Retail & Commercial Design Process
Commercial Architecture Design Services
There are two parts to the non-residential design process: the design and architectural process. Learn more about both below included in our commercial architecture design services:
The Design Process
Concept and Schematics
- You will have a consultation with our team to provide insight into your vision and operational needs. We review your budget and identify opportunities to add value through design.
- There will be a presentation consisting of conceptual images that tell a story and incorporate different styles that you can choose from.
- Together, we will define the style and materials that meet your goals and put together material boards for you to feel and choose from.
- We will then create conceptual layouts and sketches to bring your vision to life and do a virtual walk-through of 3D renderings to help you better visualize your space.
Design Development and Construction Documents
- Once we finalize material selections, we will shape the flow of your space and refine a floor plan that incorporates furniture layout, lighting, and specialty millwork.
- Then, we internally coordinate on required electrical and architectural aspects, review the drawings, and send them off for QA/QC.
- Once your personal style and taste have been established, the bidding phase begins, and thanks to our furniture vendor relationships, you will receive a quote with competitive pricing.
Construction Administration (CA)
- To expedite the process and assure contractual accuracy, we attend site meetings and make ourselves readily available to answer the General Contractor’s (GC) Requests For Information (RFI) and submittals.
- We provide on-site vendor coordination for various trades, such as lighting, art installations, and furniture placement.
- Installation shots will be provided at the end of the process.
The Architectural Process
Preliminary Work
- An initial on-site client meeting will be provided to assess existing conditions and establish project goals.
- We will serve as a liaison between you and the city to ensure compliance with regulations, restrictions, zoning research, and conduct code.
- If necessary, we will undergo the entitlements process with the planning division and coordinate a meeting with the planner for an overview of the project.
Concept and Schematics
- A conceptual package will be prepared to include conceptual images, material specifications, hand sketches of building facades, layouts, and interior renovations.
- During this process, we define the scope, schedule, and budget.
- Once approval is obtained, we create a design package that includes floorplans, elevations, the form, and the materiality of the space or building.
- Our team will coordinate with necessary consultants (SMEP, landscape, etc.) to review schematic designs (S.D.) and work through feedback.
- Finally, we begin building code analysis and zoning compliance.
Design Development and Construction Documents
- After coordination and a review of floorplans, elevations, materiality, and fixtures with consultants, a preliminary budget package will be provided.
- Your review of all drawings will take place with our team following a discussion of any further coordination necessary.
- A full drawing set that includes specifications, floor plans, elevations, sections, etc. will be executed after coordinating with our vendors and consultants.
- The application, along with drawings and supporting documentation, is submitted to the city and necessary jurisdictions. We work through comments and feedback with a plan checker and adjust drawings as needed for resubmittal.
- Our people will continue following up with the agencies to get the status of the project so you are always in the loop and up to date.
Bidding
- An additional bidding process will occur after the 2nd submittal, at your request, to reflect accurate pricing. We help guide you through the entire bidding process.
- Drawings, reports, analyses, data, and drawing logs are compiled and sent as bid invitations to contractors during the bidding process.
- Our team will then coordinate site walkthroughs and pre-bid meetings with all of the contractors where we clarify any questions on the drawings and issue bid bulletins accordingly for formal responses to the questions.
Construction Administration (CA)
- CA begins when the contractor is awarded the project, during which our team will attend construction meetings, answer RFI’s and submittals, and conduct site visits.
- A punch list is created with the contractor, owner, and other involved parties.
- Members of our team will then walk through the site, prepare the report, write a substantial completion letter, and be with you through the entire closeout process.