Process
Residential Process
Bill Peters Architects works with hundreds of clients throughout the Southeast on residential projects. From new construction to historic renovations to re-façades to kitchen and bath renovations, BPA has the capabilities of working with clients on all aspects of residential architecture.
While some of our clients are repeat customers, sixty percent have never used an architect, never renovated, nor built a home. Fifty percent of those are embarking on the construction of their "dream homes"; they are one time clients and one–time only who do not know quite what to expect. Positive and effective communication with the client is essential to assure the customer throughout the process of design and construction.
The Concept
For both new construction and renovations, clients will need to have some idea of what it is they essentially want for their new living space. Do you want an updated kitchen? A more open living area? An extra bathroom for a new arrival? Perhaps you’ve purchased a house in the historic district that needs some renovations. Or maybe you are looking for something new entirely.
PROGRAM MEETING
The first stage of the residential process consists of starting with a concept and creating a program. A program is basically what the home owner needs in a space — for example, the number and types of rooms the client needs or the existing versus desired square footage. The more you know about what you want, the smoother the process will be. Clients are encouraged to create lists of wants prior to their first meeting. Look through magazines, wander around taking photographs of houses you like — this only helps to communicate your vision to us. While such steps are not imperative — we can help you decide what you want and need — they are helpful and we've learned over the years that most clients do know what they like and what they need or at least what they want. Gathering this information on the front end of the residential process will help ensure that you get what you want in the final product.
Once you’ve thought about your program, you meet with Bill Peters. Bill takes notes and discusses your ideas, assessing the feasibility of your program as well as the efficacy and practicality of certain aspects of it. Over the next few weeks, Bill creates a Schematic Design for your project.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The Schematic Design typically includes hand drawn front and rear elevations, first– and second–floor floor plans, and often a site plan. Bill reviews with you the Schematic Design and then leaves it with you for your consideration over the next two weeks. You then return to our office to go over your suggestions and thoughts.
Design Development
During Design Development a Project Manager is assigned to your project. The Project Manager will work with you and with Bill during this phase of your project. This phase can range in duration from four weeks to a year, depending on the client, changes to the program, and the solidity of the concept. The average duration of this phase is six weeks. It is imperative that all design decisions be made during this phase prior to Construction Document Production.
Construction Document Production
In the Construction Document Production phase, we produce the technical drawings. These include framing plans, foundation plans, roof framing plans, wall and building sections, architectural details and other drawings that we deem necessary. If changes are made during the Construction Document Production phase, the residential process becomes longer. A ripple effect evolves because each change has to be carried throughout the previous steps and into each drawing. Not only does this increase the duration of the project, but also increases the cost.
Your Turn / Construction Administration
Once the Construction Document Production phase of the Residential Process is completed, it is your turn. BPA can stop here and turn your program over to you or we can work with you throughout Construction Administration. We can recommend everything from top contractors to renowned interior designers and all facets in between.
Fees
Bill Peters Architects, Inc. fees vary greatly depending on the scope of the project and shall be determined on a case by case basis.
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