Space Architectural Design Studio

This is the critical first step in which we gather from the client/end user all of the information needed to design their space or building. This phase involves a lot of client interaction and results in a definitive report that documents not only the quantity of space types (i.e., ten offices at 8'x 12' or three conference rooms at 12' x 16') and their required adjacencies, but also identifies the Client's intangible desires and objectives (i.e., the space must project an image of a forward thinking company on the cutting edge of their industry...or it must reflect the tradition and stability of our company).

The programming phase is also the point at which schedules and budgets are established, and the site or space is analyzed for inherent constraints. This takes the form of a graphic site or space analysis drawing that is provided along with the programming document.

After the information is gathered in programming, the earliest stages of design can begin. The first step of this phase is conceptual and creative in nature, in that we start with broad brush strokes, remembering that all ideas are valid and that any one design problem can be solved in many ways. During this phase we prefer to work in close collaboration with the Client, often sketching up options sitting around the conference table in a 'charrette' session or 'design brainstorming' to explore many directions in order to determine which one works best for the end-user. Solutions begin to emerge from these give and take sessions until ultimately a direction begins to form.

The work in this phase is primarily hand drawn and is meant to convey concepts and ideas, not to lay out a final plan with all aspects of the project solved. It will provide the main organizing idea behind the design that will be unlimitedly developed in more detail.

Once the main concept is established we begin to hone in on the specifics of the design solution. Refined plans, material palettes, three dimensional studies, lighting strategies, special design conditions/details are solved to ensure the conceptual design is both valid and build-able. This is a critical stage in that the Client can begin to see the complete picture of the project for the first time and the project team can begin to get their arms around the project's cost and make decisions accordingly. The deliverables coming out of this phase include detailed CAD drawn floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, material boards, critical details, wall sections, building sections, interior or exterior elevations, etc.

The final design has been completed and approved, and all materials and products have been selected. It is now time to document all the information into a package that a third party can use (the contractor) to get final bids, and apply for a construction permit. This is the most time intensive stage of the whole project. A lot of information has to be inked in to paper for all parties involved, including: defining and locating all partition/wall types, specifying and documenting all products and all building details.

This phase can be performed as part of the fixed fee or as additional services. More and more it is becoming a service that is performed hourly as an additional service. In this phase we will answer contractor's questions, issue clarification drawings, review shop drawings, visit the job site and attend construction meetings as necessary. The architect is essentially a Client's representative ensuring that the project is built according to design intent and specifications.

We contend that organizing the floor plan must be done in conjunction with developing a thorough three dimensional understanding of the design. We explore in this realm to not only help the client visualize our design ideas, but also as an aid to help us understand all that the building site, or space has to offer. Today's software technology allows us to quickly build computer models that we use to sketch over and quickly and efficiently explore many design options three dimensionally.

Occasionally our clients desire, or need more realism in the design drawings to fully understand the design. In this case, we can develop the 3D models to more closely reflect the details and finishes of the design, and often we can quickly change properties of the rendering to explore different materials and details. To experience the space, fully rendered animations are developed to replicate actually moving through the space. These can often be used to market the design prior to the construction's completion. Click here to see the animation completed for Imagine Schools, who used it as a tool to enroll students while construction was taking place.

We often present an array of finishes and materials early in the design process to establish a general feel for the type of space the Client is looking for. At SPACE we do not have separate departments for architecture and interior design, and everyone works together through the process so finishes are not just 'applied' to the architecture by an interior designer with limited knowledge of the Client's vision.

We are one of the few firms (maybe the only one) that integrate the design and construction processes so closely. With our own fabrication shop, and our licensed and insured construction side, we have become very knowledgeable in how things are put together and detailed. There is no better experience than hands-on experience, and our project managers are trained to move from design into construction management. Although most of our projects are still limited to standard design services of an architect, because of our experience in construction, we are readily equipped to work with independent construction firms.