The first phase of every project is the development of the design program. We also refer to this as the “Owner’s Criteria”.

This phase is a little bit of getting to know you, and a lot of research. We will work to gather all the information for your project, which may include questionnaires, a site visit to measure and photograph, correspondence with any professionals who may have further information about the structure, and research as to whether the project can truly be built. This portion, included in the Owner’s Criteria can also be referred to as a feasibility study.

In the development of this phase, we assemble a “Program Document”. This document is a living document, which changes throughout the process of working together. We add notes to the appropriate sections, link to additional important documentation, and update with code information and notes from the appropriate county officials that may be needed as it arises.

Our early Program Document includes:

• Project goals and objectives

• Client requirements

• List of spaces and areas (when applicable)

• Other programmatic information including:

  • code reviews

  • budget requirements

  • scheduling constraints

  • survey of existing conditions or site analysis

Once the Owner’s Criteria are established, we move on to the Preliminary Design Phase.