THE PRACTICE
The Vision
Architecture and Design is a creative, collaborative problem solving process that involves research, exploration, understanding, and ultimately implementation. Through hand sketching, digital renderings, virtual reality, physical model building, and other available tools, this process becomes tangible.
Define & Explore
Project Goals & Conception
Design Brief
With the project goals and design brief in place, we begin by giving shape and form to our ideas. Trace paper is our friend in this stage as we develop iterations based on the project criteria through plan, section, elevation, and perspective studies. Programmatic and adjacency goals are tested, pushed and pulled, to determine the best layout. Conceptual structural and mechanical systems are investigated as well as sustainable strategies through site analysis that includes building orientation, solar angles, and layout for optimal passive heating and cooling strategies.
Refine & Visualize
During the design development phase, the project becomes more refined and tangent with many of the building systems and components taking shape. The project goals are re-evaluated to ensure project integrity, and at this point sustainable design strategies have been determined. By using Revit software, coordination is streamlined among the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry. Revit uses BIM (building information modeling) that is a 3D modeling software that provides a more efficient, real time editing platform.
Coordinate and Implement
Construction Documents
The construction documents are the technical drawings that describe the project in terms of size, shape, and location complete with dimensions. Through plan, section, elevations, and detailing of components they are the blueprint for construction that can be accompanied with specifications that describe the quality of building materials. Both drawings and specifications make up a complete set of construction documents.
Permitting
Concept Architecture + Interiors
At this level of design we can begin to explore the interior and exterior materials of the project. As an interior design package deliverable we start with the design brief and present several material schemes that follow the prompt. From there we develop color renderings along with a material board for reference, ultimately documented in our construction documents.
3D Graphic & Visuals
By using Revit, this also allows us to provide rendered perspective images, or provide clients with walk-through visuals. We also offer virtual reality for those that want to totally immerse themselves into a project to really understand the environment.
From the traditional design-bid-build method to integrated project delivery, there are many ways to organize and implement a project from conception to construction. WUD Architecture values a project delivery method that is collaborative, honest, and interested in the best outcome for all involved parties. We are open to any project delivery method that shares the same values and interests.
WUD Architecture can help with the permitting process with the AHJ (authority having jurisdiction), by submitting drawings, coordinating with consultants, and responding to city review questions in order to get the permit required for construction.
Construction
Construction administration is an important step in the process to ensure that the project is constructed not only according to the plans, but to ensure specifications are met. WUD Architecture can coordinate with the construction company by attending project meetings, conducting site observations, timely responses to RFIs (request for information), review submittals, and many other tasks associated with proper project delivery guidelines.
Starting with the macro, we work with our clients to develop the “big picture”, or the problem that we are trying to solve. What are the project goals, programmatic objectives, and how can sustainable strategies be implemented from the very beginning? Project delivery methods are discussed to see what best fits the project and various stakeholders for maximizing quality design and delivery.
The design brief or creative design brief is a thesis statement or narrative that captures the project form and function into an objective artistic vision. The design brief can and should be referenced as the project develops, or can be altered as the project goals evolve. The design brief has the potential to harmonize every aspect of a project from structure to finishes as it is always project specific.
Schematic Design
Design Development
We’d love to hear about your project and look forward to working with you!
Project Delivery Methods
Bidding Process
WUD Architecture can help with the bidding process depending on the type of project delivery method being utilized by the project. The best value for a project occurs when the AEC teams are collaborating from the very beginning in order to brainstorm and test building methods. The early stages of design, especially for integrated project delivery, are where the most savings can occur in a project rather than costly design changes during construction documents or later.
