Retail & Commercial Design Process

There are two parts to the non-residential design process, the design and architectural process. Learn more about both below:

The Design Process

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.