Zoning Review

• As full service residential architects on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod we provide a thorough review of zoning regulations regarding setbacks, septic requirements, Conservation Commission and Overlay District issues. MHAA’s residential architects shall coordinate the zoning review with site engineering plans. MHAA will contact the Civil engineers responsible for the septic design and review the site plan they produced. The civil engineer shall represent the Owner at the Board of Health, Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals hearings as may be required.

Existing Conditions Survey

• MHAA’s residential architects shall review all provided drawings of the existing structure and determine the extent of any additional surveying services required. MHAA will draw the existing conditions of the entire structure. Documentation shall include a foundation plan, floor plan, elevations and sections as required.

Programming of Space Needs

• MHAA shall prepare a description of space requirements and the nature of each space. The outline of the program shall be based upon MHAA’s initial meeting with the Owner. The program shall be reviewed and approved by the Owner as defining the initial goals of the project. Dimensional and square footage allocations will be attached to each space with a compilation of total square footage. For residential architects, this is the beginning of the design process

Schematic Design

• Based upon the approved Program and the site plan; MHAA’s residential architects shall prepare design options and sketches for Owner review and comment on. The design shall be presented with drawings including sections, plans and elevations. Models may also be used in the later stages of the design process to further communicate the scheme. This is where residential architects are first able to give form to a clients dream.

• Meetings to review design options with Owner.

• Revise the plans to address Owner’s directives.

• Arrive at an appropriate Schematic Design.

• Coordinate obtaining a preliminary statement of probable construction cost from an appropriate contractor. We feel the relationships between residential architects and contractors are especially important due to the pace of projects of this scale. We have good working relationships and open communication with the contractors we work with.

Permitting

• MHAA’s residential architects shall prepare the building permit application and required materials and submit to the various authorities.

• MHAA’s residential architects shall attend required hearings, meetings and/or site visits as agent for the Owner.

• Coordinate with the site engineer regarding Board of Health, Conservation Commission and ZBA issues. The civil engineer shall take the lead role in permitting through the Board of Health, Conservation Commission and ZBA, with MHAA attending appropriate hearings as required.

Design Development

• Based upon the approved schematic design; MHAA’s residential architects shall prepare scale drawings that develop the design in greater detail to explore materials, dimensions, and spatial relationships.

• Prepare an outline pricing specification.

• Assist in obtaining a preliminary statement of probable construction cost from an appropriate contractor.

• Meetings as required to review plan development with Owner.

• Arrive at an approved design development package.

Construction Documents

• Based upon the approved Design Development package and statement of probable construction cost; MHAA’s residential architects together with the project designer begin working drawings and specifications for the project.

• Structural design review by structural engineer as required.

• Meetings as required to review the construction document development with Owner.

• Arrive at an approved construction document package for bidding and construction.

Bidding & Negotiation

• Prepare an invitation to bid with required submission dates and instructions to bidders.

• Recommend and interview appropriate contractors with Owner.

• Assemble a bid list for the project or assist in deciding on an appropriate contractor with which to negotiate a contract.

Construction Observation

• Site observation as required and established in AIA B151.

• Document and communicate with client the progress of the work.

• Process requests for payments from contractor.

• Develop punch list(s) required for final project close out.
  

Not included as part of Architectural Services:

• Site Engineering

Photography:
Brian Vanden Brink