Architectural Design Process
VERT provides a comprehensive range of services that complement the architectural design process, as well as options for supplementary services that include planning approvals and construction project management.
We strive to remove ambiguity throughout the process – starting with a clear definition of the scope of work and our fees. Please contact us to discuss the fees associated with our range of professional services.
Our design process progresses as follows:
We strive to remove ambiguity throughout the process – starting with a clear definition of the scope of work and our fees. Please contact us to discuss the fees associated with our range of professional services.
Our design process progresses as follows:
Planning Phase
Client Baseline Questionnaire and Interview
Developing a clear understanding of the client’s lifestyle, values, and beliefs is a prerequisite to providing a superior level of design service. Responses to a personal interview and questionnaire inform the designer of the client’s potential inclination toward particular design approaches.
Project Goal Definition
The definition of Project Goals is an important first step in the design process that facilitates all other elements of the project. It establishes “the target”. This exercise includes the identification of:
Site Review
The Site Review is a study of the unique characteristics that define the project’s site, and the systems that influence it. The review process involves a minimum of one site visit, during which existing resources and systems are identified and recorded. Special attention is given to characteristics and systems with the potential to contribute to the sustainable development of the site.
Building Review
The Building Review is a study of existing building conditions and use of spaces within the building. The review process involves a minimum of one site visit, during which detailed notes, images, and measurements are taken. Any drawings furnished by the client are reviewed and verified for accuracy. Following the visit scaled drawings are prepared that record the existing building’s construction, and condition
Preliminary Statute Review
The Preliminary Statute Review is a summary of provisions within the applicable plans, regulations, codes, and by-laws that regulate development of the project site.
Project Feasibility Analysis
The Project Feasibility Analysis is an evaluation of the potential to achieve the stated project goals. Analysis focuses on the identification of development opportunities, constraints, and the desired results of the design’s implementation.
Planning Approval
Some development projects require preliminary planning approvals. Permission to undertake developments with legislative constraints and those that are of particular interest to the community often require extensive consultation with the municipality, neighbours and other stakeholders.
The Planning Phase results in a:
Developing a clear understanding of the client’s lifestyle, values, and beliefs is a prerequisite to providing a superior level of design service. Responses to a personal interview and questionnaire inform the designer of the client’s potential inclination toward particular design approaches.
Project Goal Definition
The definition of Project Goals is an important first step in the design process that facilitates all other elements of the project. It establishes “the target”. This exercise includes the identification of:
- All desired uses to be accommodated within the design;
- An “upper-limit” statement of financial resources to be made available for the project; and,
- A deadline for project completion.
Site Review
The Site Review is a study of the unique characteristics that define the project’s site, and the systems that influence it. The review process involves a minimum of one site visit, during which existing resources and systems are identified and recorded. Special attention is given to characteristics and systems with the potential to contribute to the sustainable development of the site.
Building Review
The Building Review is a study of existing building conditions and use of spaces within the building. The review process involves a minimum of one site visit, during which detailed notes, images, and measurements are taken. Any drawings furnished by the client are reviewed and verified for accuracy. Following the visit scaled drawings are prepared that record the existing building’s construction, and condition
Preliminary Statute Review
The Preliminary Statute Review is a summary of provisions within the applicable plans, regulations, codes, and by-laws that regulate development of the project site.
Project Feasibility Analysis
The Project Feasibility Analysis is an evaluation of the potential to achieve the stated project goals. Analysis focuses on the identification of development opportunities, constraints, and the desired results of the design’s implementation.
Planning Approval
Some development projects require preliminary planning approvals. Permission to undertake developments with legislative constraints and those that are of particular interest to the community often require extensive consultation with the municipality, neighbours and other stakeholders.
The Planning Phase results in a:
- Summary of interview and questionnaire responses
- Statement of project goals and objectives
- Catalogue of digital photographs and a site diagram
- Summary of applicable statutory provisions
- Summary of development opportunities and constraints
- Evaluation of the potential to achieve stated project goals
- Approval from the planning authority and community (as required)
Conceptual Design Phase
Spatial Relationship Study
The Spatial Relationship Study identifies compatible and incompatible uses within the building. The study examines the degree to which spaces within the design should be physically, visually and audibly separated or connected. The study is an important step toward ensuring that space is used efficiently.
Systems Study
The Systems Study identifies the systems at play around and within the building. The study examines the network of social, financial, and environmental systems into which the design will be incorporated. The study is an important step toward ensuring that the sustainability of the design is maximized.
Conceptual Design
The Conceptual Design is a translation of the goals and values identified during the Pre-Design phase into a graphic form. Findings of the Spatial Relationship Study and Systems Study are incorporated to drive the development of a minimum of two distinct approaches to resolving the design challenges defined in the Pre-Design Phase. The approaches are distilled through an iterative process, until a single conceptual design emerges. A Conceptual Design illustrates the arrangement of spaces within a project at a skeletal level. A design at this phase is not sufficient to support a building permit application.
The Conceptual Design Phase results in documentation that includes the following elements:
The Spatial Relationship Study identifies compatible and incompatible uses within the building. The study examines the degree to which spaces within the design should be physically, visually and audibly separated or connected. The study is an important step toward ensuring that space is used efficiently.
Systems Study
The Systems Study identifies the systems at play around and within the building. The study examines the network of social, financial, and environmental systems into which the design will be incorporated. The study is an important step toward ensuring that the sustainability of the design is maximized.
Conceptual Design
The Conceptual Design is a translation of the goals and values identified during the Pre-Design phase into a graphic form. Findings of the Spatial Relationship Study and Systems Study are incorporated to drive the development of a minimum of two distinct approaches to resolving the design challenges defined in the Pre-Design Phase. The approaches are distilled through an iterative process, until a single conceptual design emerges. A Conceptual Design illustrates the arrangement of spaces within a project at a skeletal level. A design at this phase is not sufficient to support a building permit application.
The Conceptual Design Phase results in documentation that includes the following elements:
- Plans and sections (as required) in two dimensions illustrating spatial relationships
- Plans and sections (as required) in two dimensions illustrating the network of systems
- Plans and sections (as required) in two dimensions illustrating a conceptual design
Detail Design Phase
Detail Design
The Detail Design is a significant extension of the Conceptual Design. Through an ongoing iterative process, the design is evolved to the point at which it illustrates a full expression of the project goals.
The Detail Design stage results in documentation that includes the following elements:
Project Budget Estimate
An estimate of the project budget will be prepared that includes an outline of professional fees, permit fees, and construction costs involved in implementing the construction plans based on the project goals, detail design, development timeline, and known construction economics factors.
The Project Budget Estimate culminates in the delivery of an editable spreadsheet
Construction Plans
The Construction Plans are a refinement of the Detail Design to the ultimate level. These plans provide the information required to obtain a building permit, and to direct construction.
The Construction Plan stage culminates in the delivery of a document that includes the following elements:
The Detail Design is a significant extension of the Conceptual Design. Through an ongoing iterative process, the design is evolved to the point at which it illustrates a full expression of the project goals.
The Detail Design stage results in documentation that includes the following elements:
- Site plan
- Floor plans (overhead views)
- Building elevations (side views)
- Building sections (cut-through views)
- Interior & exterior finishes schedule
- Sun shadow study
- Interior three dimensional views
- Exterior three dimensional views
Project Budget Estimate
An estimate of the project budget will be prepared that includes an outline of professional fees, permit fees, and construction costs involved in implementing the construction plans based on the project goals, detail design, development timeline, and known construction economics factors.
The Project Budget Estimate culminates in the delivery of an editable spreadsheet
Construction Plans
The Construction Plans are a refinement of the Detail Design to the ultimate level. These plans provide the information required to obtain a building permit, and to direct construction.
The Construction Plan stage culminates in the delivery of a document that includes the following elements:
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Building elevations
- Building sections
- Plan and section details
- Electrical layout plan
- Window & door schedule
- Interior & exterior finishes schedule
Construction Phase
Construction Tender Management
Management of the Construction Tender (i.e. a call for detailed quotations for construction work and materials) is a challenging process. Your project goals and construction plans are presented to prospective contractors. Submitted bids are carefully reviewed and evaluated to facilitate client’s selection of the most appropriate contractor.
The Construction Tender Management stage culminates in the delivery of a bid comparison table, and list of recommendations.
Construction Permit Application
An approved Construction Permit requires careful attention to the applicable building codes, and the accurate completion of an Application. All permit fees are the responsibility of the Client.
The complete Construction Permit Application will be submitted to the appropriate regulatory body.
The Construction Permit Application stage culminates in the acquisition of an approved construction permit.
Construction Review
Comprehensive Construction Review throughout the design’s development ensures that the Construction Plans are implemented as per specifications. Diligent management involves regular construction site reviews and ongoing communication with contractors and sub-consultants. Third party oversight is a critical project management function that contributes to the assurance that time sensitive goals are met and that the design is realized as it has been specified.
The Construction Review stage is punctuated with Construction Review Reports, and Payment Certificates.
The Construction Phase culminates in the achievement of the client’s project goals.
Management of the Construction Tender (i.e. a call for detailed quotations for construction work and materials) is a challenging process. Your project goals and construction plans are presented to prospective contractors. Submitted bids are carefully reviewed and evaluated to facilitate client’s selection of the most appropriate contractor.
The Construction Tender Management stage culminates in the delivery of a bid comparison table, and list of recommendations.
Construction Permit Application
An approved Construction Permit requires careful attention to the applicable building codes, and the accurate completion of an Application. All permit fees are the responsibility of the Client.
The complete Construction Permit Application will be submitted to the appropriate regulatory body.
The Construction Permit Application stage culminates in the acquisition of an approved construction permit.
Construction Review
Comprehensive Construction Review throughout the design’s development ensures that the Construction Plans are implemented as per specifications. Diligent management involves regular construction site reviews and ongoing communication with contractors and sub-consultants. Third party oversight is a critical project management function that contributes to the assurance that time sensitive goals are met and that the design is realized as it has been specified.
The Construction Review stage is punctuated with Construction Review Reports, and Payment Certificates.
The Construction Phase culminates in the achievement of the client’s project goals.
Supplementary Service
The following supplementary services may be provided to satisfy project requirements:
Construction Project Management
Precedent and Best Practice Report
Enhanced Digital Modelling
Digital Animation
Physical Modelling
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Design
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Graphic Design
Marketing Documents
Energy Use Modelling
In addition to Architectural Design, VERT provides Planning Approvals and Construction Management services.
Construction Project Management
Precedent and Best Practice Report
Enhanced Digital Modelling
Digital Animation
Physical Modelling
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Design
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Graphic Design
Marketing Documents
Energy Use Modelling
In addition to Architectural Design, VERT provides Planning Approvals and Construction Management services.