Design is What We're Really All About
- We approach each assignment as an artistic as well as technical endeavor. We believe architecture is best expressed when it responds to the nature of the site, but first to the needs of the client and to the schedule and budget.
- We measure value for our clients with reasonable fees of course, but more importantly with efficient design solutions.
- We’re always interested in exploring and developing new materials and methods. We evaluate new products daily and keep in touch with manufacturers so we can be aware of what is available and of current pricing.
- Our staff and consultants are professionally educated, licensed, LEED-AP certified, and have the highest standards.
Client Interaction
Our most important job is LISTENING to our clients. Our clients are usually directly involved with us in the design of their projects. The client is the most important member of the design team.
Green Design
Soon all new buildings in California will be required to produce more energy than they use, that is, be “Net Zero Energy” or “NZE.” Energy efficient and environmentally sensitive design has been our specialty for over four decades. Being energy conscious and aware of life-cycle of products can be very cost effective; buildings that use resources well can be less expensive than those that don’t. Most of our buildings have used passive solar design as well as different types of active systems; some have been earth sheltered. We’re proficient with solar design, recycled materials, wind generators and other popular strategies, as well as some techniques we’ve developed ourselves over the years. We can also work with non-toxic materials for people with allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Design Build
We can offer design services for use with another contractor, or we can provide both design and construction (design-build). The advantage of design-build is that the client has a “one-stop shop” with one responsibility and better control of costs. Design-build can also be faster and produce a better coordinated result. We are comfortable using either method.
We can help with all phases of architecture:
Programming (problem definition)
Site analysis and selection
Site design, master planning, environmental planning and urban design
Building design, materials and systems selection
Drawings and specifications
3-D Building integrated modeling (BIM), computer aided drafting and design (CAD), animated fly-throughs, drone videos, renderings (artist’s conception drawings), physical models and mock-ups
Processing through government agencies; negotiating with boards and officials, communication with neighborhood citizen groups
Coordination of bidding, construction administration
Design-Build construction
Space planning; assistance with fixtures, artwork and furniture, color selection and coordination
Facility planning
Our work normally goes beyond what other architects do.
While we concentrate on design, we’re also a General Contractor and understand construction -- the logistics, how sub-contractors and their workers operate. We understand the tools, the equipment, the materials. While most other architects think only about the floor plan and the “skin” of the building, the superficial, the cartoon-like looks, we also understand and design “the bones” of the building, the thousands of parts that interact together to make it work. We make the decisions about these parts during our design process rather than passing any of these decisions on to unknown builders down the road. Our instructions to the contractors require them to contact us if they have ANY questions, and not to make “field decisions.”
Also, if it benefits our client, we might design beyond what the code requires. The codes are minimums, and are not always well thought out or well written.
An important part of our design process is strategic negotiation with the planning and building officials, the plan checkers, inspectors, fire marshals, and others to get the best for our clients. We never forget for whom we work.
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