| HOME |
| SERVICES |
| PROJECTS |
| BACKGROUND |
| RESOURCES |
| CONTACT |
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:
Like the traditional architect-led DBB, the process still consists of three phases. However, as an economic and time-saving alternative for the design phase, the client purchases an existing design from a retail source, such as a builder supply store or website database. The client then uses the design documents to shop for bids from general contractors.
PROS: Construction drawings are owned by the client. The plans are relatively cheaper, ready to go and provided nearly instantly.
CONS: While the construction drawings themselves are owned by the client, the design is not, and can be replicated many times. The design does not fit to the exact needs of local codes or the client, nor are they efficiently designed to utilize site, orientation and climate. More importantly, it is not uncommon for structural, legal and spatial flaws to exist in the drawings. Therefore after permit review, local municipalities could very likely require changes, causing clients to spend additional money to have an architect, engineer or designer review and/ or revise the documents.
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.