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The Architectural “Process” Continues…

By Clifford Scholz

Our next to last step is the duration of the construction of our design. A lot of work has gone into all the preplanning, detailing and “fussing about” on the building design. Now it is time for the rubber to meet the road and take this 2 dimensional design to reality in 3D.

The first item of business is the contract between the client and the contractor. The final bids and timing are in place and the budget looks good to all parties. The selection of the type of contract is on an individual basis that suits the client best. The available types are the fixed or stipulated sum contract or the cost plus variety. There are individual options for each of these, but generally the stipulated sum calls for the contractor to be able to build the design, per drawings and specifications, for a lump sum cost and in a specific amount of time. The cost plus variety entails more of an active participation between the client and the contractor as the contractor will build the design for cost, plus a fee. Our clients are somewhat split on which one they prefer, and our firm is very satisfied with either. A contract is a legal and binding agreement; and I have said before, that a contract is only as good as the people behind it. We have been very satisfied with the outcome of the contracts we participate in but I truly believe that this has been a product of very good communication between all parties.

Now the contract is in place and contractor mobilization begins. The process now becomes an interaction with the client, contractor, architect and the many consultants who assist each other in coordinating all of the aspects of construction to insure that the design is built according to the plans and specifications. This includes review of all shop drawings prepared by the subcontractors and craftsmen, to further coordinate that they are interpreting the design correctly. This also begins the coordination of the trades during our periodic site inspections at all of the important and crucial times. Our firm is now reviewing the contractor’s payment requests and release of liens to ensure that the client is only paying for built portions of the work that are constructed correctly and in compliance with the plans and specifications. Our firm is really the “funnel”. All parties relay their information through us so that we can assure that the building process is moving forward as we want it to. This process follows the same regiment throughout the entire construction until it is entirely finished. Coordination with the contractor, landscape architect, engineers, lighting designers, interior designers and most importantly, the client, is of paramount importance at this time. Depending on the duration of the construction, this can sometimes be an arduous task in keeping consistency and reliability at the highest levels. This is where experience and foresight provides for an even and smooth process.

Have we had challenges? Sure have! There are so many details to attend to that it is inevitable that there will be some hiccups along the path, but a seasoned veteran will keep the project on an even keel. Ultimately the process continues until the project begins to take shape and the finished product is realized.

It has been a long road, but the finished building comes out exactly the way we visualized it. Our goal is that the finished building will have surpassed our client’s expectations. Another piece of one of a kind artwork . . . .Frozen music…………..

The last step in the process is when the building is ready for occupancy and the owner moves in. This is one of my favorite steps. To see the building function as it was intended to, and to see people interact within and around the building is my favorite charette. I have been in many of our finished projects and this is the time when even my expectations are exceeded. I always learn something more when this process takes place. I learn that unlike many aspects of our lives, how important and how dependent we are on a team approach to architecture and life in general. It is true that a building is the sum of the details as long as they are correctly put together.

As founder of CMSA, Cliff has over 35 years of experience in architecture and construction. His sense of design and clear-cut goals has created a reputation for quality and excellence for his firm. As lead architect, he is responsible for the design of projects consisting of custom residential developments, office structures, commercial renovations, golf clubs and high-rise condominium buildings. He takes a proactive role in every project as the client contact, and directs his team of highly skilled professionals to keep every endeavor in balance.  Cliff received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, Michigan, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Cliff is also a Licensed General Contractor in the State of Florida and certified as a LEED AP. Cliff may be reached at 941-923-2400 or via email at cscholz@cmsa1.com.

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