OUR PROCESS

Before a single drawing is commenced, we will gather and organize all initial information which can impact design. This includes a construction site analysis, review of as-builts and existing structure documents, project programming & budgeting, and research of permitting requirements, local zoning codes, deed restrictions, and site utilities. Clients are asked to complete a pre-design survey, developed to help us better know your design goals and style.

In this phase, interior plans and the rough shape of the building are formed. We will present the schematic ideas in sketch form, hand-drawn on tracing paper or computer generated images. These sketches are meant to be conceptually evocative and to incite new ideas and feedback from you. We’ll discuss the design with the intent of narrowing the field to your preferred design concept.

From the schematic plan developed in the previous phase, we begin to advance the drawings digitally. Here we finalize the exact sizes and relationships of the rooms, and generate the initial set of exterior elevations. Building systems are also developed in this phase—structural, mechanical, lighting, and specialty controls.

Next, the design will be fixed to a set of drawings and specifications to be used by your general contractor (GC) for pricing, permitting, and construction. Think of construction documents as both an instruction manual for and a legal contract with your GC, stipulating architectural design goals and engineering standards for the project. Typically, the construction documents will include the following: · Site Plan · Floor Plan(s) · Exterior Elevations · Building/Wall Sections · Interior Elevations · Schedules (Doors/Windows/Finishes/Appliances, etc.) · Electrical Plan & Reflected Ceiling Plan · Structural Plans (Foundation & Framing Plans) · Notes & Specifications

After the contract is awarded to a general contractor (GC), TVA will assist the GC with any permitting issues, and work as your agent on-site—ensuring conformance with the contract documents. Please note we do not provide construction management services; we won’t tell the contractor how to do his work or check the project schedule. The purpose of this phase is to facilitate project success by verifying that construction meets design intent, and to assist in case of unforeseen conditions leading to design changes.