we move on to the final design phase, wherein scaled drawings are produced for implementation. Depending on the scale of the project, there may be up to several intermediate phases of design development before arriving at the final design. For many projects, however, only one final design phase is required. This typically results in a plan (or plans) and details, along with notes and written specifications as required. These are reviewed by the client and revised if needed, and then they may be submitted for permit review or installation bidding. Permit fees, review times, and revisions required, will depend on the nature of the project, the jurisdiction, and the individual reviewers involved.

Following final design and permit approval if required, we may include contract administration during the installation phase. This might include assistance with obtaining bids from contractors, responding to any questions that come up during bidding and construction (RFI's), reviewing product submittals, site visits on your behalf to verify whether the installation work has met completion targets and conforms with the design objectives, etc.