HOW OUR
Architectural process
WORKS
PROGRAMMING +
The development of any design requires knowledge of the scope of work and the intended function of a space. Our job is to offer recommendations and establish programmatic requirements. Through a series of discussions, programming allows the client to closely interact with the design professional by contributing their ideas and ambitions.
We ensure that this is a collaborative effort by maintaining open lines of communication among all those involved. We will gather all information from the user of the space which would entail their challenges with the space, its daylighting, air quality, equipment, lack of utilities, etc. This phase also includes the establishment of a preliminary budget to guide the Schematic Design.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
We must first photograph, measure and confirm the existing conditions of the building structure and site. We will enter the data found on site along with your survey information into digital format. These existing condition drawings will serve as the basis for any design work to follow.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The Schematic Design can be any combination of hand-drawn or digitized sketch site plan, floor plans and exterior elevations which capture the basic concepts of design and establish the spatial relationships. We explore options to satisfy the clients needs for functionality, energy efficiency, usability, code compliance, security, safety and aesthetics. This phase is where any design changes shall be made prior to moving into Design Development.
The Schematic Design also includes a decision of the building systems such as structural, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing and electrical as determined through careful discussion with the client. This is an important step to ensure that we are implementing solutions within the budget prior to moving into the Design Development Phase.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Design Development is the process of developing schematic design sketches into computer-aided drafts to precisely layout all floor plans, elevations, a basic building section and site plans. These drawings will show the size and character of the project components.
The Documents are to fix and describe the size and character of the project as pertaining to architectural, structural mechanical, and electrical systems, materials and other appropriate elements per specific project. Building areas and volumes shall be fixed in this phase.
Any needed consultants would be introduced and participate in this phase.
This document package will provide our client with a sense of what the final building will include and a rough idea of the final cost.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Construction Documents illustrate the products, systems, quantities, configurations, and specifications that reflect the client’s intent for the project.
Construction Documents include a set of architectural drawings and structural drawings with enough detail for a contractor to construct the project. These detailed plans are used for permitting by the building department and for Bidding and Contract Negotiation.
BIDDING + CONTRACT NEGOTIATION
Depending on the nature of the project, we will issue the Construction Documents for pricing by a preselected general contractor or several general contractors for competitive bidding.
During this stage, we provide counsel to the client in identifying the most appropriate contractor and we will collaborate with the client in a critical examination of the different bids.
Through our examination of the bids, we will evaluate alternative products and material substitutions proposed by the contractor and collaborate on the most efficient project delivery method.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
Once the client has entered into a contractual agreement with a contractor, we oversee the construction of the project to ensure that the project is built in accordance with design specifications and quality standards. We accomplish this through regularly scheduled site walk-throughs and meetings with the contractor.
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
3D RENDERINGS
As an additional service, Lockwood Architecture is happy to offer Architectural Renderings for a more detailed image of what the design could look like. This service can range anywhere from a colorized version of 2D line drawings, to a near-photo-realistic renderings of our 3D designs.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY DESIGN
Embedded in our design process is our commitment to providing comfortable & healthy spaces for our clients and for our environment. Through special design implementations, we can design your building using both LEED™ and Passive Haus design principles. We are continuously striving to make spaces and places that are high performance energy efficient, extremely comfortable and healthy, and cost-effective in construction. We can provide a next-level-design utilizing green building features such as ground source heat pump systems, energy recovery ventilation, solar panels with battery backup, rainwater harvesting systems, and more.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Beyond the design, structure, and look of your building, Lockwood Architecture has experienced Interior Designers who can take you to the next level of specific uses, product selection and specification, lighting, and material and finishes. Because of their complexity, Kitchen and Bathrooms are great spaces to consider working with our Interior Designers to help you throughout the process. This service can range from a simple spreadsheet list of specifications, to fully detailed interior construction documents and renderings.
CODE ANALYSIS
Building and Zoning codes are constantly evolving with new safety, build trends, technology, and development planning. To comply with these ever-changing requirements, you may consider hiring us for this service to save time and money before purchasing a building, buying land, or developing a business plan. Our expertise in local, state, and federal codes and regulations makes us well equipped to ensure projects meet applicable codes for the safety and wellbeing of its occupants, while at the same time providing designs to meet your dreams.
BLOWER DOOR TESTING / BUILDING EFFICIENCY ANALYZATION
As an additional service, Lockwood Architecture is in partnership with a certified BPI (Building Performance Institute) professional who can analyze existing structures and their infrastructure for low performance and/or unhealthy appliances, failing or inadequate insulation, air leakage locations, and develop a design plan to rectify conditions for a healthier and more efficient building. In new construction, our specialists can provide blower door tests at numerous points throughout the build process to ensure the building is of the highest quality in air sealing for energy efficiency. We are also happy to accommodate a single code required blower door test before final build department inspections, and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.
ACCESSIBILITY REVIEWS AND DESIGN
Lockwood Architecture intimately understands and includes design principles and codes into all of our projects. We are extremely experienced in ADA compliance and Universal Design features that allow accessibility to all people regardless of age, size, or ability. We engage universal design to accommodate the building’s occupants not only for today, but also for the needs of tomorrow. We encourage universal design in both new build designs, and in renovations of existing structures. If a building is for special needs use, or needs an accessibility review or retrofit, we are the Architects you should hire.
