Architectural Services are typically organized into Basic Services and Additional Services.  Basic Services are further sub-divided into the following categories, or "phases":

• Schematic Design: In most cases, a Client approaches an Architect with any number of ideas, wishes, or needs requiring organization and guidance to make real.  With the goal of generating a "big picture" for the project, I provide:
  
• In-person Site and Program Analysis and Feedback
  
• Sketches of Site and Building Solutions, including possible material selections and suggested floor- and/or space-plans, along with virtual models to discuss spatial concepts.
  
• Research and Advice on Zoning Ordinances, Development Standards, and Building Codes that pertain to the project site.
  
• Initial Cost Estimate derived from building area or volume, or another cost-per-unit basis, which is updated as the project evolves.

• Design Development: When the Client and the Architect have reached an agreement about the general nature of the building or space and its location in the world, it is time to refine that generalization into something more grounded in the physical world.  My Design Development services include:
• Drawing Evolution: A set of plans is developed that describe the project in greater detail.  Real world dimensions and regulatory requirements are applied to sharpen the design.  Structural, mechanical, and electrical systems are overlaid on the architectural design.
  
• Preliminary Specifications, to be refined in the next phase.
• Updated Cost Estimate
  

• Construction Documents: 
• Drawing Evolution: A package of thoroughly detailed working drawings and specifications is developed; this package contains the instructions needed to build the project in real terms.
• Coordination with Consultants' work.
• Updated Cost Estimate
• Preparation of materials needed for the Bidding / Negotiation Phase
• Securing of Government Approvals and Permit Processing
  

• Contract Bidding / Negotiation: Different processes apply to different projects.  I help my clients determine when a competitive bid is desirable over a negotiated contract.  In California, publicly owned or publicly funded projects are required by law to be competitively bid.
• Bid Advertisement / Requests for Bids
• Plans and Specifications made available to all bidders.
• Witness to Opening of Bids by Client; advice to Client with regard to qualifications of bidders and the relative accuracy of bids.
  

• Construction:  The Architect's work is not done when the permits are approved.  Many tasks remain to be handled during the construction phase of the project:

• Periodic Site Visits to observe progress of work and conformance to contract documents.
• Change Orders and Construction Change Directives issued as appropriate.
• Shop Drawings, Samples, and Schedules reviewed for conformance with contract documents.
• Review and Processing of Contractor's Requests for Payment; provided that the progress and quality of the work conform to the contract documents "to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief," Certificates of Payment are issued.
• Compile Contractor's Bonds, Guarantees, and other assurances and provide them to the Client.
• Site Inspections to establish Dates of Substantial Completion and Final Completion.  A project is considered Substantially Complete when it can be used by the Client for its intended purpose.
• Confirm with Client and Contractor that all bills are paid and all liens have been released, and that the Contractor's surety has authorized the disbursal of remaining funds prior to issuing the final certificate of payment.

I also offer the following Additional Services upon Client request.  These services are compensated separately from my Basic Services.

• Project Feasibility Studies
• Development of Architectural Program
• Master Planning
• As-Builts / Existing Conditions Drawings / Existing Facility Review and Commentary
  
• Rendering Services: 3-D models of your project using Google's SketchUp and Graphisoft's ArchiCAD 14 "Building Information Modeling" Software.
• LEED AP (New Construction): If you are looking for someone to come on board to help you get LEED certification for your new green building project, then I can help you.

 If you would like to discuss your project with me further, please Contact Me so that I can set up a meeting with you.

To better serve my clients, I make myself available evenings and weekends for meetings and / or phone calls.