Architectural Design Process – Step 1: Schematic Design

The first step in the architectural design process is the schematic design. After the initial consultation with the client, the architect should come away with an idea of the overall concept and scope of the project. Further meetings or phone calls with the client, or visits to the proposed building site, may be necessary to

Who Does What in a Small Building or Remodeling Project?

Any building or remodeling project involves a team of professionals. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, the team can range from a single architect and contractor to a host of architects, engineers and construction project managers, but the basic requirements are the same: properly trained and experienced professionals working in concert via

Why Your Architect Should Supervise Your Construction Project

This post first ran in 2018. As an architect, I like to think of remodeling and building projects as a symphony. All the sections of the orchestra – the strings, the brass, the percussion – use their unique skills to work on their separate bits of music, yet somehow, everything comes together to create something

COVID-19 and Your Building Project: Staying Safe

Updates to shelter-in-place orders in Marin and Sonoma Counties now allow construction and building projects to proceed, which means that new projects that were previously prohibited can now go forward. The state of California has issued general guidance for safely conducting construction projects, and Marin has created safey protocols for both small and large construction