|
|
Consulting
Whether you
need design solutions for the pots on your small patio near the
beach, your condo balcony,
or simply some new curb appeal for your
home, we can help. An hour or two of consulting and a few ideas
and
sketches can transform your ordinary outdoor space into an extraordinary place
for you to enjoy the California sunshine.
Here
are some other ways that a consultation can help you
v
Your
rental property needs some curb appeal
v
You
are selling your house and the current landscaping needs some help
v
You
just moved into a new house and the previous owners collected pink
flamingos and they are everywhere
v
The
entrance to your home office needs a new look
v
Your
beach home needs a few new pots on the patio
v
Your
courtyard needs a fountain
v
Your
family needs a shade tree in the back yard
v
You
have always wanted a rose garden and a lemon tree and dont know where to plant them
Full Design Services
For larger
projects, Houghton Design Group offers full design services.
Services include: Conceptual Design, Agency
Processing, Construction Documents,
Bidding Assistance, Construction
Administration, and Post Construction Evaluation.
Design Phases Chronology
The
design
process is complex and unique to each project and client. Although
smaller projects such as front yard makeovers may only require a
consultation visit and a few ideas and sketches, the following
schedule represents a typical
step-by-step chronology for most
residential projects.
Conceptual Design Phase
-
v
Client
Meeting
- We will visit your home to determine project scope,
issues, concerns and budget. At this time we will also take
digital images of your site and its adjacent surroundings.
-
v
Proposal
After the initial consultation, the scope of work is
determined and a proposal for design services is mailed to
the client. After the proposal for design services has been
accepted, the project begins.
-
-
v
Code
Search
One of the first tasks is to investigate and determine
governing agency ordinances, codes and any review processes
required.
-
-
v
Conceptual Design
A base
plan is then created which shows where the house sits on the
lot, the size of the lot and the various setbacks and
easements. Typically, the client provides the base plan in
the form of a plot plan or an architectural plan. This
information is then translated into a CADD file and printed
on a 24 x 36 or 30 x 42 sheet, depending on the size of
the project. Tracing paper is then taped over the base plan
and the site analysis is drawn showing specific conditions
of the site. Then, a previously determined number of
conceptual alternatives are created on trace paper. Sections
and elevations are also drawn to help clients visualize the
three dimensional qualities of the proposed concepts. Image
boards showing proposed plants and materials are also
created. When these drawings and boards are complete we meet
with you to review them.
-
-
v
Design Refinement
The conceptual design is refined, construction costs are
estimated and we meet again to review these refinements.
Agency
Processing
-
v
Determine
Need for Agency Review
Some cities, HOAs, planning commissions, special
district reviews, environmental agencies, etc. require
design reviews. If required, these reviews are scheduled.
-
v
Submit
Drawings
Any drawings, samples, or applications required by permit
requirements are submitted.
-
-
v
Project
Presentation
If required, we will present design concepts to governing
and permitting office.
Construction Document Phase
-
v
Construction
Drawings
Detailed drawings necessary for obtaining competitive
bidding and dictating the quality of construction are prepared.
Plans could include a Construction Layout Plan, Grading and
Drainage Plan, Irrigation Plan, Planting Plan, Lighting
Schematic, Detail Enlargements, and Specifications.
-
v
Consultant Management
Sub-consultants, if necessary, i.e. Geotechnical,
Structural, and Civil Engineers, arborists, and
environmental consultants are managed.
Bidding Assistance
& Contract
Negotiations Phase
-
v
Bid Distribution
If required, we would obtain competitive bid prices from
contractors.
v
Bid
Collection and Evaluation If required, we would
collect and evaluate bid results.
-
-
v
Contract Negotiation If required, we would assist
in the cost negotiations with a Contractor.
-
Construction Administration Phase
-
v
Observations
If required, we would review the project under
construction for conformance to plans as a third party on
behalf of the Client
Post Construction Evaluation Phase
This phase involves
reviewing the completed and built project to determine if any
additional changes or improvements are required.
|
