OUR PROCESS

At the beginning of a project the Lead Architect meets with the Client Representatives to confirm the needs and establish a Design Brief or Functional Building Program that summarizes all the requirements of the project in a clear and concise manner and provides a document to refer to throughout the project. If required, we often recommend that sub-committees be created and attend an “ideas session” so we can hear the needs expressed directly from the core facility users. Once the Design Brief is approved, we proceed with several Schematic Design meetings with the Client. This involves specific discussions surrounding the needs, translation of the needs into a functional plan, and further discussion of how the design will meet the needs, goals and objective of the client. Several design iterations may be required to reach a concept that meets all of the needs. Our office uses REVIT software which is a 3D modelling tool that allows us to develop the design in three dimensions and then review the design with the Client and representatives - also in three dimensions. This communication method enables a clear portrayal of the design at each step and minimizes surprises once the building is finally complete. In terms of deliverables, a series of drawings including site plan, floor plans, elevations and 3D model images are provided to clearly communicate the design. These submittals will form the basis of approval. Should a presentation be required at any point, we would prepare a presentation and deliver it at a time suitable to all and would include a Question & Answer Session.

Once the design has been approved, D+H Architects will begin to work with the sub-consultants required at an initial meeting with the Client to discuss structural, mechanical, and electrical system options. The sub-consultants will also present ideas suitable to the Client’s needs and complimentary to the systems of the building design. The intent is to enable the Client to clearly describe how they wish to operate the facility after the project is complete. There will be opportunities for the Client to review literature on various structural, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and lighting products and make comments on their preferences.

Once the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems have been chosen, D+H Architects will begin to develop the drawings and specifications for permit, tender and construction. There will be several milestones where the Lead Architect will review the documents for quality control. At these same milestones we will provide a copy of the documents for Client review. Adjustments to the documents can be made to minimize the impact on the overall project. At key points, our office meets with the Client to review the state of the drawings and specifications to ensure all parties involved remain current.

It has been our experience that clients have their own unique internal process for review and approval of architectural work. Typically, our office issues drawings, budgets, and other submittals 2-3 days prior to meetings for individual Client review. This enables time for adequate review and consideration of the proposed work and preparation of questions which results in efficient and effective meetings. Where items are submitted for approval, our office would recommend a one-week timeframe to respond, considering the scheduled proposed. We will regularly communicate with the Client regarding approval time and adjust expectations as required.

Strategic expansion planning with a well-developed road map for growth Understand customer’s current conditions and provide a strategy for expansion. Develop an intentional plan for facility growth on existing or new property. Sub-divide overall expansion into phases to suit financial capabilities. Thinking and planning for the future is imperative. Decisions about the building today can be impacted by what will happen in the future. Furthermore, as a user group grows, for instance in the case of a church, the base for financial support grows as well. Hence, master planning a facility and breaking it into manageable phases often causes a project to be financially viable in the long term. Typical Deliverables: Conceptual Site Plan and Floor Plans showing expansion capabilities. Preliminary budgets. Phasing strategy as required.