The Design Build Process (360) 628-9241

    THE FIRST MEETING
-
     The introductory meeting is to learn about you, your home and the ideas you have about the project.  We educate
     you on the process involved to turning your dream into a reality.  Then we discuss your budget.  This reality check at
     the beginning saves everybody time.  The key is to determine if your plan is feasible based on your budget or if it will
     need to be done in phases.  This is also where we determine if the project is appropriate for our firm.   A must read
     article:  Planning your project


     THE DESIGN AGREEMENT & ESTIMATE PROCESS
-
This phase will include the landscape architect, the contractor and any other professionals necessary to your project.  Our design agreement states that, for a fee we will design your project, produce construction documents and an estimate to meet your budgetary goals.  This process is not about giving you an estimate for an idea you have, it’s about designing a plan to meet your goals and budget. If the plan is larger than the budget, then we can design a phased approach to the project.  It is important to understand that this process takes time and patience, but the end result is an organized, thorough and accurate plan.

- THE DESIGN PROCESS -

The Base Plan:  This is the foundation upon which, the site plan is developed.  From this foundation we create
the designs, site plan and construction documents. This includes the key forms of the site and buildings such as
the property dimensions and elevations, the hardscapes (walkways, roads, driveways, decks, gardens, etc) and
building components such as foundations, roof lines, sheds, etc.  All the as-builts or existing elements that will be
used in the new project are noted. These lines & specs get carried into all the other drawings.


   Conceptual Designs:  The designer or architect works with the client's
   ideas and turns them into sketched concepts.  This is mostly artistic with
   some technical aspects that will need to be applied to do the project.


   Design Development:  All the designers and trades people participate.  Drawings are taken to a more
   detailed level.  Structural issues and engineering are addressed and the concepts start evolving into the final
   design or site or master plan.  This process ties the clients ideas into a working plan.


   The Review, Final Details, Selections and Plan Approval:  We walk through the details of
   the proposal with you and we encourage you to ask questions.  As concepts and final selections of materials
   are defined we provide budgetary feedback, letting you know the impact of the decisions you make.  At the
   end of this phase, the hard work by you and our design team comes together into a well-defined project.


    Site Plan and Construction Documents:  The site plan and specifications are produced.  This is
    the details that ensure the construction work stays on target with the design goals.  At this point, the
    contractor can do the estimate based on the customer's budget, permits can be obtained and the project plan
    can be developed. (Similar to blue prints & specifications in building or remodeling)

- WHAT'S IN THE DESIGN BUILD PACKAGE? -

1. Base Plan:  Dimensions, existing structures and details, elevations, trees, plants, etc

2. Conceptual Drawings:  Artistic renderings of the final project


     3. Details and Specifications Examples:
           >  Mounting a pergolas or deck to the building
           >  The deck or patio design & materials
           >  The brand, size and color of the pavers
           >  Watering systems and gardens irrigation
           >  How plants tie into a retaining wall, etc
           >  How the ground is prepared to be build on
           >  Planting beds and garden details
           >  Dimension plan, sections and elevations, grading plan
           >  The planting plan  (Types, where their placed, etc)
           >  Building details on benches, fences, walls and walkways
           >  How the boarders of different features like walls or water features, tie together
           >  Drainage solutions to natural water flow or standing water issues in the winter
           >  Technical and engineering specs on wall construction or decks


4. Construction Documents:  These are essentially everything that has been drafted; drawings, base plan, site plan, engineering details,
    construction specifications, planting plan, etc.  (If permits are required, these plans are vital)

5. Construction Agreement & Project Plan:  The contract & deposits to be paid, payment schedules, project scope and schedule,
    communication processes and project completion procedures, etc

- THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE -

We set the start date, order materials and then the work begins.  Our crews and trade contractors are very
professional and you'll find them personable and helpful.  Respecting your property and minimizing disruption
are constant guidelines, as is regular communication with you. 

When decisions are needed  from you, or unforeseen conditions are encountered, these items will be brought
to you in an expedient manner.  If these situations affect your budget, you will get a change order detailing the
credit or cost.
-
-
       PROJECT COMPLETION
      
       At the end of the project there will be a detailed walk-through and explanation of systems and
       maintenance schedules and how to deal with any warranty issues.  Then before a year is up, we will
       contact you to see if there are any issues that may need our attention. Most importantly, you get to
       enjoy the results of a well planned and managed project.
-
       Back To: 
       Home Page  
       Services Page

LANDSCAPING    -  Home Page    -  Landscape Design    -  Landscape Architecture    -  Landscaping Services    -  Commercial Landscaping    -  The South Sound    -  Small property Solutions   OTHER RESOURCES    -  Planning Your Project    -  Cascadia Blog    -  Project Slide Shows    -  Contractor Info    -  Portfolio   REMODELING    -  Remodeling Services    -  Home Repairs    -  Disability Remodeling    -  Design & Architecture

Cascadia Landscaping  (360) 628-9241 "The landscaping division of Cascadia Design Build" SERVING:  Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and parts of Thurston & Pierce Counties Arch-Eco Design  (360) 273-9291 www.archecodesign.net Markthor MacFarlane: M.Arch., B.Land.Arch., Lead Designer SERVING:  Based on scope of work, site location may not be a factor   Residential & Commercial Landscaping - Landscape Design & Architecture - Master Planning   Sustainable Design - Decks - Patios - Arbors - Sunrooms - Pergolas - Fences and Gates - Pavers & Natural Stone Walkways, Steps & Patios - Decorative Concrete, Walkways, Patios & Driveways Rockscapes - Custom Gardens - Green Houses - Sheds - Rock & Concrete Block Retaining Walls  Sprinkler & Garden Watering Systems - Water Features, Ponds & Streams - Outdoor Lighting Handicap Gardens & Accessibility - Softscapes - Erosion Control & Drainage Systems

DISCLAIMER:  Cascadia Development Services, Inc. makes no endorsement or guarantees for specific facilities or services or products found on, or linked to this site, although our information strives for accuracy, integrity and the latest industry trends.

Cascadia Design Build is a top remodeling contractor in the Olympia, Washington Remodelers guide on RemodelingTool.com.