What we do
1. Documentation
Using our high-end Leica LiDAR scanners (G1 and G2 BLK360s) along with sophisticated software, we document your existing site and building. These scanners produce high density laser scans at 1 million points per second providing us with high resolution point clouds of the existing space. We process, clean and register these scans into a single “point cloud” which could contain a billion or more individual measured points in space. This is particularly useful on existing structures, as it provides the most accurate documentation. We can see every bump, crooked wall, sloped floor and angled wall in your home.
2. Evaluation
We review your existing conditions along with your local zoning rules and bylaws to determine what is permissible on your site. We also look at what solutions might require additional jurisdictional approval.
We also review the existing construction to determine what is most practical in terms of alterations and additions. We understand construction and renovation, so we are versed in assessing what can be improved and what should be rebuilt.
As Landscape Architects, we can evaluate your site for landscape health, construction suitability and drainage solutions.
3. Design
We are designers at heart. This is why we pursued these careers. We pride ourselves in creative and appropriate solutions to residential problems. Our practice is centered around a deep understanding of residential living and construction. Out staff includes Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers and Cabinetry Designers. We like to practice “Total Home” whereby we look at home design across the full spectrum of our expertise. Rather than looking at design problems in a small way through our respective disciplines, we instead use our collective experience to broaden our perspective to arrive at uniquely wholistic solutions. Every part of the house can benefit from this broad-based view.
4. Pricing
a. We understand that ultimately a project can only proceed if it can be afforded. Rather than dodge the issue of cost, we engage with it early and often. We have a database of recent bids on our work from local contractors. This provides us with some broad pricing guidance early in the design process. We believe in “failing fast” by getting pricing feedback early in the process to allow the design to shift and evolve toward a solution accommodates cost constraints. We seek budgetary pricing from local bidders early in the design process to avoid wasted fee and effort on solutions that do not fit the wallet. By getting this feedback, we can adjust the scheme and better inform you of what to expect in the proposed design.
5. Permitting
Once we understand the cost of the work and we have a design that satisfies the need (and the heart!), we work to get your project approved by local boards. We are well experienced in navigating local jurisdictional boards including environmental review boards (i.e. Conservation Commission), historic review boards, design review boards as well as Zoning and Planning Boards. We speak their language and have a legacy of earning approvals with many of these boards.
6. Guidance
When construction begins, we are there to help answer questions, resolve disputes and develop the fine details that take a project from good to great. Construction can be a daunting and opaque process to those who have not experienced it before. We provide value by acting as a liaison between you and your builder and by helping with creative solutions to unforeseen issues that inevitably appear during the course of construction.
7. Procurement
In addition to designing elements to be constructed by others, we also sell certain products directly to you. We have developed relationships with vendor partners to be able to offer you interior finishes (tile, flooring, paper) as well as cabinetry, furniture, accessories and lighting. We handle the ordering, receiving and installation coordination as well.
8. Collaboration
On many of our projects, we are paired with other design colleagues in affiliated disciplines outside of our practice. We pride ourselves in “no-ego” joint efforts with fellow designers, whether they are interior designers, landscape designers, millwork creators or you! We’ve had great success on award-winning efforts with folks outside our walls. Great ideas come from many places…we can help you make them real.