Our Process

Phase 1

Predesign Meeting

During the pre-design phase, we learn everything about your vision, lifestyle, and unique features you are looking for. The information we gather is organized into a document called the “Program” that will be the foundation for the design phases to follow.

We visit the project site to document the existing conditions such as the views, topography, sun angles, climate concerns, privacy issues, and other elements that might affect the project. During this phase, a review of zoning considerations, covenants, and code restraints is also performed.

Deliverables: The Programming

Phase 2

Schematic Design

During the schematic design phase, our primary goal is to translate the program into a building design concept. This process includes several meetings where we present rough construction drawings to help us visualize the scale of the project, explore design options, functionality, and budget.

We work together to refine the design according to your feedback until a final schematic design is approved.

Deliverables: Schematic design

Phase 3

Design Development

After a schematic has been chosen, it’s time to turn it into a comprehensive design and define the scope of work. During the Design and Development phase, we use innovative and modern design software to turn the chosen schematic into a detailed 3D model to refine the project’s exterior facade and interior floor plans.

By the end of this phase, we finalize the floor plans, site plans, and building elevations required to define the scope of work and budget required to begin construction.

Deliverables: Drawing Set of floor plans, site plans, and building elevations.

Phase 4

Construction Documents

During this phase, the design drawings are further refined to produce a set of construction documents from which the project can be built. The construction documents include final drawings, construction specifications, finishes, and materials required to construct the project. This information is shared with contractors, Architectural Review Board, or any permitting authority.

The construction documents include: Site plan, demolition plan, floor plans, roof plan, exterior elevations, sections and details, window and door schedules required to convey requirements for construction and permits.

Deliverables: Set of construction documents.

Phase 5

Contractor Selection

There are typically two means of selecting a contractor: competitive bidding or negotiated contract.

Bid Contract: We agree on two (or more) contractors to price the construction documents competitively. This process requires a tight set of drawings with no room for confusion or interpretation. The bidders submit their prices and list of subcontractors to you, and together, we’ll evaluate the bids and award the contract to the Contractor of your choice.

Negotiated Contract: Also known as a T&M (time & materials) or Cost-Plus contract, this arrangement bills for the actual cost of the work plus an agreed upon (negotiated) fee. It’s a collaborative process that involves the Contractor in the design process, helping to develop and refine pricing along the way. It guarantees them the contract at the end of the construction documents phase and builds trust between all parties.

Phase 6

Construction Observation

The Construction Observation phase allows the project design vision to be integrated into the details of the home seamlessly.

After the contract is awarded and construction begins, I act as your agent on-site, monitor progress weekly, review payment applications, change orders, and supplemental information, and ensure conformance with the contract documents.

This phase ends with the completed project, ready to move in.

Complement your Design Experience

At Charles W. Day Design, we use the latest technology and offer our clients an array of additional services to ensure the project success.

Construction Administration

Our construction administration services ensure the finished project meets your expectations. We visit the construction site regularly to document the project's progress and ensure the materials and craftsmanship are of the quality you agreed to. We answer questions from the contractor and address potential issues to help you avoid costly delays.

Three-dimensional Renderings

We can produce three-dimensional hand drawings or computer renderings for marketing purposes or presentations, including photorealistic imagery, video, or watercolor renderings.

Mechanical & Plumbing Diagrams

While not required for permitting purposes, the mechanical and plumbing diagrams may be vital to create more informed pricing and coordination with contractors. Mechanical systems information, plumbing documentation, and water supply sizing may require onboarding an engineer.

Record Drawings As-Builts

We visit the site to measure and photograph the existing conditions. We then prepare the record in Revit, a three-dimensional CAD/BIM software. The data is field verified by a General Contractor. The extent of represented information is dependent on the requirements of the project. Site data from the Surveyor (survey and elevation certificate to be provided by the owner) can be incorporated into the drawings.

Bidding & Pricing

Although it is preferred to have a contractor selected upfront, occasions may arise when the bidding is the appropriate means of culling pricing from contractors. This process involves more coordination, upfront information, and time consuming analysis of proposals presented.

Interior Elevations

The interior elevations provide a clear understanding of the custom details inside the building. The elevations illustrate walls, windows, and doors and how they connect with the finishing components such as molding, wainscots, baseboards, paneling, and cabinetry.

Finish Schedules

Finish selections are made, recorded, and coordinated to provide a finish schedule that explains which finishes belong where. This process could include additional drawings such as interior elevations, reflected ceiling plans, and finish plans.