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The Architectural Process Continues By Clifford Scholz

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The Architectural “Process” Continues….

By Clifford M. Scholz

After understanding the client’s desires, goals and dreams, completing the preliminary design work and selecting a contractor to work with is the next step in “The Process”.

This is when the “rubber hits the road”, as the talking is over and the actual 3 dimensional concept is born. At this point I have an unformulated approach to laying out the early sketches for the site, floor plan(s) and front and rear renderings. This creative activity is really just me sketching. It is very important at this time to be thinking in 2 and 3 dimensions at the same time. I believe that a rough sketch of the site, plans, and elevations serve as a good beginning, while fine tuning the sketch overlays. This part of the design can happen quickly, or it can take a few extra sketches to fine tune it. Much of our work is renovation/restoration work and the constraints of that work can either quicken or extend the timeframe. The end result is hand drawn renderings/plans of the components of the home or commercial structure. For me, this is the most fulfilling segment of our work. Typically the critique goes well and the remaining scenarios are massaging the design concept to the site and the client’s finer needs. Many times we construct a model of the structure for the clients review. This is maintaining the “total communication” with our client, so that we are sure that they understand our work to date. I also include at this presentation an estimate of what I believe to be the projected construction costs of the improvements.

As the preliminary design work is progressing I like to introduce our clients to a number of quality contractors who I feel would work well with the client. A lot of this is also personality matching, as the clients will have a rather long business relationship with the contractor. Getting the right personality match is vital to a smooth project. I recommend that each of the contractors meet individually with the client. At that meeting I recommend that the contractor show the client their offices, meet with the personnel that will be working on the job, see a project under construction, as well as a finished project. All of the contractors that are introduced are very able to complete the work, and typically the clients will gravitate to one or two of the choices.

When, preliminarily, the contractor is selected, we then work with them in estimating the construction costs and timeline of the project. Our preliminary drawings are then combined with written and abbreviated outline specifications. The drawings indicate the quantity and location of components of the building while the outline specifications denote the quality and standards that we expect in construction. This is invaluable information at this time as we can then modify any aspects of the design prior to starting the construction documents. I like options in life, and the ability to tweak the budget or the design at an early stage saves time, money and heartache later on down the line. At this time, we also continue our permitting status and ascertain if there is a FDEP (Federal Department of Environmental Protection) permit required, along with any other variances or code compliance items to review and address. Sometimes this will include meeting with the permitting authority to review various aspects of the project. At this stage, our work will also include reviewing the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing concepts with the contractor. Once those parameters are established then work can proceed to the next stage- construction documents – detailing the final product on paper.

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 [2].

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