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Design, master planning, and project scope development
Architectural renderings, 3D model & visualization tools
Planning Department and Review Board Approvals
Variance, Conditional Use and Special Approvals
Consultant Coordination
Architectural Detailing
Construction Documents, Building Permit approvals
Bidding Coordination
Construction Administration
Special Consultations
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Design, master planning, & project scope development
We provide a broad range of high quality design services, targeted to fully realize the potentials and benefits of your project. Let us realize vision of your fine architectural masterpiece. Let us find a way to maximize the space and function of your remodel or addition. Let us examine the aesthetics of your addition so that it integrates with the existing structure as part of a new whole.
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Architectural renderings, 3D model & visualization tools
Our firm can provide a variety of visualization tools. We can create hand-drawn artistic color renderings. We can also create computer generated models of a building, from which photo-realistic perspectives and animated walk-through movies can be digitally generated. We can also combine parts of these elements and fuse them together with a photograph of the existing site or neighborhood context for a realistic design presentation. We have found all these presentation tools to be extremely useful for clients to visualize what a proposed design will look like, as well as for Planning Commission and Architectural Review Boards when considering approvals for projects.
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Planning Department & Review Board Approvals
The process varies from city to city, but most municipalities require some form of Planning Department review process. They can range from simple staff level approvals to formal public hearing processes. Our firm has experience working in almost every jurisdiction on the peninsula and south bay. As a result we have built up a good rapport and reputation with their staffs and a thorough understanding of their local ordinances and approval processes. We regularly make presentations at public hearings on behalf of our clients, and have been able to navigate projects through difficult approvals on numerous occasions.
Curious about planning and zoning requirements in your City? Click here for links to available websites for local building departments in the area.
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Variance, Conditional Use & Special Approvals
Some projects require pushing beyond the allowable requirements set by the planning codes in order to find success, due to hardships or unusual limitations of a property. In these cases we can present your project and argue on your behalf for approval to mitigate the hardships and realize the potential of the project.
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Consultant Coordination
There are a variety of other professions which are often necessary to turn a concept into reality. Landscape architecture, interior design, arbor science, and lighting design are a few of the design related fields. Structural engineering, civil engineering, geotechnical (soils) engineering, environmental & energy engineering, mechanical & electrical engineering, acoustical engineering, solar engineering, and hydronic engineering are some of the technical fields. Our role as architect is to coordinate the talents of these professionals and focus them on achieving the needs of the client and their projects.
Click here to see a list of consultants whom we work with frequently and can recommend for your project.
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Architectural Detailing
Some projects demand a higher level of quality, detail, and discrimination. For these instances, "standard" does not apply. Our talented staff has the ability to visualize and design fine architectural detailing, as it applies to trimwork, casing, and crown moldings, exterior cast or carved stone, floor finishes, cabinetry, custom wrought iron, and any other aspect of a fine home.
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Construction Documents, Building Permit approvals
The construction documents are a vital piece of the process. They are used both for building permit applications to the City, Town, or County, and also used as the “instructions” by which the contractors and subcontractors execute the design into reality. They are also the basis of the contract between the owner and the contractor. We take pride in our work, and strive hard to put together a clean, clear, and complete set of drawings to satisfy all these requirements. Contractors and building officials have frequently lauded praise about the quality of our plans, as concise and complete documents that help make the process as smooth as possible. We can tailor our plans to meet the needs of your project, from a minimal permit approval set to a highly detailed and descriptive set.
Curious about building permits in your City? Click here for links to available websites for local building departments in the area.
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Bidding Coordination
Our firm can also play a role in the bid process. Many times we mainly coordinate with contractors to facilitate accurate estimates and pricing. We can also assist with competitive bidding among a selection of general contractors. Many times a project can gain significant benefit from getting a contractor involved early in the design phase, to help forecast costs and explore cost savings. This can provide valuable early direction to the project scope before the process moves along too far in projects with constrained budgets.
Click here to see a list of local contractors whom we work with frequently and can recommend for your project.
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Construction Administration
The Architect's role does not end when construction begins. We are always available during construction to answer questions and coordinate details with the contractors in the field. Many times we take an active role during construction with field visits and observations to ensure that progress in the field reflects the intent of the plans. We find that regular involvement by the architect during construction can provide significant contributions toward ensuring your maximum satisfaction in the end product. Owners may want to make a change during construction. Unforeseen conditions may arise that require a different solution. The contractor can propose ways to simplify or change the approach to find cost savings or enhance the finished product. Regardless of the situation, we can be ready to review and observe conditions in the field, revise plans accordingly, and track the changes through the building department to help minimize delays and keep progress moving.
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Special Consultations
Sometimes we are asked to fill roles beyond the normal scope of the architect. We have provided services as architectural consultants, advising clients with our nearly 20 years of broad experience and knowledge. We have also been involved as expert witnesses in arbitration processes. We have also worked with realtors to advise prospective buyers on the potentials and limitations of a property from an architectural perspective. Whatever the scenario, we are available to act in non-traditional architectural roles if we can be of service.
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