Most professional designers vary in respect to their independant office practices; however, the deliverables of planned project management are no different. Constant and clear communication with your design professional will accelerate decision-making early in design phases, providing infinately greater data for consistency and clarity throughout all phases of your building project.
BIM, by its very nature, drastically alters the design phase of any project. An abundance of information is compiled in a short period of time. This allows us to continually plan ahead and make decisions concerning material specifications, construction requirements and interior design selections and livibility...and allows us to work around your schedule!
During the preliminary design development phase, you will receive preliminary drawings available in either electronic and/or hardcopy. These drawings generally include:
The floor plan(s),
The site plan, and
The exterior elevations.
After your review, we meet in person to discuss further options and/or revisions and agree on a design contract deciding deadlines and fees. Each "prelim" and subsequent revisions further develops the 3D model. Throughout the design development phase, we walk you through your plan in the virtual environment by providing architectural renderings, animations and reference documents for construction culled directly from the BIM. Typically, most of our clients prefer three preliminary plan set revisions prior to ending the preliminary design phase.
Depending on the scope and specific requirements for your building, other specialist are often required to complete the vision. Structural engineers and Energy specialists are often consulted. This is often the best time to select a contractor. Contractors will often have valuable insight on budget considerations.
The design phase typically ends with the beginning of the bid phase. A bid set of documents is used to collect bids from contractors, vendors and suppliers. During this phase, PFX may also review shop drawings, accept and reject subcontractor submittals and allow a limited number of revisions, usually concerning budgets and finishes.
The permit phase begins when you have selected a contractor and your set of plans are finalized. Only after you sign off on the plans will we release the final sets to your contractor. We will complete the construction document phase for issuance of building permits and enter. We are readily available to the client and the contractor throughout construction and into occupancy.