Saul Architects puts the needs of our clients first and foremost. Our clients are involved throughout the entire process.
Consultation
It starts with an in-home consultation. We’ll meet with potential clients at their property to discuss their ideas, budgets, and timelines. After this consultation, we’ll provide a proposal outlining our fees and project schedules.
Pre-Design
Before we put pen to paper, Saul Architects will accurately measure existing conditions and produce drawings of all structures, landscape, and other pertinent site elements as well as research building codes and zoning regulations.
Schematic Design
Saul Architects will provide a series of sketches, drawings, models, etc. to describe the general design scheme. We don’t design projects without the client present because we are not designing the house we want, we are designing the house YOU want. We will meet with clients throughout this process as necessary to review the drawings and incorporate feedback.
Preliminary Pricing
Prior to generating detailed constructions drawings, it is important to verify that the design meets the client's budget. It is common to seek preliminary bids from contractors to confirm that the design scheme can be built within budgetary constraints. Final construction costs will change as the design is refined.
Construction Documents
From the approved schematic design scheme, we create the working drawings consisting of plans, elevations, sections, framing plans, details, schedules, etc. These drawings are used to obtain the building permit, as well as provide the contractor with all the information needed to build the project correctly.
Bidding and Negotiation
This phase takes place after completion of the construction documents and usually during the time the drawings are being reviewed by the local government's plan approval agency. Saul Architects has worked with many contractors in the area and can refer the client to those contractors if requested. We will then review all the submitted bids and help the client select the winning bidder.
Construction Phase Services
We will work with the contractor to ensure that the project is built in accordance with the construction documents. Weekly site visits, shop drawing and substitution reviews, payment application approvals, and other consultation services are provided. Upon substantial completion of construction, we will provide a walk-through and checklist of remaining items to be completed.