4 Tips for Successful Project
The 4 things that make for a successful project:
1) Clear Expectations
2) Alignment
3) Communication
4) A clear contract spelling it all out
1) Clear Expectations
We architects have as much education and training as medical doctors. Yes, that’s true. We know the difference between occupancy for zoning and occupancy for buildings and all kinds of productive info. So expect to learn a great deal and be a partner in a process rather than a consumer of a product. There’s a goal and outcome but it is the result of an iterative process that takes time, patience and dedication.
2) Alignment
We do a three different kinds of projects:
1 – Design, this is our bread and butter. It’s usually begun with a schematic design phase, then a bid/permit phase and set of drawings and then, if needed, an interiors/construction set. It takes time, love and hard work to create something beautiful. Master planning is another design choice with the bid/permit set to follow.
2 – Sometimes we do Technical work, such as designing and detaling a steel post and beam with calculations. This is something we love to do. Yes, we enjoy math and physics as much as colors and materials.
3 – Permit services with or without zoning work. Here we create the docs needed for a permit. It generally doesn’t involve design work. Sometimes it requires a zoning hearing and a zoning attorney. FYI The City of Chicago requires two or three times the permit work effort and time when filing a Self-cert permit.
There are no shortcuts or jumping ahead. Architecture is an iterative process. It operates step-by-step and there are choices and outcomes that become apparent only through the iterative process. Sometimes we hear “Just get me a drawing” and while we want secretly inside want to laugh, we kindly explain what the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) requires and work backwards from there. We like knowing and understanding as much as possible before going into any project and then bringing you into the fold.
3) Communication
We prefer phone calls and email. No texting. We prefer to overexplain and listen. Listening is important for the success of a project.
4) A clear contract spelling it all out
We have a contract that may seem long but it spells it all out. Your contractor is required to abide by its conditions so you get the space/product/home and/or building you deserve.
Have any questions? Please ask us.
#Alignment #conditionsofthecontract #greatwork #thisoldhouse #contracts #workingwithanarchitect #A201 #greatclientservice #RichardNickel #LouisSullivan
The 4 things that make for a successful project:
1) Clear Expectations
2) Alignment
3) Communication
4) A clear contract spelling it all out
1) Clear Expectations
We architects have as much education and training as medical doctors. Yes, that’s true. We know the difference between occupancy for zoning and occupancy for buildings and all kinds of productive info. So expect to learn a great deal and be a partner in a process rather than a consumer of a product. There’s a goal and outcome but it is the result of an iterative process that takes time, patience and dedication.
2) Alignment
We do a three different kinds of projects:
1 – Design, this is our bread and butter. It’s usually begun with a schematic design phase, then a bid/permit phase and set of drawings and then, if needed, an interiors/construction set. It takes time, love and hard work to create something beautiful. Master planning is another design choice with the bid/permit set to follow.
2 – Sometimes we do Technical work, such as designing and detaling a steel post and beam with calculations. This is something we love to do. Yes, we enjoy math and physics as much as colors and materials.
3 – Permit services with or without zoning work. Here we create the docs needed for a permit. It generally doesn’t involve design work. Sometimes it requires a zoning hearing and a zoning attorney. FYI The City of Chicago requires two or three times the permit work effort and time when filing a Self-cert permit.
There are no shortcuts or jumping ahead. Architecture is an iterative process. It operates step-by-step and there are choices and outcomes that become apparent only through the iterative process. Sometimes we hear “Just get me a drawing” and while we want secretly inside want to laugh, we kindly explain what the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) requires and work backwards from there. We like knowing and understanding as much as possible before going into any project and then bringing you into the fold.
3) Communication
We prefer phone calls and email. No texting. We prefer to overexplain and listen. Listening is important for the success of a project.
4) A clear contract spelling it all out
We have a contract that may seem long but it spells it all out. Your contractor is required to abide by its conditions so you get the space/product/home and/or building you deserve.
Have any questions? Please ask us.
#Alignment #conditionsofthecontract #greatwork #thisoldhouse #contracts #workingwithanarchitect #A201 #greatclientservice #RichardNickel #LouisSullivan