Process | Studio West

OUR PROCESS

Studio West Architects is changing the way architecture and design firms approach small business.

Our distinctive style, collaborative process, and holistic approach sets us above other firms. We embrace innovation, proven processes, and help you gather the right team to fully infuse your brand into the design and construction of the space. Our eight-step process sets up the guidelines for the project and shows you how we collaborate with you throughout the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

Studio West Architects is changing the way architecture and design firms approach small business.

Our distinctive style, collaborative process, and holistic approach sets us above other firms. We embrace innovation, proven processes, and help you gather the right team to fully infuse your brand into the design and construction of the space. Our eight-step process sets up the guidelines for the project and shows you how we collaborate with you throughout the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Concept Development

Understanding your Concept.

Every project starts with your story, what makes your business unique, and how you want your business to make a statement. From those core ideas, we create a Concept Board to define the project’s general design direction and identify the project’s requirements and scope. This phase defines the design narrative and forms a foundation for the rest of the project.

2. Schematic Design

Designing to enhance the brand.

Design will be a strong proponent of your brand and should be visible throughout the space. In the Schematic Design phase, we start to visualize the space through rough sketches, floor plans, and models. Featured design components are identified and the flow of the space is established.

3. Design Development

Getting into the details.

We refine the design and add the details that will set your space apart from others. In the Design Development phase, key design features are further defined and working design drawings are developed in preparation for the permit drawings. A refined Floor Plan, Reflected Ceiling Plan, Interior Elevations, and Colored Model/Rendering are created in this phase of the project to give you an idea for what your space will look like.

4. Permit/Construction Drawings

Drawing up your plans.

Drawings convey your concept and design to everyone on the project team. Having a well-coordinated set of drawings will create a defined path for everyone to follow. In the Permit and Construction Drawing phase, all the formal drawings and documents needed for permitting and/or construction are created. The details and specifications not previously defined are added to all aspects of the space.

5. Furniture, Finishes & Equipment

Packaging up your design.

Having all important design elements in one place makes it easy for the team to be on the same page. In the FF&E phase we get into the furniture, millwork, finishes, lighting, specialty equipment, and any custom work needed for the space. An FF&E Specification Binder, which contains all those details and instructions, is created and holds all the pertinent information the construction team will need to finish off your space.

6. Bidding Packages

Selecting the right team.

In order to achieve a successful opening of your space, we need to put the right construction team in place to help us do it. In the Bidding phase, a Bid Package is created and distributed to a select list of qualified contractors. A Bidding Comparison Spreadsheet is then established so we can analyze each bid for accuracy and compare costs before you select your contractor.

7. Permitting

Pulling all required permits.

Before any construction project can begin, all necessary permits and documentation need to be obtained. In the Permitting phase, we determine what drawings and paperwork are needed for your type of project and assemble a permit package for submittal to the municipality.

8. Construction Administration

Coordinating with you till the end.

Every member of the team is involved in the final phase of your project to ensure the construction adheres to the design. In the Construction Administration Phase, we include regular visits to the site, address any questions that may arise, and provide clarifying sketches as needed to make sure the process of finishing your project goes smoothly. Our end goal is to leave you with a final product you’ll love.