consulting
Alongside our design work, we offer consulting services on projects prioritizing interior health, lowering environmental impact, and increased resiliency of building assemblies. We offer a 20-minute consultation call and are available to consult on an hourly basis for:
healthy materials
Sourcing quality local materials and craftspeople.
Building material and finish specifications.
Non-toxic product installation methods.
EMR mitigation design strategies.
assembly & enclosure
Passive thermal and moisture regulating design strategies.
Air-tight and vapor-open construction strategies.
Natural building and healthy material detailing.
Foam-free construction design and detailing.
Renovating with non-toxic materials.
Alternative building materials.
home walkthroughs
On-site meetings with potential buyers and realtors.
Discuss the feasibility of renovations or additions.
Discuss alternatives to expensive additions.
Review code and permitting questions.
Identify areas of failure or concern.
Review of existing conditions.
semi-custom
Our semi-custom design services are appropriate for small and simple projects that want to prioritize interior health and resilient construction within a limited project budget. This program is our a/ADU (a-over-ADU); a framework to provide the same healthy, conscious, and durable design we value at a/A architecture at a reduced rate for clients building simple project types. These include accessory dwelling units (ADUs), detached studios, in-law suits, small homes, and auxiliary buildings. To do this, we have developed a series of prescribed healthy and high-performance details for common building conditions we can use interchangeably within a defined set of architectural conditions. This semi-custom approach allows us to simplify the design process by incorporating the a/ADU details into a design specific to your site, values, and circumstances, without degrading the quality of construction. Unlike our full custom design services, the a/ADU design package is offered at a fixed fee based on your project’s size, complexity, and scope.
how it works
We start with an introductory meeting to see how well your project fits within the a/ADU framework. This means:
A design worked around standard building conditions, omitting complex, costly, and difficult-to-detail conditions such as cantilevers, basements, or complex roof shapes.
A building enclosure that surpasses the minimum code standards laid out by the International Building Code.
Next, we create a fixed-fee proposal for the design and construction drawings. This includes:
Preliminary Design; site documentation & research, code & zoning analysis, defining project scope, and project budgeting.
Schematic Design; design meetings, concept design, space planning, concept sketches, and schematic drawings.
Construction Documents; project scheduling, site plan, building plans, exterior elevations, main building section, and details necessary for permitting and construction within the a/ADU framework.
Additional drawings can be added a-la-carte including interior elevations, perspectives, photo-realistic renderings, video renderings, sun studies, and additional detailing.
Deviations from the a/ADU framework require additional detailing and design work and are considered add services billed through our hourly fee structure.
Then, a/A will begin our design process by analyzing the site and project conditions. Our design will utilize the details within the a/ADU framework to avoid the time-consuming process of drawing custom details. The a/ADU model is less about lowering total project costs and more about raising the standard for building within the same cost. Your space will be uniquely designed to fit your needs and an enclosure system that is healthy, conscious, and durable.
custom design
Our full custom design services are appropriate for high-performance and more complex project types. We work directly with our clients from concept through occupancy on project types including new home construction, renovations, additions, kitchen remodels, interior design, and exterior hardscape design. Our process emphasizes intentional design coupled with pre-construction services working closely with your general contractor and structural engineer to understand the project’s constraints and coordinate the design language with building systems, building code, and durable building techniques. We are versed at tackling complex and innovative project types that want to prioritize healthy materials, conscious practices, and durable construction. Our design process is divided into five phases:
project phase breakdown
PD - Preliminary Design - 10%
SD - Schematic Design - 20%
DD - Design Development - 20%
CD - Construction Documents - 40%
CA - Construction Administration - 10%
preliminary design (PD)
Client concept meeting.
Site visit & documenting existing conditions.
Coordinate a site survey.
Review project core goals.
Preliminary code & zoning research.
Assemble your project team.
Establish the project budget & schedule.
Review case studies, inspiration images & mood boards.
Preliminary design meetings with your Core Project Team.
Produce existing drawings & determine project scope.
schematic design (SD)
Concept sketches & massing diagrams.
Site plan with input from survey.
Proposed floor plans, elevations & sections.
Review of sustainable & healthy design strategies.
Preliminary consultation meeting with structural engineer.
Determine primary building systems.
Physical architectural model, upon request.
Produce window, door, room & finish schedules.
Determine general finish, quality & material palette.
Perspective renderings & 3D model walk-through, upon request.
Produce schematic design critique set.
design development (DD)
Updated project budget from builder estimate.
Revised drawings and schedules to reflect design changes.
Interior elevations, interior & exterior perspectives.
Life safety details needed for permit, including stairs, fire & egress.
Produce building systems plans.
Review material selections & samples.
Final window & door selections.
Confirm major structural decisions.
Supplemental renderings, models & sun studies, upon request
Produce pricing drawing set for a preliminary estimate.
construction documents (CD)
Updated project budget & schedule.
Refine remaining interior & exterior details.
Building systems integrated into design.
Final floorplans, elevations, sections & interior elevations.
Final finish, quality & material selections.
Final appliance, lighting & product selections.
Final mechanical equipment selections.
Full drawing review with Core Project Team.
Revised perspectives and images, upon request
Produce construction document set for construction.
construction administration (CA)
On-site meetings weekly during critical stages.
Review of all shop drawings, metalwork & cabinetry.
Assisting contractor with drawing questions or discrepancies.
Review of work on-site to confirm it meets design intent.
Revisions or supplemental drawings, as needed.
Final punch list and project review.
Manage the defects liability period.
See project through completion.
