What the Architect Does
So you are ready to begin on a construction project. Your first reaction may be to call a contractor to get some verbal estimates based on a vague description or a sketch that you may have done.
STOP!
In most cases, this approach will lead to misguided information and inaccurate budget estimates. Also, this usually leads to borrowing on amounts that are too high or too low. Instead, first interview an experienced, Florida licensed architect. A good architect that will provide the following services.
Site and Zoning Analysis
Upon site research, your architect will be able to tell you how much building will be permitted on a piece of property, the uses or type of occupancies allowed, how much parking will be required and the maximum height of the structure, along with other local land ordinances.
Project Program and the Preliminary Design
Once you have completed the site analysis, you and the architect will proceed with creating a program, or list of uses and spaces, that will be needed in your new building. A catalogue of these rooms will be created and their sizes will be listed so that the building floor plan can be designed and the building elevation can be drawn to reflect this floor plan. At that point in the process a conceptual site plan can be designed to work with the building’s internal functions and the exterior influences on the site.
Design Development Phase
After you have reviewed and approved the Preliminary Design, the next phase is to further add information and refine the design of the dimensioned floor plans (indicating doors, windows and plumbing locations), building elevations, structural systems (foundations, wall sections, framing plans), roof plan and outline of electrical & mechanical systems.
Construction Document Phase
This is the final stage of the drawings and specifications to be used for bidding and securing your building permit. These plans are completed to address the State and Local Building Codes, in sufficient detail to finalize your contractor’s construction costs and receive your city or county building permit.