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Our methods of working can be broken down into a simple
four step process;
The Initial Consultation
When considering retaining the services of Gary Irwin, Architect/Planner,
an Initial Consultation is scheduled. This consultation is offered
at no charge and in no way obligates the potential client to retain
services. The meeting usually takes about two hours and is held
at the Client's residence. Consultation are scheduled on weekday
evenings or weekends so that all necessary family members may be
present. The following is accomplished as part of the Initial Consultation:
1. An outline of spaces to be added, altered, or eliminated
is developed.
2. The possible need for any Variances is discussed.
3. An estimated price range for the project is established.
4. An estimated Project Schedule is determined.
5. The most significant task to be accomplished during
the Initial Consultation is the general discussion. There are
no specific set of questions asked. At length discussions help
to learn about the compromises that are made in the Clients Day-to-Day
activities. The goal is to reduce or eliminate these compromises
by making modifications to the existing residence within the requested
budget. Discussions continue until enough information is obtained
to develop a comprehensive proposal, if request by the potential
Client.
6. The General discussions may take between one and three
hours. They are very casual and one goal is to begin to develop
a relationship. The process of modifying your home can be a stressful
one, and can, at times, test the strength of your relationship.
It is of the utmost importance that we develop a comfortable trustworthy
relationship so that we can work together and both understand
what the final goal is.
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The Proposal
A Proposal is developed that is customized to the Project. It
is broken down into the following:
1. A Cover Letter identifying the Proposed Fee.
2. The Professional Services Proposal which includes:
- The parties involved in the Contract.
- A detailed summary of the proposed work
- A preliminary cost analysis based on current average costs
per square foot.
- Preliminary square foot calculations for new and/or renovated
construction.
- A Client comments page for proposed contract amendments.
3. The Contracted Scope of Services identifying the Project
Phases:
- Project Start-Up - Survey the residence and prepare existing
condition drawings, and make preliminary determinations on Variance
requirements.
- Initial Design and Variance Analysis - Develop Conceptual
Floor Plans and Elevations and confirm whether Variances are
required
- Design Development - Revise the Conceptual Floor Plans and
Elevations until the Client approval is obtained. Finalize any
Variance documents.
- Alternate and/or Additional Designs - Start new Designs if
the Client changes the scope of work significantly from what
was initially established.
- Design Approval - Final approval of the Design from the Client.
Construction Documents will begin after Final Approval is obtained.
- Variance Applications, if applicable - Meetings with and submittal
of the Variance package to the Clients Attorney for submission
to the Board.
- Products Selections - Review of construction products to be
used including Windows, Siding, and Roofing. Performance criteria
is established on the balance of the products. Additional services
are available for Detailed Products Selection. Any number of
additional products can be specifically selected and called
out on the documents. This service is billed at the Architects
appropriate hourly rate.
- Construction Documents - Final Documents are developed with
all of the details and specifications required to built the
project.
- Construction Observation - The Client can choose to have the
Architect visit the site and observe and comments on construction.
The Client and/or the Contractor may contact the Architect at
any time to clarify information on the drawings or to address
an unanticipated condition during construction.
10. Proposal Expiration Date and Proposed Project Schedule
Expiration Date
11. Contract Execution Rules, Project Schedule, and Payment
Schedule.
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Task List
A Task List is developed which itemizes the proposed services so
that the Client can have an understanding of what is included in
each phase, as well as what will be included in the final Construction
Documents package. This task list has the following categories:
1. Project Start-Up
2. Existing Conditions Drawings
3. Design Development Drawings
4. Construction Documents (Plans and Elevations)
5. Construction Details
6. Structural Details and Calculations
7. Specifications, Schedules and Legends
8. Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing and Fire Protection
Diagram Drawings
9. Final Review and Revisions
10. Variance Application and Presentations
11. Detailed Product Selection
12. Custom Construction Details
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Fee Schedule
The Fee Schedule identifies all of the services offers and the
current costs for such services. It is broken into the following
categories:
1 Corporate Work
- Public Sector Clients
- Private Sector Clients
2. Private Work
- Residential Single Family Homes
- Residential Multi-Family Projects
- Commercial or Industrial Owner Occupied
- Commercial or Industrial Leased
- Reports, Evaluations, Site Studies, Consultations
- On-Call Consulting
3. Reimbursable Expenses
- Standard Blueprints and Plots
- Oversized Plots
- Variance Application Packages
- Exhibits for Variances
- Photocopies
- Mailings and Deliveries
- Photographs
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