Our Design Process
We break down each phase of the residential design process, so you know what to expect during a home remodel or new construction project.
Sweetwater Design provides complete Building Information Modeling (BIM) to generate plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, details, and schedules - all of the necessary components to create construction documents for your building design project needs.
SHEMATIC DESIGN
The first phase of the design process involves discussion and planning your design goals. We will gather information about your project regarding terms of spaces, functionality, and overall vision. This phase includes the following steps:
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On-site measurements and an assessment of the existing building conditions will be performed
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Your designer will then begin researching applicable zoning laws, building codes, and regulatory requirements
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A Preliminary Floor Plan Layout and Elevations will be created to show the site, interior spaces, and exterior design basics
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Duration: 2-4 days
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
The next step is to refine and revise. Once the Owner selects a design direction, the Designer adds detail and incorporates requested changes. These are then reviewed for reactions and options with the Owner. This phase includes the following steps:
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Designer revises drawings based on homeowner feedback from Schematic Design phase
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Floor Plans, Elevations, and Perspective 3-D views will be fleshed out for another review
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Online meetings (Zoom), texts, and phone calls will be utilized to communicate any additional changes
Duration: 2-4 days
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
The Designer will develop construction documents (permit drawings) in accordance with the building codes and zoning ordinances having jurisdiction. The Designer will decide which drawings are necessary for construction. These may include:
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Site plan
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Zoning and code information for permitting
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Existing and Demolition plans
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Floor plans
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Foundation and Roof Plans
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Framing Plan
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Wall Sections and Details
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Interior and Exterior Elevations
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Recessed Ceiling Plan
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Electrical Plan
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Door and window schedules
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Materials and fixtures
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Duration: 2-5 days
CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION
The Construction Observation phase of our services is the last and accounts for time and fees on a project. On most projects, we do NOT supervise construction. We will periodically visit the job site to see progress and ensure the contractor is following the plans per the architectural design intent. During this phase it is common that some additional services for the designer arise due to clarification requests or change orders to address any unknown field conditions as they arise. Our attention during this phase will ensure the smooth and satisfactory completion of your project as our goal as a designer to help turn your dream into a reality.
Duration: Until Completion
DRAWINGS INCLUDED IN THE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT SET:
1. COVER SHEET
The cover sheet includes the general notes and building code information, design standards and structural materials specifications required to construct your home.
2. SITE PLAN
This architectural site plan shows the scope of your home project with property boundaries, building set back lines, easements, and other information regarding the building of your addition.
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3. FOUNDATION PLAN
This plan gives the foundation layout, including support walls, excavated and unexcavated areas, if any, foundation notes and details.
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4. FLOOR PLANS
These detailed plans show the layout of each floor of the house. Rooms and interior spaces are carefully dimensioned, and keys are given for cross-section details provided later in the plans, as well as window and door size callouts. These plans may also show the location of kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures, and may suggest locations for electrical fixtures, switches and outlets.
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5. ELECTRICAL & REFLECTIVE CEILING PLANS
This plan shows switches, receptacles, ceiling fans, and lighting locations. Additionally, the RCP shows location of HVAC supplies and returns.
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6. ROOF PLAN
The roof plan shows the overall layout and necessary details for roof construction. If trusses are used, it's suggested that you use a local truss manufacturer to design your trusses to comply with your local codes and regulations.
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7. EXTERIOR & INTERIOR ELEVATIONS
Included are front, rear, left, and right sides of the house. Exterior materials, details and measurements are also given. This sheet also shows details of the house from the roof to the foundation. This section specifies the home's construction, insulation, flooring and roofing details.
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8. WALL SECTIONS & DETAILS
Important changes in floor, ceiling, and roof heights or the relationship of one level to another are called out. Also shown, when applicable, are exterior details such as railing and banding.
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