concepts

for buildings of all types

background

A primary focus of FCA is developing concepts - ‘the idea’ - for buildings. During university I particularly enjoyed and excelled at quick concept design exercises. While at Kirkor Architects I was grateful to do many site organizational layouts (with building footprints) for mid-large scale developments; a number involving conceptual design of the associated buildings.

services provided

Brainstorming design possibilities - then zeroing in on that best suited for the particular client/circumstances - for properties/buildings owned or being considered for purchase. The graphic information produced may be for review/use by the client, neighbours & as a basis for municipal reviews. Permit drawings (for larger scale projects), tendering & review of construction are no longer provided (I prefer to focus on design) - if desired by the client, these aspects may be outsourced to a colleague. In-person meeting during course of project provided as desired by the client.

process

The client furnishes survey plan (if available) and conveys initial design aspirations. Drawings of the existing building(s) &/or site, context as applicable are done on computer. Relevant zoning/development parameters are established. Some investigation of similar projects is done for reference. Various design directions are generated and analyzed (may address site organization, building massing, floor plans & exterior elevations) - the direction best suited for the particular client/circumstances is identified and then refined. Drawing distribution and discussions often are via internet though it can be more time-efficient or comfortable to resolve design aspects in-person.

deliverables

Along with associated comments during the process, graphic material representing the design usually is b+w 2D CAD computer drawings - sometimes manual - depending on what is sensible for the given project. More elaborately, models (3D CAD or physical) may be involved - along with colour or material texture rendering of the drawings.

In-person meeting during course of project provided as desired by the client.

engagement

Following initial discussion with a prospective client, a proposal for services will be sent by email for consideration - of which the following are key aspects: fee basis to be hourly* with half travel-time involved charged for, copying separate/additional, initial 50% (of estimated total fee) due at outset of work with subsequent payments to be received within one calendar week of invoice. It is preferred for payments to be done via electronic transfer. With consideration to the above and low overhead, the fee rate is limited. Any consultant or municipality fee (if involved) separate/additional to architect fee. (*- a single rate is utilized for simplification - at a medium of the differing rates various tasks such as drafting, design, coa, etc may be)

for project list - see here