Services
We have experience in a wide variety of project types and embracing commercial, residential, and planning: and pride ourselves in the variety of projects and the flexibility to quickly immerse into new project types.
We contend that is is our METHOD of approaching architecture that facilitates such variety and flexibility. Please see SELECTED WORKS and STUDIES for a sampling of projects. We offer two tiers of service - Pre - Design Consultation Services and Full Services.
The conclusion of the Initial Consultation Meeting will likely be a recommendation of services; either Pre-Design Consultation Services or Full Architectural Services.
Initial Consultation Meeting
Engaging Stella Maris Architecture either through phone or email is the first step to understand how we may assist you. See the CONTACT page.
We can quickly discern how to steer you in the right direction, whether that may be services outside our firm or the arranging of an Initial Consultation Meeting to further discuss your needs and objectives and how we may address them.
For a nominal fee, we will arrange this discussion either at our office or at your project location, depending on appropriateness. You will receive a questionnaire to help us better understand your project, and as a preparation for the meeting. After our discussion, you will receive a formal summary of the meeting, recommend next steps, and a fee estimate for continued services.
Pre-Design Consultation Services
Are you in the planning stage of your project?
These services are offered to address your needs before you are prepared to "break ground." This is the stage of the project where the focus is on clarifying the project's vision and process, which may include regulatory issues, programming, branding, budgeting, site selection and diligence, the architectural process, team building, and more.
In general, these services produce information rather than design and drawings. They can be complete in themselves or can dovetail into full architectural services.
Types of Pre-Design Consultation Services
Full Architectural Services
Are you ready to enter the process that culminates in a physical work of architecture?
These are conventional architectural services that incorporate pre-design information and lead to the physical actualization of the project. Full services can be preceded by pre-design services or initiated without them. The flowchart below explains the five major phases and their sequence.
Schematic Design
The bridge from pre-design to design development, where the project's broadest concepts and systems are defined, visualized, and the project's parameters are understood.
Design Development
The design is elaborated architecturally and technically through visualization, drawings, and engineering consultation.
Construction Documents
The approved design is solidified in the production of drawings and specifications necessary for the permitting, bidding, and construction of the project.
Bidding and Permit Acquisition
Sometimes simultaneous with the Construction Document phase, this activity aims at determining and acquiring the actual budget and contractor for the construction, as well as confirming regulatory compliance and permissions to build.
Contract Administration
Once construction has been initiated, the architect, on behalf of the client, verifies and assists with the contractor's administration of the contract, ensuring adherence to the Construction Documents.
Architecture Service Custom to Your Project
Stella Maris Architecture is committed to assist you in your vision and goals at the place you are in the process. Two tiers of services, intended to accommodate you as the client, are offered. A consultation meeting is usually necessary to clarify which level of service is appropriate.