Implementation

Construction Documents

Our construction document development process is directly tied to our design process – meaning your project will be built the way it was designed. We pride ourselves on the QUALITY of our documentation and have received complements from city and county agencies as well as from contractors. We will develop the construction documents to the level of detail that is necessary for the complexity of your project.

Agency Approval

We deal with governing agencies on a daily basis and as the Architect of your project we understand the nuances of the codes that affect your project and the design solutions that address those issues.

We are the best choice to push your project through the agency approval maze including:

Use Permits:

The key initial approval step for most commercial projects is the Conditional Use Permit approval. This approval involves interaction and comments from the governmental agencies with jurisdiction over you project.

It is important to have someone assist you in getting this permit who has overall knowledge of your project and can discuss the details with these agencies.

As Architect for your project we assist you in obtaining this key approval.

Design Review:

Depending on the jurisdiction, most commercial and some residential projects will be required to go through a Design Review approval process in the Sonoma County area. This process covers more than just how the building will look. It involves how the parking is laid-out and what the landscaping will be like among other issues.

Building Permit:

This is the necessary process to build anything within a particular jurisdiction. A building permit is a license required by city code that grants legal permission to construct, enlarge, alter repair or demolish a structure or equipment (such as heating, plumbing or electrical systems) installed in a building.

Bidding/Contractor Selection

We have RELATIONSHIPS with numerous contractors and have suggestions of who would be the perfect fit for your project before we are done with the construction documents. We can assist you in formally bidding your project and assist you in the negotiation of a contract for construction.

Construction Observation

During this phase of your project it is of great VALUE to have your Architect involved.

We will make sure that when a change order does come up it is fair and justified. We observe the progress of the project and help the contractor interpret the drawings and build the project according to the design intent. We observe the progress and review payment applications (contractor bills) so that you are billed in accordance with the progress of the project. Submittal review and site visits are among the other services that occur during this phase.

USGBC LEED Documentation and Submittals

We have USGBC LEED Accredited Professionals on staff that can successfully shepherd the requirements, documentation, and submittals required to achieve a LEED certification for your building.