Why an architect?

Of the many reasons why people hire architects, consider:
It saves time and money to pre-plan, rather than paying during construction with delays, cost increases, frustration and compromise.
Allows for envisioning your dream, considering all options, individual dreams and desires and then tailoring them to a budget.
Ensures life-safety is provided, by having a professional design and assistance with constructing a safe, enduring structure.
Provides for professional certification for public, commercial and other facility types, requiring such official documentation.
As an agent for the owner, can help to assure quality and control through the construction process.

Scope of Services

We can provide any or all of the services listed below. If you are requesting proposals from several architects for your project, keep in mind that no two proposals will be the same. A proposal may be based on an hourly basis, a fixed fee, or a combination of the two. Also, one proposal may contain fees for consultants, like civil, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering, while others may not include or offer those services. We will adjust our services to meet the need of your project, whatever it may be.

Phases of Design and Construction Services

Initial Planning

This stage may involve client-architect meetings discussing the client's program needs, wants and budget, site visits, field measuring and code studies.

Schematic Design

From decisions made in the initial planning stage, we will begin a Preliminary Design based on those decisions. After completing initial layout and design, we will meet again to decide how closely our execution meets your vision. Revisions can be made and the process repeated, as needed, exploring variations on configurations, materials and construction.

Design Charette

This would include collaboration of a design roundtable with open group design and possible input from the community, depending upon the client’s needs.

Design Development

This process further refines the project to meet the program needs and the client’s vision. We may at this point make final decisions on construction materials and finishes to include in the drawings, as well as coordinate details within systems components, such as structural and mechanical, also code requirements and site integration. Budget considerations and other relevant influences are considered with the final decisions directed by the owner.

Construction Documents

Once our drawings are on target with the client's vision and the design has been developed, we will complete a full set of drawings that communicate that vision to the contractors working on the construction. If there are consultants involved with the project, this is the stage at which we coordinate completion of their work, coordinating all systems and architectural drawings. Specifications may also a part of the Contract Documents at the request of the client.

Bidding & Contract Negototiation

Should you choose to competitively bid your project, or are required, through the use of public funding, the Architect can assist with the legal requirements and documentation essential to successfully bid and negotiate a contract with the low bidder. KAI can also assist the client with negotiating a construction contract with a select general contractor, working together as a team to deliver the project on schedule and within budget.

Permitting

The Architect can also serve as the liaison between the City and the Owner and assist in expediting review and subsequent approval.

Special Focus

While providing full architectural services, in addition to special needs of graphic planning, design and consultation, KAI can also offer special services to meet client’s needs. Whether a project demands: Model Buildings, Perspective Renderings, Interior Detailing and Finishes, Programming/Consensus Building Workshops, Marketing Brochures, Graphic Image/Logo Design, KAI can provide for your total project needs.