Architectural design process

Residential Architect Steve Chambers' philosophy of client-centric design helps you realize your vision and build the home that is an extension of you, while actively helping you to ease the challenges of moving through your daily life.

"From the bedroom to kitchen to the office, it's all right in line, all with views to the outside. We really have enjoyed it. I've always wanted a castle, and I have one now."

- Susan Hawkins (modern home with Texas regional influences)

Each custom home design starts as a concept based on a several-hour interview with residential architect Steve Chambers in which the client and architect discuss everything from the 'feeling' of the home to the specific details the family wants to have, as well as a site visit to understand the orientation views and existing conditions of the property. From these notes, sketches evolve that eventually become thoroughly documented drawings and specifications so that the contractor has a 'blueprint' from which to build.

There are 6 steps that we find to be typical of most Residential Projects:

1. Decide: what features do you need/want in your new home; what are important priorities in the design
2. Conceptual sketches: what will your new home look like
3. Preliminary pricing: what is the appropriate price, for me, of my new home
4. Working drawings: how much and what kind of details do I want
5. Hire the contractor: how do I select the builder of my home
6. Construction: can the architect assist me during the construction of my home

Step 1 DECIDE: What features do you need/want in your new home; design priorities?

We meet with you and fill out a detailed checklist of options and possibilities or requirements for your home. A site visit to the property where the home is or will be located is an important part in the development of the design program.

Step 2 CONCEPTUAL SKETCHES: What will your new home look like?

We will develop a number of conceptual sketches that will depict the general layout and character of your new home, as well as the relationship of the home to the site. This process may go through several iterations to refine the concept.

Conceptual site study showing home location, trees, topography, views and vistas to consider

Cross-section through Tuscan style home showing room relationships and views

Cross-section through Hill Country ranch showing site lines

Conceptual study of a Texas ranch country home

Study for a West Texas family retreat

Hand-drawn conceptual sketch

Hand-drawn conceptual sketch

Hand-drawn conceptual sketch

Hand-drawn conceptual sketch

Hand-drawn conceptual sketch for Texas Hill Country ranch home

Step 3 PRELIMINARY DESIGN & PRICING: What is the appropriate price for my new home?

More detail is added to the concept that the owners have decided they want. Then, the design is refined. At this point, we ask contractors to provide preliminary estimates of the cost of construction.

1/8" plan

Measured drawings of existing structure for historic preservation of Folk Victorian home in East Texas

Pricing package drawing for preliminary estimate for renovation of an historic home

Pricing package drawing for preliminary estimate for the renovation of a historic home

 

Step 4 WORKING DRAWINGS: How much and what kind of details do I want?

We prepare detailed drawings from which a contractor can determine the cost and build the home to meet your specifications.

Working drawing of a Texas regional stone ranch house with standing seam steel roof.

Detail of floor plan

At this point in the process, the client has the option to purchase a 3-Dimensional Modeled Drawing of their home  to better visualize what it will feel like to move around the exterior and through the interior. We provide clients with the interactive program and the model that we generate of the project that can manipulated on their computers at home.  Below are three views of a home on Lake Grapevine that have been generated by our 3-D modeling software:

Step 5 HIRE THE CONTRACTOR: How do I select the builder of my home?

We will advise and assist you in the selection of your general contractor.

Step 6 CONSTRUCTION: Can the architect assist me during the construction of my new home?

We can assist the owner by observing the work and checking to see that the construction is in compliance with the plans and specifications, as well reviewing the contractor's application for payments and keep the owner informed about the progress of the work being done by the contractor. Each owner may decide how much oversight they need and want for the project. The contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures.

Foundation ready for concreteAntique long leaf pine mortice and tennon trusses in place during framing.

Completed Victorian home.

Jennifer Jordan Photography