Process
A beautiful home is nuanced, intricate, personal.
as is the process that
helps make it so.
Our goal is to articulate your vision in a manner that prioritizes excellence and respects efficiency. When time and energy are conserved from the outset, our collective process is afforded the flexibility and momentum needed to ensure maximum creativity, refine the design to a high level of detail, and assure a comfortable, rewarding experience from concept through construction.
Specificity and clarity are key.
Programming/Pre-Design
Beginning with a questionnaire, we help you define the size, scope, budget, and character of the project, as well as our fees. We prepare an initial outline and description of the work and include an organized portfolio of images that help capture and define the essence of the project. This is a living portfolio and will continue to develop as the project progresses.
schematic design
We hold a series of meetings with you to review and discuss drawings and proposed design solutions, working together to arrive at a clearly defined concept, schedule, and construction budget. From there we prepare a sequence of schematic design drawings (site plan, elevation sketches, and character renderings) that illustrate the scale and relationship of program components. Selection of a builder by this phase is encouraged and can be facilitated by RSA.
design development
Our team works out a clear, coordinated description of all aspects of the design––drawings created at this point become the basis for construction documents to follow. Documentation deepens in specificity and detail and includes comprehensive site plans, elevations, and any necessary material and equipment selections. RSA helps engage a general contractor and coordinates materials for permit and architectural review.
construction documentation
We prepare all necessary drawings to appropriate scale as well as a complete specifications manual that outlines general requirements and standards for construction services, systems, equipment, and workmanship required to produce the work. Decisions on design details, materials, products, finishes, and the many fine points of bidding and construction documentation all serve to reinforce the design and begin the process of translating the design into reality.
bidding, negotiation & construction observation
Once construction is underway, we serve as our clients’ representative throughout the duration of the project to observe, assist, and coordinate services as needed to help maintain the integrity of the design and realize faithfully your special investment.