We enjoy the entirety of the architecture process, from the big ideas to the nitty-gritty details. At SEA, we roll up our sleeves and dig into each project’s special set of circumstances. If we could illustrate our inner-workings, it would look a little something like this:
This pre-design phase sets the project’s tone and establishes a foundation from which to build a strong solution. Listening is key to any relationship, including this one. We go into every project with a fresh set of eyes (and ears)—we understand this is your project, not ours. We listen to your needs, wants, and overall vision, ask a lot of questions, and then listen more. From what we learn about you, we can take your story and craft it into an approach that accomplishes your needs in ways that you might not expect.
Due diligence
Establish scope and program
Develop project schedule
Precedent research and analysis
Develop project ‘parti’
Schematic Design
Here is where we take all the information we learned from you during discovery and bring it together. Much like a puzzle, we gather up all the pieces and determine how they fit with one another to create the big picture. Our discussions help us to establish a plan for diving into the project’s schematic design.
Expand project ‘parti’ into a set of cohesive design concepts
Study program adjacencies
Develop loose, conceptual plans and renderings
Preliminary MEP and structural systems design
Client review and collaborative editing session
Preliminary pricing
Land use and/or Community Review (when required)
Design Development
We think of this stage in the process as the “pencil meeting the trace paper.” When our team looks back at the project, this is the moment we can point to as the first time the concept is visualized. Our approach to the development of the design is iterative, thoughtful, human focused, and technically adept. We don’t like to play favorites, but this is the juiciest part of the process.
Develop preferred design in detail
Fine-tune and develop systems, details, materials, etc.
Develop final renderings
Client review and sign-off on design
Pricing check-in
Construction Documents
The pencil from the development stage evolves into ink during the document stage. Here we tell the complete story, the big picture–the design is fully developed and now needs to be communicated to the team for construction. Ultimately, this is where we spend the most amount of time, crossing every ‘t’ and… well, you know the rest.
Produce full technical drawings used for permitting, bidding and construction
Full coordination of all building systems; Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E); etc.
Construction Permits
At this point, we typically assist you in applying for a building permit. The Permitting process generally runs in two parallel but separate tracks. Once a building permit application has been submitted, there is a review period. We track this process closely and respond to all questions or concerns from the city on our clients’ behalf. At the same time, should you choose to bid out the project we will respond to any questions from your selected contractors and assist you in reviewing bids.
Submit for building permit
Track permit process
Respond to comments and questions
Receive building permit
Construction Administration
The building stage is the point we all work toward—when the design comes to life. Although here is where we pass the baton to our hard-working friends, the general contractor, we are still involved. We stay engaged every step of the way to ensure the design intent is upheld throughout administration of the construction contract.
Provide quality control throughout construction
Attend routine on-site visits
Review submittals from contractor
Answer questions in the field
Certify pay applications and review change order proposals
Final punchlist walk-through
