How We Work

One of the most important aspects of our relationship with our clients is the confidence they have with us throughout the entire design and building process. Beginning with the first conversation, we want the process of collaboration to be as transparent and as understandable as we can possibly make it. It is our intention that – if you become a client – you feel informed, confident, and knowledgeable throughout the entire project. Our goal is to orchestrate a design and building process that you will look back on fondly as a rich and fulfilling experience.

The Construction Document phase for us is the most detail-oriented part of our services to you. Although some architectural firms may hand off to the builder a set of plans with as few as 10 or 12 sheets, for us a complete set of plans that contains 50 to 60 sheets is not unusual, plus a project manual that details all construction requirements. We want to be sure that every detail of your project will reflect your vision as accurately as possible, even down to the exact placement of the wall outlets and light switches.

We use the latest three-dimensional architectural computer technology that allows us, throughout the entire design and construction process, to create as many perspectives; walk-throughs, etc. as may be necessary for you and the contractor to fully understand the design intent. Many other architectural firms still work in two dimensional images and charge extra for 3D images. We have found the 3D imaging process is an invaluable tool for our clients to fully understand the building; hence we provide this for no additional charge.

After construction has been completed and the contractor is about to pack up and leave the premises, Archaeo goes through the entire project from top to bottom, inspecting everything! At the end of this tour, we will create a “punch list” (a list of corrections for the builder) that can run numerous pages of items that need to be modified, fixed or replaced. You can now move in, but for us it’s still not over.

We first meet with you to gather information about you and the site you have chosen. We’ll ask you about both tangible and intangible aspects of the project – character, size, quality, schedule and budget.

Next, in the Schematic Design phase we begin the creative part of the process. We’ll create a site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, 3D renderings and/or models and a preliminary description of the various finishes and materials – floors, walls, ceilings,exterior, roof, etc.

After construction has been completed and the contractor is about to pack up and leave the premises, Archaeo goes through the entire project from top to bottom, inspecting everything! At the end of this tour, we will create a “punch list” (a list of corrections for the builder) that can run numerous pages of items that need to be modified, fixed or replaced. You can now move in, but for us it’s still not over.

In the next phase, Design Development, we’ll create more detailed drawings. There’ll be more 3D images to give you a “feel” for what the design is going to be like, including more detail about the finishes and materials. We can now submit this information to contractor(s),so they can provide a preliminary estimate of the cost.

Eleven months from the date construction is finished, Archaeo will arrive one more time to go over everything room by room with a fine-tooth comb. This time, we make sure that anything that falls within your 12-month guarantee can be repaired or replaced while your warranty is still in effect.