REAL Exclusive Magazine

What To Expect From A Great Architect

By Clifford Scholz

I feel that open and straight forward communication is the most important part of the total design process.

The “process”, as we evolve through our work begins with the site itself.  A good architect will strive to understand the site attributes and the site will be visually reviewed for the following considerations:
• Geography
• Topography
• Climate
• Sun Angles/Orientation
• Surrounding Properties
• Access Points
• Views/Wind Orientation
• Environmental Considerations
• New and/or Remodeling Potentials

The site is then reviewed for these additional zoning and building regulations:
• Existing and/or Proposed Zoning
• Lot Coverage Considerations
• Building Height Minimum and Maximum Heights
• 3 Dimensional Zoning
• Building Setbacks
• Environmental and/or State Permits

In conjunction with the above, and also of the utmost importance is to understand the client’s desires, goals and dreams. Through meeting(s) with the Owner, an initial program is discussed which will enumerate the clients wishes for the project. This will include size, function, style, components, budgets and time frame. This serves as the basis for the preliminary design.

The next step in the process is to provide a preliminary design which includes a proposed site plan, floor plan(s) and exterior renderings. This is the visual interpretation and solution to the client’s goals, desires and dreams. With review and discussion, the preliminary design can be manipulated until all involved are comfortable with the design.

If a contractor has been selected, the design will be reviewed in order to provide the client with a preliminary cost estimate for construction. Interior designers and landscape architects should also become involved to gain their input. This preliminary process then continues with input from all parties until an accepted preliminary design is achieved.

At this time, with all approvals, we start the construction documents. The construction drawings are the drawings and specifications that the contractor will use to provide a final cost and to apply for and obtain a building permit. These drawings include architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical design drawings. If a state permit is required, we would submit for these permits and act as the Owner’s agent with The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

With a permit and a final cost available, we now assist in reviewing the bid and setting up a contract with the contractor. We always suggest that this contract be reviewed by your legal counsel. The contractor is now able to start construction, and during the construction phase, we continue to work with the Owner, interior designers, landscape architects and anyone else involved in order to coordinate the shop drawings and review the work in place to ensure it is installed per our design. This process continues until the project is complete and we generate our final punch list.

The time frame for this process is about 5-6 months for the preliminary design and construction documents. The construction phase is dependent on the size and complexity of the home/building. Each project will have its individual characteristics but the process itself remains consistent. There is a lot that goes into every project we accomplish and through experience and expertise we make the process fun and seamless. We pride ourselves on this and look forward to assisting our client’s in achieving that end result, which will be a beautiful creation specifically suited to our client’s needs and which will exceed their goals, desires, and dreams.

As founder and President 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.