Services

Residential Architectural Services

At HIR Architecture + Design, we specialize in single-family home renovations and new construction. We utilize 2D and 3D CAD software to design, communicate, and collaborate with engineers and consultants while guiding projects from concept to reality. The custom home design services we offer follow the standard phases of architectural design: Design, Construction Documentation, and Construction Administration. These phases aid in scheduling, budgeting, and establishing milestones for client approval. Sometimes an introductory Master Planning exercise is recommended when a property has a range of opportunities that need to be studied before a single or phased project can be established. A description of these basic services and deliverables is outlined below.

Give us a call today to learn more about our residential architectural services. We assist those in Fairfield, Westport, and Southport, CT areas.

Architect Services

Master Planning

Whether you have purchased a new home or cherished one for generations, our Master Planning services can help you re-envision your property’s potential. Master Planning examines relationships between built spaces and their surrounding site and amenities. Taking the time to look at a project holistically helps guide decisions throughout the life of the project and provides a road map for staging improvements over time.

We begin with a review of the existing conditions, applicable zoning and code restrictions, climate and environment, existing adjacencies, and opportunities for improvement. We listen to the goals and priorities of the client, the way they aspire to inhabit the space, and the practical considerations for circulation, views, system requirements, and division of work into separate projects. Together we outline our intentions and establish a budget and design schedule to meet each client’s needs. For a renovation, this exploration may also determine whether an addition is required or if goals may be achieved within an existing footprint.

Design

The duration of the Design phase varies significantly from project to project and is not always as simple as as “smaller project = faster design.” A very detailed small project may require as much exploration and revision as one with a much larger footprint. It is for this reason that we begin every project with an open discussion about client goals, budget, and scope. We want to make sure expectations are in alignment before we dive in. Below is an example of the three stages of the Design process: not every project will need to progress through all three; however, the overarching deliverables are the same for most projects.

Concept + Programming | Overall Connectivity + Alignment of Design Goals

Diagrammatic plan for room sizes, functions, and adjacencies
Master Scope Document to outline goals and prioritize areas of work
Establish Budget, Scope and Design Schedule based on desired timeline for construction
Inspiration Imagery

Schematic Design | The Graphic Representation of Programming

Iterative study of goals and options in plan, elevations and 3D sketches in 11x17” PDF
Outline goals for structure, mechanical systems, equipment, fixtures, and finish
Determine timing and necessity for consultant involvement

Design Development | Refinement of Design + Client Approvals

Refinement of plans, elevations, and building sections with dimensioned CAD drawings and building details
Selection of windows, doors, appliances, systems and equipment
Narrow the options for materials, fixtures, and cabinetry design
Highlight special interest areas that require more detailed design or further study
Strategy for Project phasing, if applicable
Arch D 24 x 36” Design Development Drawings + Descriptive Narrative for Preliminary Pricing with selected contractor

Construction Documentation

Construction Documentation focuses on the creation of final drawings, details, and specifications required for permitting and construction. If a contractor has not already been selected early in the process, this phase will also include bidding and negotiation to select a qualified builder for the project. The timeline for this phase is dependent upon town approvals, the quantity of custom design details, and contractor selection.

Technical Drawings + Specifications include:

Building & wall sections
Door and window schedules
Plumbing, equipment, lighting and finish schedules
Enlarged details and elevations of critical conditions
Typical details for floors, walls, ceiling, roof, and critical interior to exterior connections
Detailed Coordination with Consultants
Index and title sheet

The Bidding + Negotiation process includes:

Preparation of Bid Forms - including detailed drawings and scope document indicating levels of finish, details, and general specifications
Interviewing potential contractors, checking references, visiting their projects
Reviewing Bid Documents submitted by up to 3 contractors
Comparing pricing for owner review

Deliverables:

Separate Technical Drawing sets for Town approvals, Bidding + Negotiation, Final Construction
Work with selected contractor to value engineer/provide alternates if required to meet budget
Updated illustrative documents, narratives and drawing sets for owner reference

Construction Administration

Construction Administration refers to the services performed by the architect during the construction phase to ensure the project is conforming to design intent. The architect serves as the owner’s advocate, responding to contractor inquiries, reviewing contractor pay requests and change orders, reviewing shop drawings and submittals, and generally liaising between all design teams and consultants to achieve cohesive results.

This is arguably the most important role for the architect, as their abilities to problem solve, communicate, and provide continuity of thought and design are critical to a successful outcome. Basic services include regular site observations and regular calls with the GC between scheduled site meetings, as well as issuance of sketches, studies, and written clarification for changes and issues that arise during construction. The final step is the creation of a punch list at substantial completion, which the architect will evaluate with you after the punch list is complete (final completion.)