The 3 Phases of Working with an Architect:
Design, Documents, and Administration

PHASE 1: SCHEMATIC DESIGN (typically represents 1/4 of the total architect fee)

Schematic Design typically can take 3-6 months.

Creating a home is a journey that necessitates a collaborative process. As with anything worthwhile, outcome is directly proportionate to effort and intention. It is a team effort that requires responsibility, participation and accountability by everyone. As your architects we lead, communicate, facilitate and coordinate that team. At Trillium we work with you to make the outcome worthwhile, rewarding and cherished. After all, a cherished home will be a well cared for home and it will live long into the future. We want to make your house into the most desirable home in your neighborhood. Follow these links to learn more.

We know that just as no two people are alike, neither are any two projects. We think it is important for you to understand the process and your part in it. The progression we take you through has some basic principles but is also flexible enough to allow for the specifics required for each individual project. A good project is often marked by three things: a clear and thorough set of plans, timely decision making, and excellent communication. The following is a basic outline of events

Initial Meeting: First we meet and present ourselves - and our work - to you. We listen to you tell us what you are looking to accomplish. This first meeting is free and it is a time to get to know each other and for each of us to decide if we are a fit for the project.

We get to know you: Once we decide to work together and have agreed on the project scope and fee we meet again. We ask you a lot of questions about the way you live and listen to the answers. We gather information about you your family, your community and your connection to the world at large. We will need to spend time getting familiar with your lifestyle and surroundings. You are an extremely important and integral part of this process. The input we get from you is vital to understanding your needs and desires. If we are renovating or adding onto an existing house, we will take pictures and measurements and gather relevant data we may need. It is very helpful at this point to see any drawings, surveys or paper work you may have regarding the construction of your existing home.

Design: We look at all the input with objectivity. We look at your surroundings with fresh eyes. We have perspective on the situation which is unique. We process all the information taking into account a long list of items. We research anything that we need to clarify. We add to the list of considerations that you have given us anything that - in our unique professional judgment - is relevant. The following are some of the many things we may consider when looking at your project:

- The history of the house and/or site

- Existing conditions of the house and/or site

- Beauty, balance, appeal, proportion, light, air

- Kinship with surrounding context

- Functionality and livability of the plan

- Material, mechanical, furnishing and lighting selections

- Heating, cooling, water and air issues such as energy efficiency, health, comfort, and maintenance

- Life cycle assessment, initial cost

- Cost to build and cost to maintain

- Using and/or reusing resources effectively

- Codes, local zoning, fire safety

- Re-sale value

- Prioritizing your desire to 'be green' and determining if any of the rating systems or alternative-resource options will be a priority for your project

The Design Phase is complete when we have come up with a scheme (i.e. basic plans and elevations—what your house will look like) that you feel work for you and solve your house problems.

PHASE 2: CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS (typically represents 1/2 of the total architect fee)