Process
In order for you to better understand how we work, we feel it’s important for you to know the steps we take in our work flow. Our process is typically divided into five phases which incre-mentally propel your project forward. There are rare exceptions to this which involve consoli-dating the two design phases into one, shorten-ing the overall process, but certain criteria must be in place for us to be able to work within a single design phase format.
Our five phases are as follows:
Phase 1- Programming, Diagnostic & Discovery
First, we review our client's program, the financial requirements, the time constraints, and the scope of the project areas. We also review the functional, operational and equipment requirements. The most important part of this phase, and of the project, is the Diagnostic & Discovery. This involves research and a set of evaluations we have developed to better surface the true constraints and opportunities of the project. We look at market studies, materials, and feedback, the competitive set, guest concerns, and staff concerns. We conduct our own spatial and functional analysis, when appropriate. Once we complete our study and share it with our client, we begin to arrive at a true mutual and collaborative understanding of a clear project direction, and only then do we begin to delve deeper into possible design solutions.
Phase 2 - Schematic Design
The Schematic Design Phase is the stage in which the conceptual design for the FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment), the interior architecture, and the scale and relationship of the components of the project are established. Included is an estimated FF&E budget. It is also during this phase that we can begin to work with a GC, if requested, to begin the development of the construction budget.
Phase 3 - Design Development
In this phase, we further refine and develop the character of the project, including the FF&E and interior architecture, materials, and other elements. At this point, if appropriate, we prepare documentation for a mockup or model room if it’s in the project scope. We also provide an updated FF&E budget.
It's important to note that we price our FF&E at each phase so that when we present our designs, you'll have the immediate answer to the question you're compelled to ask - "I like this, but how much does it cost?" We'll give you the necesary information so you can move forward with the confidence of knowing that your project is in budget.
Phase 4 - Construction Documents
In the Construction Documents Phase, we create the detailed construction documents for all interior construction work within our scope and the detailed specification documents for FF&E procurement. This project phase is usually quite involved and lengthy because we spell out in great detail the specifics which allow the general contractor to finalize the price of the project. It also allows the purchasing agent to bid out the FF&E items. The level of detail and the way we document projects is driven by what’s in the future – the unknowns. Our documentation goal is to nail down and describe as well as possible, the variables, the specifics, and the details, so that there is little to no ambiguity, no assumption, no duplication, no short-fall in the documentation of the elements within the interior design. This specificity takes time and ultimately protects our clients.
Phase 5 - Construction Observation
The Construction Observation, or Construction Administration Phase is the stage in which two requirements are addressed. Addressing coordination issues related to work such as shop drawing and submittal reviews, TQ’s/RFI’s, and Field Sketches. We also conduct periodic reviews of work performed by one or more contractors for the interior construction and installation review of the FF&E. Also included in the review of the FF&E is the installation of artwork and accessories. This phase concludes with the Punch List or Deficiencies List which indicates items not built per the interior design documents and shop drawings or not installed as specified or fabricated per the FF&E specifications.
