The Design Experience
Turning Dreams Into Dwellings
Services & Project Outline
While every Architecture project is unique, the design process rarely varies. This process is outlined here to better acquaint you with what will happen over the next several months.
Ink Works Studio is a custom Architecture studio focusing on housing: both single & multi-family. Ink Works specializes in putting each family’s vision and dreams into a cohesive home design. We focus on ecological and economical solutions to real housing situations. New spaces, renovations and remodeling are among our everyday challenges.
Our Mission
To create thoughtful spaces – either new or renovated, using practical designs & building science – that will bring JOY to the inhabitants which will be accomplished in an environment of collaboration & compassion.
A primary component of every project is determining what will be accomplished - this is the idea - the spark that starts the project.
This often involves defining what types of spaces are needed (a kitchen, a bedroom, etc.) and determining the general characteristics of the space. This knowledge is a very necessary part of every design project. Owners often know this before even contacting an Architect.
The Engage Phase is all about finding the perfect fit between client and Architect. Ink Works Studio offers a free 1-hour consultation to discuss the Owner’s ideas and explore if we are a good fit to work together for the next several months on the project.
Engage
During this phase of the project Ink Works Studio will be assessing:
The feasibility of the owner’s ideas
Documenting the owner’s needs and wants
Other possible solutions to the presented problem
Known regulatory issues that would conflict with the idea
The owner’s timeline and budget
Determining what type of services the owner needs or wants
Assembling a Fee Proposal for the Owner
Assembling a formal Agreement
Discussing the project with the Municipality to determine project requirements
The Fuse phase takes the project ideas, regulatory & municipality regulations, and using Ink Works creativity develops design options to solve the problem.
Local zoning ordinances and the Virginia Construction Codes limit how much of a particular site can be developed, and what types of structures can be placed on any parcel of land. Together with the Owner’s desires and budget, a clear design is sometimes obvious from the onset of the project.
During the Fuse phase, much of the design work is accomplished. We use the owner’s ideas, and our experience and creativity to develop several design options for each client. Those ideas are then honed into a working 3D model of the project. Design is, by its nature, iterative, and thus this is the longest part of the entire process. We will work closely with each owner in a back & forth manner to find the best solution for your project, all while considering constructability, zoning, building codes, and sustainability issues. Ink Works Studio is committed to producing designs that are in line with known building practices, and that are true to the materials that will be used during construction.
Fuse
During this phase of the project Ink Works Studio will be:
Measuring & modeling the existing building, if any
Determining which utilities are already present on the site
Verifying zoning set-backs and other site restrictions
Determining building specific restrictions, as defined by the local municipality
Provide 1-3 different design options to the owner
Revise the selected design to capture other wants
Produce an agreed upon 3D design for approval by the owner
Perform or hire preliminary engineering functions: structural analysis, structural calculations, soil analysis, site surveys, preliminary site plans & parking lot layouts
Perform an initial Code review based on the desired design
Refine
The Refine phase further develops the design by layering systems and materials, until a constructable set of plans is completed.
Together with Ink Works Studio, the owner will select interior and exterior finishes, fixtures, equipment, and systems. If Engineering is required, much of that work will occur during the Refine phase. This is also the production phase of the project, where the well-known “plans” or “blueprints” are drawn in detail, showing how each building system or component will come together to form the design. If a General Contractor is already on board, they will be consulted during this phase of the project to provide a smoother construction process.
During this phase of the project Ink Works Studio will be assessing:
Assisting the owner in selection of systems and finishes
Coordinate other design professionals
Perform a final Building Code check for compliance
Select doors, windows, lighting, and specialty equipment
Select decorative materials, finishes, paint colors, etc
Produce detailed floors plans, elevations, foundation plans, framing plans, and sections
Produce construction details and schedules of materials
Produce diagrams and reports required for permitting (braced wall diagrams, energy use reports, VDH applications, etc)
Assemble Construction Documents for bidding or permitting
The Embody phase is the final stage of the project; this is where the project is built!
The phase begins with the selection of a General Contractor, if one has not already been idented. If a formal bid is desired, several Contractors will be invited to submit a cost estimate based on the produced documents. Ink Works Studio encourages owners to select a Contractor that will be a good t for the project in skill level and experience, as well as personality, and finally economically. Ink Works wants to be actively involved in your project during construction; we are here to be your eyes on the jobsite, answer questions that arise during construction, approve payment requests from the Contractor, and monitor construction progress and adherence to the Construction Documents.
Embody
During this phase of the project Ink Works Studio will be:
Providing the required technical information to the local Municipality, as requested during the permit review and approval process
Editing Construction Documents when mandated by the Municipality to obtain a permit
Performing regular construction site visits to observe and document
Holding meetings with the owner & GC to review progress, answer questions, and make necessary decisions
Project Flow Chart
See our process in real step by step parts.
