What to expect from UDC’s associates during the course of your project.

What to expect

Example of Construction Documents

Project Management

With decades of experience in architectural design, our project managers and design team members are recognized leaders in the field. At UDC, your experience as a client is our top priority. We carefully match each client with the design professional and project management team that is best suited to meet the specific needs and unique considerations of your project. When you begin the architectural design process, your project manager will be fully informed about all relevant details pertaining to your project. Additionally, your project manager is well-versed in local regulations and code amendments that apply to your project.

At UDC, we provide realistic timeframes and schedules that we are committed to upholding. The schedule you receive from your project manager is reviewed by necessary consultants, including civil and structural engineers, as well as interior designers. Once the schedule is agreed upon, we meet with you weekly to ensure transparency, open communication, and a clear understanding throughout the architectural design process.

The architectural design process consists of five key phases: Preliminary Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and Construction. Evolve Architects works closely with you at every stage to ensure your vision is realized.

Preliminary Design Phase

At UDC, we value every client and every project. Whether your architectural vision is large or small, our firm is here to support all of your project needs, starting with the Preliminary Design phase. This phase begins with a comprehensive consultation where we take the time to understand your needs, your property, your design ideas, and your anticipated schedule. We share our architectural expertise and explore how our capabilities at UDC align with your project’s goals. During this phase, we focus on concept design to ensure we’re in line with your vision and design intent.

At this stage, we can provide a proposal for a test fit of your property. This test fit helps confirm that we can meet your design requirements on the specified property or site. With our efficient test fit process, we quickly offer several flexible design concepts for you to choose from.

Once the concept is finalized, UDC Architects prepares a detailed proposal that outlines the type of project, the number of units (if applicable), the project design, and the anticipated timeline for the design process. Our in-house landscape architects also present various zoning options for your consideration. After the proposal is approved, we proceed to negotiate a fair building contract and pair you with one of our experienced project managers to guide you through the complete architectural process.

Schematic Design Phase

During the Schematic Design phase, UDC Architects creates a series of preliminary sketches to showcase the fundamental concepts and overall design of the project. Our team develops the initial site plan and building layouts, ensuring the unit configurations and density meet your needs as the owner before diving into more detailed design work. We also collaborate with our in-house landscape architects to explore zoning options and refine the building design to complement the surrounding landscape. Additionally, our accessibility specialist conducts a thorough review to ensure compliance with all relevant accessibility requirements for your project. This phase also includes researching local compliance laws and regulations to ensure the design meets all necessary standards.

UDC Architects’ Schematic Design proposal includes floor plans for all levels with basic openings and plumbing fixtures, a building cross-section, and a typical wall section design. The proposal also features exterior building elevations with general finishes and openings. Once you, as the owner, approve the Schematic Design proposal, our in-house specifications writer prepares a comprehensive project manual. From there, we proceed into the Design Development phase of the architectural design process.

Design Development Phase

Once you, as the owner, approve the initial site plan, the architectural design process transitions into the Design Development phase. UDC Architects’ nearly four decades of experience play a crucial role during this phase, enabling us to get things right the first time. Our primary goal is to deliver high-quality work in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. As proficient earthen design professionals, we prioritize sustainability in our design approach. By doing careful and thorough work upfront, we minimize the need for costly revisions that can add unnecessary expenses and delays.

During the Design Development phase, we collaborate with a civil engineer to create highly detailed models of all buildings involved in the project. These models are both precise and comprehensive. We provide architectural drawings to all relevant consultants, including complete floor plans with overall dimensions, structural grid dimensions, interior wall dimensions, technical specifications, and proposed design openings and plumbing fixtures. Along with these detailed drawings, we include 3D renderings. Landscape architecture drawings are also incorporated into this phase, with our chief architect working closely with our in-house landscape architects to design buildings that harmonize with the surrounding landscape, keeping sustainability at the forefront. Once you, as the owner, approve this detailed plan, we proceed into the Construction Documents phase of the architectural design process.

Construction Documents Phase

UDC Architects offers unparalleled in-house services during the Construction Documents phase of the architectural design process. Our dedicated in-house permitting team helps streamline the entire process, setting our firm apart from others. Prior to submitting for permits, we conduct a thorough review of each background drawing and perform a cross-coordination check. This ensures that all architectural disciplines align, preventing potential issues and ensuring a smooth construction process.

Once all project consultants have aligned their backgrounds with construction administration, we submit the final set of construction drawings to the city or town where your project is located. The permitting timeline can vary by location, but at UDC, we make the most of this period by continuing to refine the architectural background set. This preparation ensures that as soon as the permit is approved, we are ready to move forward into the Construction phase. During this time, we focus on the constructability of the project, ensuring every detail is accurate and that all disciplines are fully coordinated. At UDC, it is essential that each construction document accurately reflects your design intent in the final execution. Once the permit is granted, we conduct a final review of the construction documentation before handing the project over to the general contractor.

Construction Phase

Our construction administration team manages every aspect of the construction process, conducting site visits, submitting requests for information (RFIs), and maintaining clear communication with you throughout each stage of the project. With strong, ongoing relationships with a wide network of contractors, subcontractors, and interior design firms, our construction coordination team leverages these connections to ensure a seamless and efficient Construction phase for both commercial and residential projects. This network is a valuable asset for you, the owner, as your project progresses through the construction administration phase toward completion.

UDC Architects remains actively engaged with your project during the Construction phase. The general contractor establishes the construction schedule and holds weekly meetings with UDC Architects’ in-house construction coordination team and your project manager. Together, this team works to update construction drawings as necessary and ensures the construction schedule stays on track

Universal Design Consortium LLC Architects (UDC) follows a comprehensive and effective architectural design process, offering a wide range of in-house services. From the initial concept to the final completion, we guide our clients through each step with clear communication and exceptional customer service.

Throughout the progression of an architectural project, UDC Architects acts as the bridge between vision and innovation. Our team of in-house specialists works together to optimize the design process and ensure timely project delivery. With two decades of experience, we consistently provide the highest quality services at every stage of the architectural design journey. We take pride in fostering positive and professional relationships with our clients and consultants. Contact us today to turn your architectural vision into reality.

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