Design Process
The Evolution of an Idea
This page will describe the design process, and follow one of our current projects as it is built. We hope that this will give you a little peek at the way we work. Please click on the images for a larger view.
During the initial stages of the design process we discuss the individual needs and desires of our clients. In this stage of the process we discuss how the clients live, and the things that inspire them. We look at images of structures to which they are drawn. Often we study other things that they find beautiful even if they are seemingly unrelated to the future structure. This process helps us to really get to know our clients.
In this Preliminary Design stage many sketches will be produced. Often these sketches are “chicken scratch” notes that are later used to create the design, sometimes they are a bit more refined and help the clients start to visualize the space.
A rough draft of the design is produced and presented to the clients. This first draft is used as a starting point to the deeper design conversation. Walls are moved, and spaces adjusted in order to refine the design and tailor it to the specific client. At this stage a study model may be produced, to help further illustrate the structure.
During the Design Development stage the drawings are further refined, and details start to be designed and incorporated into the structure.
The drawings are then further refined in the Construction Drawing and Detail Drawing stages. We pride ourselves in creating full designs that not just describe the “bricks and sticks” of a house, but consider all aspects of it from exterior details to interior details, down to the specific trim pieces that will be used.
Construction Process
As part of our services, we work with our clients through the construction process. We do this in order to make sure that no opportunities are missed during construction, as well as to answer builder and client questions as they may arise.
The first thing to do is to select a suitable lot. Sometimes our clients will already have their lot when they come to us, and sometimes we are involved in the search.
After the house has been staked out on the site, and adjusted as needed,the site is excavated in preparation for footings and foundations.
Concrete footings and foundation walls are poured.
Concrete slabs are poured and ground floor framing is constructed.
First floor framing is constructed.
The second floor and roof structure is framed. At this point the client commented: “It looks just like the model, only about a hundred times bigger!”
The house is “dried in”. House wrap, roof membrane, and windows are installed.At this point the mechanical systems are installed, inside the house people are busy installing plumbing lines, HVAC vents, and miles upon miles of wiring.
The exterior cladding is installed. In this case we used Georgia granite, and an over sized, concrete brick.
While the exterior is being installed, the house is getting insulated. In this case, we used open cell spray foam insulation.
After the insulation is inspected, and the house tested for air leaks, the drywall or plaster is installed. In this case we used drywall.
After the brick and stone have been treated with a sealant to prevent water infiltration, the protective window film is removed.
In the rear of the house, the pool and terraces are built.
Wide plank walnut floors are installed and finished. The fireplace surround and mantle are installed.
The ground cover is installed to prevent erosion. It is always amazing to see what a little green can do to a house.
Teak flooring is installed on the roof deck. From this vantage point you can start to see the landscape design for the back yard. There is a small pool terrace area and lawn, beyond the lawn is about three quarters of an acre of natural landscape, that will act as an urban wildlife sanctuary.
The initial layer of landscaping is installed in the front and back of the house.
There is more to come. Please check back often to see the construction progress.
Construction Photographs by Todd Fibus, Castro Design Studio, and John Howard