what to expect from your designer

Getting a quotation to build your home or for any project requires proper architectural drawings. This is the only way your contractor can accurately cost your project that would satisfy your borrowing institutions. Hence, we were inspired to write this article after encountering a client that came to us for a construction quotation to build her house. Although she had a set of drawings, they weren’t telling the entire story of the building, also it wasn’t even what she wanted!

We come across lots of clients that hire a designer to get drawings done but it lacks the information required to get a close to accurate construction estimate and does not reflect the client’s needs (somewhat cookie cutter designs). Hopefully we can arm persons with the necessary knowledge needed when engaging a designer for their home as the drawings are the manual required to build.
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Disclaimer: What I am about to outline is our design process here at KK Construction and Designs Ltd (KKCD) and therefore does not have to be the exact process of other designers, but it should give you a good indication of what to expect when engaging any designer.

​The process is meant to be fun, engaging and democratic. It should involve sketches, drawings, computer models, lots of ideas, materials, thorough analysis and good humor. We think the best outcomes are the result of following each of the steps we outlined, to completion.

KK Construction and Designs Ltd. Design Process

1. Initial Meeting

Here we get an idea of the clients’ needs and budget. The budget is the most important element when it comes to design. At KKCD, we want to be as practical as possible with our designs. Budget is the primary parameter when it comes to deciding how much of the clients' wishes/wants can be fulfilled. Factors such as number of rooms and size of building is determined by overall budget. ​​

2. Issue Contract

​As the saying goes; “once it’s not in writing, it does not exist”. The contract process is just as important to the client as it is to us. It ensures the client that the obligations promised by KKCD is fulfilled in a timely manner.

3. Pre-Design Phase

Before design begins our designers make a site visit to the property to analyze elements that would contribute to the overall design. These elements include, property lines, wind direction, sun path, external noises and views to and from the site, just to name a few.

4. Schematic Design Phase

​This is where the fun begins. Here we create a design that is tailored to your needs outlined at the initial client meeting and site information collected in the pre-design phase. We then create a floor plan(s) as well as a three dimensional image showing the building for the clients’ viewing and approval.

5. Third Client Meeting

At this stage the client is allowed to make any changes or additions as necessary. ​

6. Design Development / Construction Drawings Phase

We usually group these stages together according to the type of project as well as its size. Design development entails selection of materials and finishes that the client would like in their design. Finishes such as paint colour, tiling, flooring etc. are selected by the designer according to the clients’ requirements and taste. After these selections are finalized we begin the construction drawings. As stated before, these drawings are the manual for building any project, therefore careful and detailed drawings are required. The designer should provide an entire set of drawings included but not limited to:

• Location/Context Map
• Site Plan
• Floor Plans
• Reflected ceiling plans
• Elevations (exterior & interior)
• Sections
• Wall Sections
• Stair Details
• Connection Details
• Ceiling Details
• Bathroom Details
• Kitchen Details
• Door Schedule
• Window Schedule
• Roof Plan
• Lighting Layout
• Power Layout
• Plumbing Layout
• Foundation Plan
• Beam Framing Plans

See below for an example of a full set of drawings!

7. Handover

​Ahhh… the final handover.  Here we would have reached to the end of the design process. The client would receive their full set of drawings and are able to get quotations from different contractors. We at KKCD also provide the service of submission to Town and Country Planning Division for building approvals. After the design process the designer can offer an additional service of project administration, but this is at the discretion of the designer.

When you engage any designer, there is a level of product and service that you as the client must receive and also expect. We at KKCD pride ourselves in delivering a unique product and an even better design experience, in the hopes of imparting knowledge to our clients. Our process is very collaborative, interactive and fun, because we believe that an investment as big as building a home or any project should be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. We surely hope that this article helps anyone who is beginning the journey to home ownership through design. You can also check out our previous post 5 Steps to Home Ownership and Actual cost to build a home in 2018 for more information. Leave us a comment below if this helps!
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Until next time ​,
KKCD Family
​#KKdesignislife