At Stoneboat Architectural Design, our first step is getting to know you. Each project is unique; we want to learn about your lifestyle, needs and the property. We will ask a lot of questions. For instance:
What drew you to the property?
How do you/your family envision living in the space?
What speaks to you about the natural elements of the property?
It is imperative for us to feel “connected” to our clients and the property in order to design to our standards.
Together, we will look at photos, clippings, boards (Pinterest, Houzz, etc.) and the characteristics of other properties to define your architectural style. The project will begin to take shape and from this process, we can reflect on whether we are the right fit for your project. This isn’t a process we rush because we are better able to see what design aesthetics truly begin to take shape and which ones are to be discarded or shelved for future consideration.
At this stage we will also discuss square footage, target building costs per square foot, along with overall budget considerations to ensure we have an appropriate understanding of the project’s scope, scale and feasibility. It is at the end of the Dreaming stage, should we and the client both feel a fit, that an estimate is generated.
Having understood the general shape and direction, scope and size of the project, our team will put together a general estimate for the client to consider. Our estimate is based on the square footage and general price per square foot build costs for properties in the same category as the project. The estimate is typically arrived at by looking at the complexity (Design Category), level of craftsmanship (related to the price per square foot) and size/scope of the project. In general, these factors affect the percentage of project pricing model that we use to create the estimate. We typically price our projects on the conservative side of the price per square foot scale and, unless the project is significantly out of line with that estimate, we allow the client room to invest in higher quality craftsmanship without it affecting the Design cost portion of the project. Similarly, unless the project size grows by more than 10%, we don’t adjust the price of the project when small features are added that best reflect the design criteria, but which add small amounts of square footage to the project.
As a boutique firm with one architectural designer, we are often booked several months in advance on large projects. However, depending on where other projects are and how connected to the project we feel, we sometimes can adjust the fee down a bit, when doing so is advantageous to both the client and Stoneboat.
Upon acceptance of the estimate, a contract is provided. The contract is tailored to ensure that the client is aware of the promises made and how we intend to deliver on those promises. At the contract signing, the fees for the first phase of the project are due. In cases when a project will not commence for several months, a refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot on the Stoneboat roster. Before work begins on the first phase, we will invoice for the remainder of Phase 1. All fees for each phase are due prior to work beginning on that phase.
This is the phase of the project where we finalize the scope and size, obtain an official site survey, research applicable building codes, and, if necessary, gather existing conditions. A proposed floorplan with two exterior elevations will be produced and finalized in a Design Review meeting to ensure that all aspects of the project’s design criteria have been met or exceed expectations.
Compliance with state and local building codes will continue to be addressed and updated throughout all phases of the project. All four exterior elevations and floorplans will be produced in CAD. We will begin and bring to maturity the defining of interior spaces via interior elevations. It is during this phase that we begin regularly scheduled meetings (in person or by video conference), gather feedback, make adjustments and finalize with a Design Review meeting.
During this phase we will select a builder, complete and finalize all floorplans, elevations and site plan. We work with our clients to select windows, doors, interior and exterior finishes, including fixtures, audio/visual and HVAC systems. Architectural details shall be specified, along with all structural plans (foundation, framing, piers, etc.) We will meet regularly with the client and separately with the builder to ensure the production matches the projections.
We allocate a set number of hours (based on the size of the project) to regular meetings with the builders, contractors, tradesmen, code officers, engineers, inspectors and clients to ensure that the production of the property leads to the outcome we designed together. There are times when this phase significantly exceeds our expectation. In these circumstances, we would inform the client before using all the allotted Construction Administration time and bill hourly for additional time as necessary.
Our fee structure is built to anticipate issues that may arise without having to employ a “nickel and dime” approach for the client. If we run into very few of these expected hurdles, it is at the finish stage that we would apply any rebates back to the client.
If a project is selected for promotion, we enlist the services of a professional architectural photographer to professionally document your property. All prep work necessary for a successful shoot is paid for by Stoneboat, and we proudly provide our clients with all images taken by the photographer for your own, noncommercial use and enjoyment.