Design Process & Procedure

What to expect from initial consultation to design completion:

• Consultation & Review of Design & Construction Parameters – Define the homeowner’s desired square footage, most ideal use of space within the home and outside of the home, establish a ideal budget, and become familiar with ordinances and design guidelines set forth by local jurisdictions and subdivision homeowners association.
• Site Analysis – Includes visiting the building site; establishing the building setbacks and envelope; determining access, slope and drainage; and noting all views, property features and neighbors (existing & potential).  May include initial consultation with design review committee of subdivision to gain necessary approvals on moving forward with schematic or preliminary design.
• Conceptual Building & Lot Layouts – Analyze basic and possible building layouts on contoured land in 3D model to help determine most practical building location, potential number of stories or floors of the home, weather and solar patterns, and to address any potential issues or limitations with driveway access, parking area, drainage, snow storage, snow run off and adjacent homes.   Consultation with civil engineer may be advised at this time if there are any drainage or site concerns.
• Schematic & Preliminary Design – Create schematic floor plans and elevations based on site analysis, conceptual building and lot layouts and homeowner feedback for desired use of space and land. Work with homeowner to obtain an approved preliminary design and basic site plan. May include initial consultation with subdivision or city design review committee to gain necessary approvals to move forward with design development.  Consultations with structural engineer, landscape architect and general contractor is advised at this time before moving forward with design development – it is easiest to make changes to accommodate any suggestions or other considerations at this phase.
• Design Development & Construction Documentation – Consult with a structural engineer to discuss engineering requirements, address potential issues and obtain most desirable sizing or specifications to enhance design features and/or to help minimize construction costs.  Make necessary changes to complete the design with homeowner’s approval, coordinate engineer’s calculations and create all necessary documents, details and notes for a permissible construction set of plans.  Review and coordinate all other required or requested information and documentation such as landscape architecture, lighting plans, mechanical plans, etc.  Obtain required approvals on final design from homeowner association or design review committee.

Once plans have their final approvals from all committees and the building department, construction can commence!  During the construction process, Virtual Design Concepts can make project collaboration between homeowners, contractors, interior designers and other vendors far more organized, accessible and convenient with an interactive online website that is mobile and tablet accessible.  This drastically simplifies the communication and documentation process between the homeowners, contractors and designers thus time spent on the job becomes more efficient and completing a quality custom home that truly reflects the owner’s personal taste and lifestyle becomes easier than ever to achieve.