Building Design Services
Design For People is a full service studio providing all stages of building design. Over the years we have refined an excellent design process that usually includes the following phases. On occasion it makes more sense to pick and choose and we are happy to offer our services a-la-carte.
Feasibility Study - This is the starting point for nearly every new project we take on. There are always regulatory hurdles and site constraints, and we have found that getting an early start on them is vital to a project’s success. We will identify risks and obstacles to the project and then create a strategy for how to proceed. Often this saves an enormous amount of money and headache down the line, and gives you the confidence to move forward.
As-Built Plans - We offer on site measuring and documentation services. If you don’t have building plans of your home, we can create accurate 3D models, floor plans, and elevations so you know that you’re starting the process on sound footing.
Schematic Design - Sometimes called a “Concept”, Schematic Design is where the good ideas really start to flow. This is the work that puts people, place, inspiration and dreams on a collision course in a beautiful process that will be the guide for the rest of the design process.
Design Development - Design Development is where Schematics get refined, value engineered, and analyzed for ease of construction and energy efficiency. This is the nuts and bolts of building science and is often an iterative process in conjunction with schematic changes.
Construction Documents - 90% of the decisions have been made, and now it is time to put together a final set of documents that will communicate the project to code authorities, builders and sub-contractors. If needed, structural engineering takes place at this stage.
Permit Procurement - Applications are filed, permitting fees paid, and we take care of any follow-up questions necessary to receive an approved permit.
Construction Administration - If you need references for dependable contractors, have questions about the building process, or would like us to monitor the progress of your project, we offer Construction Administration services on a Time and Materials basis.
Energy Efficiency Consultation - Whether it is consulting on a project for another firm or investigating the potential of achieving Net Zero Energy on an existing structure, we can tailor our services to your needs.
Site Planning - Our projects are closely tied to their site and setting. We believe that all sites have natural features that make them unique and it is our job to find and reveal them- nature will take care of the rest. Almost all our projects come with a site plan to ensure care is taken during construction and the best features emphasized. We also offer stand alone site planning services for people wanting to explore the best use of their location.
Custom Design & Fabrication
At Design For People we pride ourselves on being a multi-disciplinary studio. We have a fabrication shop where we custom build furniture, windows, doors, cabinets, art installations, and many other things that exercise our creativity. Sometimes what a space really needs is a custom piece to bring everything together - and we have the experience and craft to ensure it is done exactly right.