Project Delivery: Why ARK Studio?

Great question. ARK Studio truly provides the best of all options, combining architectural expertise, a residential experience and focus, and the most effective cost. ARK Studio has experience working within both Design-Build (DB) and Design-Bid-Build (DBB), and can fit effectively into either project delivery. Whether working with a builder or homeowner, our job is to make the project a better overall experience. By thoroughly documenting the client's design ideas into comprehensive construction drawings, the client benefits from accurate bidding, cost and construction. Meanwhile, the builder benefits from thorough documentation and a well-informed, satisfied client.

Your new or renovated home is a major investment, and we would like to help you see it done right. When you're planning to build or renovate your home, there are several options available for integrating the design phase into the project. To avoid either overpaying for the right level of quality or underpaying for not enough, below is a brief guide to some common residential project delivery options. Each has its pros and cons, which are only meant as a reference for typical project scenarios and may not be true for all cases. Depending on your specific project, ARK Studio may be a better fit as an alternative design phase option. Learn more and find out:

An very common and alternative option is to integrate the design, bid and build phases into one design-build process. Here, the DB company is primarily a builder or GC with an ability to also produce and meet design requirements for municipal permitting purposes and client approval.
PROS: A popular choice because hiring just one company streamlines the entire process, saving time and money up front.
CONS: Both the design and construction drawings are typically property of the builder/ GC and produced only to the basic level necessary for permits. Therefore the client is not fully involved or aware of critical design details and material specifications, which are often mis-communicated or overlooked until the construction phase, costing unforeseen time and money. Furthermore, the GC has the right to replicate the design elsewhere, and many times does to save time and money.

Useful Articles on Home Design and Construction

Dahl, Jonathan. 1,001 Things They Won't Tell You: An Insiders Guide to Spending, Saving, and Living Wisely. New York, NY: Workman, 2009.
[Excerpt retrieved 10-19-2009 from realestate.msn.com]

Contrary to the indication of the title, this article is not intended by the author as a negative representation of builders and GCs as a whole. At ARK Studio we work with many very well-qualified GCs. This purpose of the article is as a reference guide for issues relevant to selection of qualified design and construction professionals.