Our Architectural Design Process

1. Project Understanding

2. Project Approach

The key to a successful building project, whether addition, renovation, or new facility, is for the selected design team to have the ability to translate the agency’s mission statement into a physical building program that maintains but also enhances the client’s goals.

Design Intent Architects has selected a team of consultants that offers expertise in all areas of the project. We have all worked together and share the same philosophy—a commitment to meet or exceed our clients’ expectations with the utmost respect, quality, responsibility, responsiveness, and integrity.
  

3. Comprehensive Facilities Evaluation

An integral part of our work is a comprehensive facility analysis with evaluation of the structures and site. This is essential to understanding the opportunities of the facility and the limitations of the physical parameters. Providing this step forgoes the need to “backtrack” due to “unforeseen” obstacles. Both client and designer discuss the options available and feasible without the large expenditure of both time and money. Despite the perceived loss of time, time is actually gained by this evaluation because project design reversals are not usually encountered. The client is best served because of prudent due diligence and remains secure with the decisions that follow.

Our design team is committed to helping you complete your building project in a manner that will enhance your operational efficiency, serve your needs and support your goals while matching your budget.

4. Design Process / Construction Documents

Based on the outcome of the facilities evaluation, the Design Intent Architects Team will develop a program that responds directly to the needs and goals of our client. After this initial program is complete, the Design Team will discuss it thoroughly with the client, seeking and or providing clarification of any gray areas. After all gray areas are defined, the final design program will be presented for approval.

Once the client approves the design program, the design process begins with the Program becoming a checklist for the entire process. Careful thought during programming typically results in an expedient design and minimal misunderstandings. This is a very valuable and worthwhile investment, and we support it wholeheartedly.

Communication is central to the entire process, and the hands-on design sessions reinforce its pivotal importance. Communication is everyone’s ultimate goal, and we look forward to participating with you in meeting this goal.

It is our practice to communicate with both state and local code officials and other regulatory agencies, beginning with the schematic design phase, through the construction documents phase.

5. Cost Estimating, Energy Modeling, Sustainability Evaluation

The Design Intent Architects Team believes in and is committed to the use and implementation of sustainable design—the responsible professional obligation. Following the MN Sustainable Design Guidelines enhances our ability to clarify and check all aspects of the project. The guide offers comprehensive strategies for both client and designer to evaluate and check all areas of the project prior to design, throughout design and construction, and during occupancy. We view the strategies as creative solutions to design problems. Thus the final product becomes a valuable educational resource for ongoing research and public education.

Evaluating the sustainability of materials and systems and analyzing associated costs throughout the design process results in choosing materials and systems that may seem too expensive initially, but which substantially reduce not only the operational and maintenance costs, but also the environmental impact over the life of the building.

6. Bidding

Following the client’s approval of the Construction Documents, Design Intent Architects will assemble the bidding documents, assist the client with the advertisement for bid, conduct a pre-bid conference and walk-through of existing building and site with the client and all interested bidding parties, issue addenda and review any and all substitution requests by bidders, administer the bid opening process, assist the client with assessing bids received and evaluate the bidders, and assist in the negotiating and construction contract process with the winning bidder.

7. Construction Administration

Renovation work demands more attention during the construction phase as well as the design phase. Unknown conditions that cause design conflicts often play a part in site visit frequency. Being readily available to discuss the issue(s) with the contractors on-site is imperative to maintain construction progress. Design Intent Architects is based in Fergus Falls and can be on-site within a matter of hours.

Design Intent Architects will hold a weekly construction meeting throughout the entire construction process. These meetings are crucial for proper project coordination, planning and implementation of construction trades doing work on the project. We will review submittals, shop drawings, and pay applications. Our team will respond to requests for information by contractors. We will produce proposal requests to the contractor if so needed, we will review any change orders that arise, we will make weekly field inspections of the project to confirm the completed work reflects the intent of the design, and we will review the final close-out submittals for the completed project.

8. 11-month Warranty Inspection

Every project is completed with a warranty inspection. Evaluation of the installed systems and materials is monitored and ongoing communication with the contractor is maintained throughout this 11-month period, allowing the client to rest assured that their investment is working as expected. All repairs are documented and made. The focus of the 11-month walk-through is to verify that all components are functioning as designed and any that aren’t are noted and expected to be repaired and/or replaced.

Measuring Success

A successful project is one that is on budget. This means balancing clients' needs and wish list and evaluating materials and design options to both meet your building goals and ensure you stay on par with your budget.