GWB ARCHITECT P.C. prides itself on handling each job as an individual, unique project. This process begins as an initial meeting with the you, our client. During this time, discussions about project scope (also called a program), schedule, budget and feasibility are outlined along with any special requirements about your specific project.  

Once launched, there are several phases that your project must go through in order to be successful. GWB ARCHITECT P.C. phases each project as follows: 

Existing Conditions – During this time, we will take exact measurements of your house including windows, doors, heights, room sizes, etc., and along with a survey provided by the building owner, we generate an accurate set of existing conditions drawings. 

 Schematic Phase – This phase of the project is where we will generate our first attempt at fulfilling your program. Although many times this attempt is very close to what we may end up with, it is more important to understand that at this point, we as designers are more aware of what impact your program has on the overall project. It is also a very important step in re-assuring one another that both client and architect are able to see the project from the same point of view. 

Design Development – This phase of the project begins to become more technical. Such as how it works structurally, and a more reasonable depiction of how it will look than what was presented during schematics. It will also have more formal notations about size, materials and zoning. If your project were to require a variance, the drawings developed during this phase would be issued to the Zoning Board of Appeals. This is also the set of drawings that the client will sign off on for overall design. 

Construction Documents – This is the phase of the project in which drawings are generated for two purposes. First, to obtain building permits. Second, to obtain accurate bids. These drawings will contain information about a countless number of items including, but not limited to: code information, structural information, interior finishes, exterior finishes, electrical layout, energy code compliance, instructions to bidders, instructions to contractors, door types, window types, etc. 

Construction Administration – As the Architect on a project, we insist on being brought in at three different milestones during the project to offer guidance and oversight. The first milestone is at the time that a contractor is chosen. This gives us the opportunity to discuss any special items about a project or to answer any questions that he might have about the plans. The second milestone is after framing is complete. In most municipalities the Architect will be required to sign off at the end of a project. In order to sign off, the Architect must perform an inspection before insulation or sheetrock conceals important details about the construction. This also benefits the client with re-assurance that the work is being done correctly. The final mandatory observation is after all work is complete.

This is a basic outline of what you can look forward to with regard to GWB Architect PC’s involvement with your project. Although not all architects follow the same methodology, we feel that this outline sets up a system of open communication and eventually a successful project.