How Does It All Happen?
We use special software designed just for architecture, that allows you to see your project from any angle, inside or out. This is a tremendous tool that really gives you an advantage. Some people can look at a floor plan and visualize what that will look like in real life. Some people can't. And that's ok. We use this in both a technical manner, to pull information like dimensions from floor plans and elevations, and in an aesthetic manner, to look at 3D and perspective views to simply get a feel for a space. Want to know how far it is from this wall to that one? No problem. Want to see how much head room there is under your stairs to see if you can squeeze a closet under there? Or put a mechanical component? No problem. I can show you what any area of the house looks like to help you see what it will look like when finished.
For those of you with curious minds (or geeks like me), the software we predominantly use is Autodesk Revit. It's a BIM program that gives us a lot of freedom to do what we do and an excellent platform for conveying ideas both to clients and also transferring those ideas to construction documents so they can be properly shared with builders with the intention of keeping the design intent as pure as possible. Below you'll see a screenshot of a project in Revit.
For those of you with curious minds (or geeks like me), the software we predominantly use is Autodesk Revit. It's a BIM program that gives us a lot of freedom to do what we do and an excellent platform for conveying ideas both to clients and also transferring those ideas to construction documents so they can be properly shared with builders with the intention of keeping the design intent as pure as possible. Below you'll see a screenshot of a project in Revit.
Meetings and Communications
I work from home, and while I do have a home office where clients can come to meet with me, most of the conversation happens online. While it's often not necessary for us to meet in person, designing a home is a very intimate and involved experience. Creating a space where you live your life is deeply personal and I tend to become friends with most of my clients. For that reason, I do like to meet with you in person if possible! Usually, clients will come to my office for their initial consultation, and then we may not see each other in person for the remainder of the project. If you aren't able to come meet with me because you don't live in my area or because your schedule just doesn't allow, don't stress it. We can also do our initial consultation over the phone. In our initial meeting we'll discuss what you're wanting to do, what you need my help with, the different ways I can help you, and us getting to know each other a little bit. We might be doing our conversing over the phone or online, BUT we do work pretty closely together and sometimes I speak a "strange" language . . .we need to get along! Obviously, if you're doing an addition or a remodel, I need to come see the space, so if it's necessary for the project I will come to you. I do this for projects that are relatively local to me. I handle those outside my local area on a case by case basis. It is sometimes possible to obtain what I need through pictures and your measurements (or those of your builder). Not sure? Just ask.
So after that first meeting, I really normally send a lot of e-mails . . .and ideally you send me a lot back. See, it's the feedback I get from YOU that makes the house we design your home. I'm doing my best to tailor your spaces to you, so I want to know what you think. I'll send a lot of pictures of things like floor plans, elevations, and 3D views. I usually explain anything that needs explaining, and will ask you what you think . . .or I'll give you a few different options and see which you like the best. We work back and forth like this during the entire process. If you don't live too far away, you're welcome to come by my office for pit-stops along the way. It's really helpful to see the project in the computer and usually if we sit down at the computer with you right next to me, I can tackle a few issues quickly while I have instant feedback. If you don't live near me, or you just can't get over here, we can also simulate this experience by doing a video conference of sorts. I can share my computer screen with you (I send you a link to click) while we can talk on the phone. It's the next best thing to looking over my shoulder, and it can even be done while we're both in our jammies! (Seriously, have done this multiple times in pajamas.)
So as you can see, this is a process that takes a LOT of communication. However, I know you're busy (so am I!), so I do my best to make it easy on you. When I started this business I wanted to do most of my correspondence by e-mail because I didn't have an office space set up for clients to come to me. I had to go to them, so obviously, I didn't want to impose on them every time I needed to show them something. Well, I quickly discovered that most people prefer it that way! I don't know why I was so surprised, but people these days are B-U-S-Y. It's much more convenient on both ends to e-mail.
I do my best to find a flow of communication that works between the two of us, but the important thing is that we DO communicate! It does save a lot of time for us to communicate by e-mail, so you don't have to come by my office every couple of days. However, you do need to be able to dedicate the time to be able to review the information I send you and get back with me. It doesn't have to be immediate, and I understand that you need time to review and think things over. I usually have other things I can work on in the meantime. However, sometimes I reach a point where I absolutely need you to make a call on something and I can't move forward until I have that answer. I will always tell you when I reach that point on anything! Just keep in mind that when you get back with me in a timely manner, and you really go over everything I send you so you give me solid answers it helps the project to move forward more quickly AND it helps us to avoid changes later on. Late changes can take me a lot of time, and I usually have to charge extra if we have a lot of them. The best way to avoid this is simply to be thorough with what I send you and do your best to answer all of my questions. I say this so you can make a decision as to whether this is a good time to work with me or not. People often ask me how long it will take to complete their project. I can't ever say for sure, but I CAN say that a lot of it depends on how quickly and completely you get back with me. So if you're thinking about starting a project, but just don't have the time to dedicate to it . . .no worries, just wait for a time when you can give it the proper amount of attention, and when you're ready, give me a call. I'll be here.
So after that first meeting, I really normally send a lot of e-mails . . .and ideally you send me a lot back. See, it's the feedback I get from YOU that makes the house we design your home. I'm doing my best to tailor your spaces to you, so I want to know what you think. I'll send a lot of pictures of things like floor plans, elevations, and 3D views. I usually explain anything that needs explaining, and will ask you what you think . . .or I'll give you a few different options and see which you like the best. We work back and forth like this during the entire process. If you don't live too far away, you're welcome to come by my office for pit-stops along the way. It's really helpful to see the project in the computer and usually if we sit down at the computer with you right next to me, I can tackle a few issues quickly while I have instant feedback. If you don't live near me, or you just can't get over here, we can also simulate this experience by doing a video conference of sorts. I can share my computer screen with you (I send you a link to click) while we can talk on the phone. It's the next best thing to looking over my shoulder, and it can even be done while we're both in our jammies! (Seriously, have done this multiple times in pajamas.)
So as you can see, this is a process that takes a LOT of communication. However, I know you're busy (so am I!), so I do my best to make it easy on you. When I started this business I wanted to do most of my correspondence by e-mail because I didn't have an office space set up for clients to come to me. I had to go to them, so obviously, I didn't want to impose on them every time I needed to show them something. Well, I quickly discovered that most people prefer it that way! I don't know why I was so surprised, but people these days are B-U-S-Y. It's much more convenient on both ends to e-mail.
I do my best to find a flow of communication that works between the two of us, but the important thing is that we DO communicate! It does save a lot of time for us to communicate by e-mail, so you don't have to come by my office every couple of days. However, you do need to be able to dedicate the time to be able to review the information I send you and get back with me. It doesn't have to be immediate, and I understand that you need time to review and think things over. I usually have other things I can work on in the meantime. However, sometimes I reach a point where I absolutely need you to make a call on something and I can't move forward until I have that answer. I will always tell you when I reach that point on anything! Just keep in mind that when you get back with me in a timely manner, and you really go over everything I send you so you give me solid answers it helps the project to move forward more quickly AND it helps us to avoid changes later on. Late changes can take me a lot of time, and I usually have to charge extra if we have a lot of them. The best way to avoid this is simply to be thorough with what I send you and do your best to answer all of my questions. I say this so you can make a decision as to whether this is a good time to work with me or not. People often ask me how long it will take to complete their project. I can't ever say for sure, but I CAN say that a lot of it depends on how quickly and completely you get back with me. So if you're thinking about starting a project, but just don't have the time to dedicate to it . . .no worries, just wait for a time when you can give it the proper amount of attention, and when you're ready, give me a call. I'll be here.
A Combination
So you can see it's the combination of the technology as well as the communication heavy process we use that gives us that end product that is typically quite great. When we complete the process you'll have a design that should meet your needs and that you love as well as a set of construction documents that will have everything you need to get started building.