Project Starter Service & Vision Package
Introduction
Embarking on a new home or remodel project can be daunting, especially for first-time clients or those unfamiliar with the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. We understand the difficulties that arise during the initial stages of such projects, and that's why we have developed our Project Starter Service and its Vision Package to provide a seamless experience for our clients.
“This allows our clients to start their projects quickly, correctly, and without any long-term commitment.”
#1
Challenges Clients Face When Starting a Project
Choosing the Right Architect or Designer: Finding the perfect architect or designer for your project can feel overwhelming because of the commitment factor. Home projects typically take 1-4 years to complete, and finding the right match can be daunting. When interviewing architects, you should consider their experience, portfolio, references, and most importantly, a strong working relationship. As a wise client once said to us, it's crucial to find an architect who is great to work with during both smooth and challenging times. You want to work with an architect who excels at problem-solving with other people.
Uncertainty about Project Scope and Possibilities: Another challenge is that you may not know what’s possible and you may not have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. You might have some ideas, but the path forward appears murky. It’s common for clients to want more information and exploration of possibilities before fully committing to the entire endeavor. This is where our Project Starter Service comes into play.
#2
Solution: Project Starter Service & Vision Package
Our Project Starter Service is a 6-step, fixed-fee, short-turnaround service designed to give our clients the ability to start their projects quickly, correctly, and without any long-term commitment. It is essentially a trial run that concludes with a Vision Package that has a feasibility and design analysis, as well as preliminary design work. Here are the 6-steps:
Client Questionnaire: We ask detailed questions to understand your need and preferences, and the project requirements.
Scope and Services
Budget
Schedule
Taste and Style: Favorite Brands, Artists, Movies
Use and Occupants: Who will be using the home, how it is lived in, and who visits
Program: Specific spaces, activities, and items you envision for your home.
Property and Home: The areas you like the most and least, and the areas you use the most and least.
Goals: The project mission statement.
5 Reference Images: Can be of design or anything else
Existing Plans: Existing floor plans, interior elevations, elevations, and/or site plans are provided by you. These can be obtained by the building department or a professional. For interior scope projects, we may survey the interior of the home ourselves to generate a floor plan. Note that all of these documents will be needed if the project moves forward, regardless of who you end up working with.
Virtual Meeting: We have a meeting to discuss the above materials. We may also assemble a larger set of reference images and review them with you during this meeting.
On-Site Meeting: We visit the site to absorb the property and see how you live in the home if it’s a remodel.
Vision Package: Once we have gathered the necessary information, we proceed with creating your Vision Package. This typically takes between one to four weeks. Here’s what it has:
Analysis of Property and House: A comprehensive examination of restrictions, challenges, and opportunities presented by the property and existing structure through text, plans, and diagrams. Some specific items may include:
Zoning restrictions
Circulation and flow
Architectural language
Landscape
Sun, wind, views
Structural considerations
Furniture layouts
Materials
Programming
Aesthetics
Geometries
Project Goals
Floor Plan Sketches: 2-3 design options, each with a different concept (for new homes) or scope of work (for remodels).
Diagrams: Visual representations of concepts, circulation, program, views, and more.
Mood Boards: Visual inspiration to help convey the desired aesthetic.
Presentation Meeting: We present the Vision Package to discuss the design options, the next steps, and an overview of the design and building process.
Vision Package Excerpts
“It is an appetizer, allowing clients to better understand their wants and needs before commiting.”
#3
Who Is It For? Is It Different From the Typical Process?
The Project Starter Service is for clients who are serious about their projects, whether it's an interior remodel, architectural remodel, or new home.
The Project Starter Service encompasses elements of both the initial phases in our process (Analysis and Concept Design). Think of it as an appetizer for these phases, allowing clients to better understand their wants and needs before proceeding. Every design phase (e.g. Concept Design) involves a number of meetings for us to present different design options or revisions. The Vision Package presentation can be thought of as the first meeting in the Concept Design phase.
It is important to note that the Project Starter Service is not a drafting service, it is not a full design, nor is it a construction document.
#4
Benefits for Clients
Known Cost: Our Project Starter Service’s fixed-fee and fixed-scope structure ensures transparency and eliminates uncertainties regarding its cost. Speed: The short turnaround production schedule enables you to quickly see what is feasible. Trial Run: The service acts as a trial run, allowing you to observe our operational methods and problem-solving approach. It is equally helpful to us in making sure we work with good people. Valuable Information: Importantly, the materials and Vision Package produced during this service are valuable and can be utilized for the project regardless of whether or not we are hired for the full project. Rough Pricing: The Vision Package can be used as a document to get preliminary rough pricing from a local contractor. Contractors typically do not like giving estimates without some form of drawings and documentation.
Idea Testing: One significant benefit is the opportunity for you to see your ideas and aspirations on paper, perhaps for the first time. Architecture and interior design are often challenging to grasp without visual materials, making this service valuable.
To further expand, there is often a dance that takes place between clients and professionals at the beginning of a project. Architects and contractors want clients to commit before they do any work or make any promises. Meanwhile, clients want assurances from the architect and contractor before the project starts. Consequently, some clients will spend time talking about the project extensively before starting in an attempt to problem-solve its feasibility, style, program, budget, materials, etc. before any work actually happens. The truth is that this does not have the effect such clients hope for. It does not expedite the process, make things more efficient, or be more controlled. Because of the complexity, length, and uniqueness of any project, architecture, interior design, and construction inherently involve strategic risk-taking and require translating ideas into action. For some clients, this requires a shift in their mindset. While it's important to be prepared and responsible, progress only happens when the pen is put to paper.
Resources: All of our Project Starter Service clients get a copy of our Genuis-Build Track, a detailed client guidebook to the full architecture and construction process.
No Commitment: After the service ends, clients are free to continue with another architect if desired (TBH this rarely happens).
“It is the opportunity for you to see your ideas and aspirations on paper, perhaps for the first time”
#6
Conclusion
We understand the challenges faced by clients when starting a new home or remodel project. With our Project Starter Service and Vision Package, we aim to alleviate these concerns by offering a transparent and efficient way to begin the journey. After the service, together, we can transform your vision into reality, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience every step of the way.
Book a Project Starter Service here or email us if you have any questions.