SERVICE OPTIONS

There are various levels of design service that may be useful. A full-service option that would cover the entire design process is outlined. Each segment of that service is given a percentage that approximates its part of the full service; therefore it is possible to decide what level of service is needed or desired for your project and to approximate its associated cost.

Programming/Schematic Design (S.D.) 15%

This phase establishes the goals for the project and explores alternative ways of accomplishing them. The intent is to decide a basic direction for the project's overall layout, form and appearance. Drawings are to scale and are suitable for getting preliminary cost estimates but are often freehand and not sufficient for construction.

Design Development (D.D.) 25%

During this phase the design direction decided upon during Schematic Design is refined and drawings become "hardlined" and more detailed. The more detailed a set of drawings becomes, the better one is able to understand what will be built and anticipate cost.

Construction Drawings (C.D.) 40%

This phase involves documenting all the necessary information to build the project. This includes a complete set of working drawings and a written specification of materials to be used in construction.

Bidding/Negotiation 5%

Whether working with a selected Contractor or receiving invited bids for your project, this phase involves assisting with evaluating the Contractor’s proposals, clarifying any questions of scope, and establishing the contract price.

Observation 15%

Even the best two-dimensional drawings cannot show every condition encountered in actual building. Therefore, continuing involvement is the project can be useful to answer contractor's questions, provide supplemental drawings when necessary, and help evaluate any suggested changes.

TOTAL 100%

These categories are based on a traditional breakdown of architectural services, though the percentage of the total fee each segment receives has been slightly changed from the "typical" outline. It is sometimes difficult to establish when one segment has ended and another begins and a certain amount of overlap is expected, especially between D.D. & C.D. However, it is helpful to track progress. Of course, depending on your particular time schedule, you may decide to stop or put on hold the process at any time.