Our Process
Creating a custom building that feels good, complements the building site, and brings the best of the outside into the design is the foundation of architecture.
More than just a finished structure, architectural design takes you on a journey towards a style and a plan captures the essence of your life. When you go through the custom design process for a home or any other structure alongside Johnson Design, the end result is a space that is extraordinary... that surprises, delights, comforts, energizes and impresses like none other.
The design process, while rigorous and thorough, should also be fun. After all, you are working alongside a talented team of architectural experts to create your dream from scratch. That should be exciting and it is! At Johnson Design, you work with Kent Johnson himself, the founder of the company and the man who takes your ideas and puts them to the paper. He really listens and asks questions so that together you can create something special.
Research & Programming
Research involves developing an understanding of local building and zoning codes and site constraints that affect the project site. They include setbacks, green space, FAR (floor area ratios), easements, and other building/zoning code and property deed restrictions.
Programming is the portion of the project where we develop the guidelines we will need to begin the schematic design phase. During this phase, we will define what the "parts" of the project are along with our priorities for the project.
Schematic Design
Schematic design incorporates the "parts" and site constraints/opportunities list that we have developed in the research and programming phase.
We begin with schematic diagrams that graphically illustrate site and room relationship issues. During this phase we will study various options, optimizing site and component relationships.
Design Development
Once we have developed our room relationships and site diagrams, we will now start to create floor plans and exterior building elevations that will begin to define the look and style of the project. We now define circulation, furniture layouts, size, scale, proportion, and building materials for the project. Preliminary project cost estimates are also incorporated, giving our clients a sense of overall project costs.
Any and all necessary presentation drawings required for zoning and architectural approvals are also produced during this phase
Construction Documents
The construction document phase entails the production of all graphic and written information necessary for bidding and building the project. These detailed documents include all architectural and engineering information required to describe the scope of work and finishes for the project bidders. A thorough set of construction documents and project specifications create value for our clients by ensuring a complete and competitive bidding process.
Bidding & Negotiation
The completed drawings are now sent out to qualified builders or sub-contractors for pricing the project. We assist bidders in developing concise and complete bids for their portion of the work. We then assemble all bids and assist our clients in selecting and assembling the right team for the job.
Construction Management & Administration
During the actual building of the project, we will schedule and coordinate all daily construction activities relating to the job. We develop and maintain weekly construction schedules and manage all financial concerns as the general contractor. During construction, we will develop monthly construction draws, that allow our clients to frequently see all cost associated with the project, as well as any scheduling issues that affect the project time frame.
If are working in the capacity as architects with another general contractor building the project, we will provide construction administration services for our clients, ensuring the project is being built in accordance with the drawings and specifications.
