Ashlar Architects

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Predesign: Laying the Foundation for Your Project

Before designing, we gather key details about your goals, site, budget, and potential challenges. This process, called programming, helps determine feasibility.

• If you own a site, we research zoning and code requirements.
• If you’re searching for a site, we assess if it fits your vision.
• Findings are compiled into a Design Brief to guide the project.

Fixed Fees:

• New Build (Single Site Analysis): $2,000
• Additional Site Analysis: $500 each

This small investment provides clarity before committing to the full design process. The Design Brief serves as a roadmap, evolving as your project takes shape.

Site Survey: A Key First Step

A site survey is essential before starting design and is required for permitting. If you don’t have one yet, we can arrange it through our partners or provide a checklist so you can commission it yourself. Consulting an architect first ensures the survey includes the necessary details to guide the design process effectively.

Schematic Design: Shaping Your Vision

This is the most impactful phase of the design process, where big-picture decisions shape budget, layout, efficiency, views, and sustainability. It’s also the easiest time to explore and refine ideas.

Our Iterative Design Process:

1. Define Design Drivers – Establish key project goals.
2. Precedent Research – Gather inspiration aligned with your vision.
3. Analyze & Brainstorm – Identify adaptable design concepts.
4. Develop Design – Sketch, model, and plan.
5. Gather Feedback – Review options and evaluate pros/cons.
6. Refine & Improve – Adjust and optimize the design.

For new builds, the first round takes time to explore possibilities and challenges. Typically, 2–3 iterations are needed to balance priorities and finalize the design direction.

Design Development: Refining your Vision

Building on the schematic design, this phase refines the function, character, and details of each space. While still exploring options, the process becomes more structured. We start by finalizing the exterior, windows, and doors in coordination with key interior spaces.

The design concurrently advances along two key paths:

• Fixture + Finish Selections – If you’re working with us on interior design, we’ll guide you through selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures using 3D models and samples. We prioritize budget-sensitive and long-lead items early on.
• Structural + System Design – Behind the scenes, we collaborate with engineers to develop structural and mechanical systems. We provide options aligned with your budget, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions.

Construction Documents Lite: Preparing for Pricing

In this phase, we document all design decisions to create a Bid Package for contractor pricing. Given rising construction costs, getting accurate estimates before finalizing every detail helps you make informed decisions.

The Bid Package includes:

• Architectural Drawings – Layout, sizing, construction details, and locations of fixtures and finishes (doors, windows, siding, trim, cabinets, flooring, etc.).
• Structural, Mechanical & Electrical Plans – Layout and intent.
• Outline Specifications – Key selections and allowances for undecided items.
• Detailed Design Elements – Any custom features beyond standard construction.
• Pricing Alternates – Additional options for cost comparison.

This package ensures accurate pricing but is not intended for construction.

Bidding & Contractor Selection

We send the Bid Package to contractors for pricing and hold a handoff meeting to align them with the design intent. Since builders and trades interpret documents differently, they may suggest ideas, efficiencies, or challenges. The architect stays involved to evaluate these options within the big picture.

Contractors take time to compile and validate costs. While design work slows during this phase, we remain available for questions. We also attend the pricing presentation with you to ensure alignment. Budget reconciliation typically follows, refining the project scope as needed.

Construction Documents: Finalizing the Plan

With the project scope finalized and contractor input received, we complete the documents needed for permitting and construction. This phase focuses on finalizing details, incorporating any changes from bidding, and ensuring everything aligns with the final scope. For new builds, this process typically takes 1–2 months. We review the final documents with you and the contractor and assist with the permitting process.

Construction Administration: Your Advocate Through the Build

Remodeling can be complex and stressful, but we’re here to guide you. As your advocate, we monitor construction to ensure it aligns with the design and catch issues early while they’re easy to fix.

We also support the contractor by answering questions, clarifying design intent, reviewing materials, and providing additional drawings—helping keep the project on track and running smoothly.