We sketch first ideas to keep design fluid.
Computer-aided design tools help visualize the project.
Construction documents provide contractors with detailed specifications.
We work cooperatively with contractors during the construction phase.
Here the finished building is being tested for air leakage .A good process leads to good results. Even with the best of intentions, a good building can't result from a flawed process. We've learned that the best buildings are born in a spirit of discovery--owners, designers, and builders working together to find the best solutions to the challenges of each project.
Through years of experience we've developed a cooperative, interactive and unfolding process--one that includes all members of the team and allows the design to benefit from everyone's knowledge while crucial decisions are being made.
Our process allows and encourages feedback while it can still help make the project better. We assess sites, codes, budgets, and needs before plunging into design.
A green building isn't a conventional building with some "environmental stuff" added: it's one created through an innovative way of working.
Our Process
Predesign
We begin by listening to clients to understand their mission and goals. Sometimes we help refine and prioritize these goals. When clients are a couple, a family, or a group, we make sure to hear from each person.
Preliminary Concept Design
We then generate a preliminary concept to present to the owners. We solicit comments from them and refine and change the design with their input. Even at this early stage we encourage bringing in consultants, engineers, and the contractor se we can adjust the design to reflect their insights. At this preliminary concept stage there would be an initial cost estimate to review.
Design Development
Once we have gathered feedback from all involved parties, we further develop the design until it is fully cohesive and resolved. Another cost estimate is generated for review. At this point there would be floor plans and a 3-D computer model of the design.
We visit the site with clients to learn what makes it special: its views, its natural features, the way it interacts with sun, wind, and water. This helps us better understand the opportunities and challenges of a particular place .
Construction Documents
Finally we complete the computerized document with details, materials, dimensions and all the information necessary for final pricing and construction.
Contractor Selection
We often encourage our clients to hire their building contractor (and a few subcontractors) early so he/she can be part of the team process described above. In a typical bid process the contractor is chosen based on final price and is therefore not selected until after the design is complete and can be priced, thereby missing out on the opportunity to influence the design. However, if such a bid process is preferred we can accommodate that. In either case we can help you go through a selection process to find qualified contractors who are best suited for your particular project.
Construction Administration
During construction we can make regular visits to the site to meet with the owner and the contractor. The purpose of this service is not "supervision" but rather to monitor the progress, facilitate communications, keep track of changes, and address unforseen concerns and issues that come up during construction. This helps progress go smoothly, keeps morale high, and quality consistent.
Commissioning & Post Occupancy
When the building is nearly complete and prior to occupancy, we require that all systems be tested to ensure they are working, calibrated, balanced and otherwise functioning as they are supposed to. We monitor and review these tests. Furthermore we make sure the contractor has given the owner all maintenance schedules and equipment manuals and that the owner has been instructed on their proper operation. This is called "commissioning." After the building is occupied we follow up to evaluate actual performance against expectations and troubleshoot problems if they occur. We never stop learning.
How We Charge for Our Services
We charge by considering the time and effort required for a particular job. Unlike many architects, we don't set our fees as a percentage of construction cost. Instead, we meet with potential clients and develop a clear idea of their project and what they expect from us. Then we estimate the maximum amount of time we'll need to provide the services. This provides a "fee cap" for services provided. If the project will require consultants or engineers, we add that cost to our estimate. We charge either for actual time spent, or the "fee cap" whichever is less. We also charge for certain expenses, such as blueprints, computer plots, photocopies, postage.
Although we determine our fees differently than most architects, our fees are comparable to those of other firms.
For jobs requiring travel more than 50 miles from our office, we ask clients to make a $20 donation to SeedTree, a non-profit organization that plants trees in Nepal and Nicaragua. Planting trees helps offset emissions caused by travel, and benefits people in these countries.
How is our approach different?
We begin by listening 
Visiting the site is vital to the design process. 
Seed Tree: planting trees in Nepal and Nicaragua.Home | You & Your Goals | What We Offer | How We Work | About Holland & Foley | The Next Step | Links
©2003-2009 Holland & Foley Architecture, LLC
232 Beech Hill Road
Northport, ME 04849Telephone: 207-338-9869 contact@hollandandfoley.com