Schematic Design |
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1. Program Meeting: One or both of the principals will attend a meeting with the client during which the client will explain the various elements that they would like to see incorporated into the project. The client may also explain any particular aesthetic preferences. 2. Site Analysis: Every project begins with a thorough analysis of existing site conditions, such as site elements, survey drawings, photographs, climate, soil, flora and fauna, wind, sun, etc. 3. Schematic Design: BLA designers use the initial schematic drawings as a base for further development of the design, including more detailed grading information and specific sizing of items. The result will be a series of clear plans showing schematic design options. These elemental schematic documents are representative and express the concepts for the final landscape design. 4. Preliminary Cost Evaluation: BLA will send the finalized schematic design documents to contractors for preliminary pricing of the project. The contractor’s estimate will represent ballpark figures. At this point, clients may request budget driven revisions to the schematic design. Once these additional revisions have been completed the schematic design will be considered finalized. 5. Presentation to the Planning Department: Most municipalities require submission of drawings for review by the planning department. Given the variation in the rules for different municipalities, the size and complexity of different projects, the length of the plan review process varies greatly. BLA will submit the required documents and information to the municipality and will make every attempt to expedite the process to obtain approval for the plans. This process may require that members of BLA attend planning commission meetings or other planning related gatherings. |
Design Development |
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1. Initial Research: BLA will begin the design development phase by conducting research related to the design direction set forth by the schematic documents. This research may include the following: Phone calls or emails to suppliers, discussion with contractors regarding construction methods and materials available, and research in the BLA library. 2. Design Development Documents: Using the information gathered during the research BLA will draft accurate plans and sections. These drawings will contain the following information: Material choices and sizes. Accurate grading information. Accurate dimension information in scale. |
Construction Documents |
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1. Drafting Construction Documents: BLA will draft a complete set of construction documents that provide details the exact location and construction method for every element within BLA's scope of work. The construction set usually contains the following items: a. Demolition Plan 2. Engaging Consultants: BLA will send the set of construction drawings to consultants. The typical consultants required are the following: a. Structural engineer 3. Building Department: BLA will submit construction drawings to the municipal building department to obtain a building permit. Very often, building departments also require documents from consulting engineers. The building department process, like the planning department process, is unpredictable and can vary in its duration. 4. Pricing Bids: BLA will send the construction documents out to contractors for pricing bids. These bids will be accurate representations of the cost of the project and will help in determining the selection of contractor. |
| Construction Administration |
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1. The construction administration phase entails the over-site of the construction process from demolition and site clearing to project completion. The duration of this phase and the time commitment required are highly variable. BLA typically does the following work during construction administration: a. review of the general contractors contract on behalf of the client. |
