DESIGN / BUILD PROCESS

Artifex Design/Build

At Artifex Design/Build, we make it our mission to explain the process of working with us as clearly and
succinctly as possible. This allows a fuller understanding of how we operate from the initial
consultation, the schematic design, through the construction management, all the way to the final completed building.
Ideally, we prefer to work with you through every phase described below, to ensure the smooth
completion of your project.

Our work is collaborative. To that end, it’s about managing expectations.

Phase 1: Schematic Design

During this phase of the architectural design process, we will take the information we’ve gathered from you and through our field surveys to create two to three design options for your consideration. We will
generally present these options in the form of sketches, so you can visualize the different routes your project could take.
We will also attach a rough cost estimate to each option to aid you in selecting a design that meets both your aesthetic preferences and budget requirements. You will also have the opportunity to request any
modifications you’d like us to make to your preferred design. Once you have selected a design option that best suits your needs, we will begin the process of refining the design during the Design Development phase.

Phase 2: Design Development

At this point, we will take the schematic design you selected, as well as any requested modifications, and
revise the design as necessary. We will also update the cost estimate we provided during the Schematic
Design phase to reflect any changes we’ve made to the initial design. We take our clients’ budgets very
seriously and continually strive to provide accurate estimates throughout the early stages of design.
This phase may require additional give and take as we work with you to finalize the details of the design
before moving into the next phase.

Phase 3: Construction Documents

By now, we will have settled on a final design and will begin preparing drawings, notes, and technical
specifications necessary for bidding, construction, and permit application. This is the phase that many
people think of when they picture the work of an architect – the creation of blueprints.
Contractors will use these detailed drawings and specifications to prepare for the next phase in the
architectural design process.

Phase 4: Bidding

Having an architect on your side during the bidding phase of home construction is of great advantage to
you. At a minimum, we can aid you in developing a list of qualified contractors for your bid list and
submitting bid packages to bidders. But we can also review submitted bids, provide analysis, and help
you compare the cost figures that you receive from your bidders.
This phase will ensure the contractors you are considering for your construction project are reading the
blueprints correctly and are providing an accurate bid for your project.

Phase 5: Construction Administration

Finally, once you have selected a contractor and construction is underway, we move into the fifth phase
of the architectural design process – construction administration. During this phase, we will administer the
construction process to assure conformance with design intent, visit the site during construction, and
address any field conditions as they arise.
This final phase, along with all the others described above, will ensure the smooth and satisfactory
completion of your home construction or renovation project. Our ultimate goal as architects is to help you
turn your dream of a new or renovated home into an affordable reality.