Architectural services include the planning, designing, and drawing of home plans and remodeling projects, and managing the construction contracts on behalf of homeowners. Other services include obtaining permits, producing documentation required for the city, and obtaining certificates of occupancy for completed projects.
Consultation and schematic design – Pre-design planning, ideas, and concepts are presented and developed with client feedback. Then a rough sketch is designed to ensure the building requirements are clearly understood.
Design development – The rough sketches are developed, reviewed, and refined into final drawing plans, specifications, and elevations.
Construction documents – The architect helps the client select materials and finishes, coordinates with other designers and engineers, and produces a set of legal contract documents ready for building.
Contract negotiation – The architect solicits bids from building contractors and helps the client select and hire a contractor.
Construction contract administration – The architect manages the contractors to resolve any conflicts, ensures the project is built to the drawing plans and specifications, and performs a final inspection.