Process

The process of creating architecture can be daunting. Wondering where to start, who to hire, creating the design, selecting the finishes and fixtures, and working through the construction details, all require a great deal of communication and collaboration. With clear goals, and the right team, the process should be a pleasurable experience from start to finish. At BRIBURN, we take that process seriously, and we strive to create life-long relationships. We pride ourselves on being incredibly good listeners and collaborators, implementing your ideas and goals into a creative design solution that is sustainably focused, energy efficient, and unique.

Define Your Goals

This is when the seed is set for the project that lies ahead. Before hiring an architect or a builder, you can start to define your needs, and develop the scope of the project. Set your goals (program/spaces, sustainability, energy goals, and possible certifications) and define the budget, the schedule, and the project requirements. Look at precedents and gather the required site information (survey, soils reports, deed restrictions, etc.). It is not critical that you have all this information at the onset of the project, however more information will lead to a more accurate proposal from the Architect.

Build the Team

Finding the right team members for a project is critical for a successful, stress-free outcome. Oftentimes this is a new experience, and finding team members that understand your needs, your specific interests, and the project goals, is vital in assuring the best results. The team can vary significantly depending on project type, size and budget, however it will almost always include an architect and builder. We suggest starting with the Architect. At BRIBURN, we have expertise in a wide variety of building types, we will work hard to understand your specific aspirations, and work with you through the design process to guide you along a path to success, creating a unique design that meets your needs and challenges, budget, and schedule. Our typical team will include a Principal in Charge (Chris Briley or Harry Hepburn), a project manager, and support staff. We will build a team that has the experience and availability to tackle the project and guide the process efficiently and effectively. We start by questioning, investigating, and listening. We will learn what your sustainability and energy goals may be and what certifications you might be interested in achieving, and we then help you define a preliminary budget, and general project schedule.

Information Gathering (Pre-Design)

After hiring BRIBURN, the first step is to gather all information required to effectively move forward with the design. This again can vary depending on project type, location, size and budget, however it typically includes programming (understanding the spaces/rooms needed), code review, site analysis (understanding setbacks, sun path, wind patterns, and views), and building analysis (if you are renovating/remodeling an existing structure). We will visit the site to better understand the topography and measure any existing structures, and we will also help gather the required site & utility information and schedule a survey if one is needed and has not already been completed.

Design

During this this phase, we explore design concepts utilizing all the information gathered during the pre-design phase. We will guide you through Schematic Design, presenting design options (conceptual floor plans and 3D massing images) to convey the overall design strategy. Through a process of presentation, feedback, and reaction, we hone the design down to a single concept that reflects your goals and budget. This is when Design Development truly begins. Working together, we then develop the design inside and out, developing construction methodology, choosing interior and exterior finishes, windows, and doors. The interior elevations will be developed to show finish millwork and cabinetry. During this phase we will often work with a builder to estimate the cost and then make adjustments as needed to refine the design to meet your budget.

Energy Modeling

At BRIBURN we focus on sustainable, energy-efficient, design. Decisions regarding the building envelope (foundation, exterior walls, and roof), building systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and hot water), and building orientation, are made based on data gathered, and results from energy modelling. Each project is energy modeled to benchmark energy performance (anticipated energy costs), and to guide and confirm our decisions on exterior envelope construction and system selection. The decisions made will be reviewed based on their financial/environmental impacts and your specific project budget and goals. We will explain the opportunities for certifications (this includes: Passive House, LEED, Energy Star, Living Building Challenge, and/or Net Zero), and based on your decision, we will guide you through the processes required.

Construction Documentation

During this phase, BRIBURN will generate the contract documents (drawings and specifications) required for permitting, bidding, contracting, and construction. This is the set of instructions the builder will use to build your project and what the builder will be legally obligated to provide for you. This usually includes the finalized floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, finish plans, building elevations, building sections, door and window schedules, construction details, and interior elevations showing finish carpentry and custom millwork. Major products, materials, and fixtures (electrical & plumbing) that have been selected will be described and specified. We will coordinate with our structural engineer to finalize the framing plans and review details at the foundation, walls, and roof. Likewise, we coordinate with mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants as needed to adequately describe the systems chosen.

Bidding & Negotiation

BRIBURN will assist the Client and/or chosen Contractor as required to evaluate pricing and contracting strategies and selection of vendors. If the project is over budget, we will work with both the owner and the builder to offer creative strategies to help reduce the cost and move the project forward.

Implementation

At this point, the design is set, the permit is in hand, and the contractor is ready to get started. We will work with the builder to answer questions and help with the coordination and execution of the construction per the construction documents. We will review submittals for various materials, equipment and finishes, as required to confirm conformance with the specifications and overall design intent. We will also coordinate any client requested changes and alterations to the plans and details. Oversight and coordination by the Architect during construction is strongly recommended to maintain the level of quality and energy efficiency goals anticipated, and to ensure that design intent is followed through during construction. This is also the time when a blower door test is performed on the building to confirm it has been constructed as designed. This is the only way to assure that the building has been properly sealed and air leakage is minimized.

Post Construction/Monitoring

Now Construction is complete and you have moved in. Congratulations! The building that we have all collaborated on and worked so hard to design and build is now fully functional and ready to be enjoyed for many, many, years to come. We will follow up from time to time to answer questions, and to verify energy use. If you have opted for monitoring systems, we will help to evaluate the energy use, and identify variations from the energy model that was developed during the design phase.