The most common question clients ask when progressing through the design process is
"What comes next?"  Of course, every project is unique and there may be steps added or deleted as required.  The journey from your mind's eye to a finished structure requires many small, but meaningful decisions.  The process of building a new structure or renovation of an existing one differs according to the type of project, but includes some or all of the same steps.

Once you decide to use Dobbins+Crow Architects, we meet with you to shape the project to your needs.  At this initial point, you communicate your program requirements through information on how the structure should function.  Is the structure for adults or are there children?  How long do you plan to live there or occupy the building? These are just several of the many questions you will be asked, and it is our job to listen to your answers.

Define the Project

This step is a further refinement of the concept.  Usually clients tell us the approximate square footage and budget.  Some come to us with an architectural style in mind for residential progects such as Tudor, Mediterranean, French, etc.  A few specify the necessary rooms.  Others bring photos or sketches of design features they like.

Plans Take Shape

We develop preliminary floor plans after initial discussions and begin to tackle the inherent challenges of each project.  The plan then takes on its unique life.

Details

Once you approve the preliminary plans, we start to work on the exterior and interior elevations and details that give Dobbins+Crow Architects' projects their individual character.

Final Documents

When the details emerge and materials are selected, its time to create the drawings used for construction.

Administration

This is the building phase, the longest and most intensive step in the process.  In reality, administration is a series of steps designed to ensure a final result that is uniquely yours.  The steps vary with each project but typically involves site visits and meetings with the owner or contractor at various stages of the project.