d|a 2015 traditional designs

TRADITIONAL DESIGNS

CONTENTS Welcome 1 Process 2 Site and Programming 5 Conceptual Design 5 Schematic Design 8 Design Development 8 Construction Documents 9 Construction Preparation 9 Construction Administration 9 The Makings of a Great Home 12 A Strong Concept 12 An Inspired Team 13 A Clear Direction 13 The Proper Tools 16 Wonderful Clients 17

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WELCOME

Design Associates Architects got its start in the late 1960s when two pioneering men set about making beautiful, lasting homes for people in Jackson Hole. Living in Wyoming was about as far off the beaten path as you could get. If you could handle a few mosquitoes in the summer and find magic in the icy cold of winter, you had a sublime place to call home.

Things have changed since then. (People figured out how to spray for mosquitoes, for one.) The grandeur of mountain living remains a constant, while innovations in design, comfort, and culture have made Jackson more inviting than ever.

As an architect, my passion is designing and building homes that enrich my clients’ quality of life. Your days begin and end at home. Your home is where you get reinforcement and nourishment for all your pursuits. I never tire of providing the ideal environment for a client.

In the 50 plus years since it was founded, my firm has helped hundreds of clients create “home” in Jackson Hole. As the son of one of DA’s founders, I have a deep-rooted understanding of what brings people here and what it is that makes this place special.

Enjoy this brochure of our work. Let me know how I can help you build your new life here in this spectacular place.

Christopher Lee—Architect, LEED AP owner of design associates architects (d|a)

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© 2015 DESIGN ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS

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THE PROCESS

Building your dream home is one of the most exciting events in your life. It takes focus and direction to manage all the decisions being asked of you. I strive to create a positive, enjoyable process for clients throughout the design and homebuilding experience.

What makes the difference? Being organized and having a plan for the entire job. Construction is not a place to hope for the best. A gratifying and successful project starts with creating an orderly process.

My years of experience have taught me to begin by breaking the project down into smaller, more manageable parts. Then I schedule the project and create a timeframe.

PROJECT TIMETABLE

SITE AND PROGRAMMING 2 WEEKS

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN 2 WEEKS

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 4 WEEKS

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT 6 WEEKS

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS 12 WEEKS

CONSTRUCTION PREPARATION 8 WEEKS

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 6-18 MONTHS

At each phase there is a client review, usually 1 to 2 weeks in duration. Additional reviews are scheduled as needed.

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SITE AND PROGRAMMING

The “program” is an industry term for the collection of information gathered to guide the design. You, the client, define the program through a process that details what you want in your new home. We help you establish the program, and then use it to generate your design.

The first phase of our process begins with collecting the information we will need to develop an appropriate design. Key information is gathered at the site, including the site’s natural characteristics, views, and neighbors. County and homeowner’s restrictions are obtained and assimilated into the program.

Next we go through your home room by room and discuss the characteristics of each space. In broad strokes, we begin to paint a picture of your design. This process gives us an outline for our work and gives you the opportunity to define your tastes through a framework of discovery.

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Coupling your program and site, we develop an adjacency study using a bubble diagram. The bubble diagram is the very first “design” and begins the process that evolves into your home.

The bubbles in this first sketch evolve into shapes as the layout of the home comes to light. Spaces are stretched and shaped as we consider the 3D form and determine the general size and shape of the project. Known as massing, determining the overall shape and

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size of the house is then synchronized with the layout. Next, we develop sketches of the plan and the building elevations to convey the way our design addresses the program and concept. This is the first presentation of the design.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

When both client and designer are comfortable with the conceptual design, we move to the schematic design phase where we apply more definition.

In this phase, we flesh out the design on the computer and give it true dimensionality. By the end of this phase, we have a virtual model of your home and will offer you a first true glimpse of the interior of the design.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The rough edges are cleaned up, spaces are given more definition, and standards are applied to create consistency throughout the plan. Materials are chosen and finishes applied to the model. Consultants are brought into the project and we begin to address and integrate decisions about the makeup of the home’s systems. Working from the general to the specific, each element is scrutinized and finalized. Using the model, we present the design for a final approval. After any adjustments, it is time for the construction documents phase.

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CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

With the design now approved, we begin producing the documents needed to permit, cost, and build the home. We produce a set of drawings to visually define the project as well as detailed schedules and specifications to explain the products and standards needed for the construction.

CONSTRUCTION PREPARATION

Before we can break ground, we need a building permit, a contractor, and a price. We have a list of general contractors we work with, vetted for their integrity and skill set. We interview builders with you to determine a good fit. Once found, we work with the general contractor to establish the cost of the construction and the critical path schedule of the build.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

The construction schedule is determined by an agreement between you and the general contractor. Once underway, we move into the construction administration phase, during which we provide support through on site consultation, additional presentations, and information. We add clarity where needed, and provide general oversight of the construction work.

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THE MAKINGS OF A GREAT HOME

Process alone is not enough. Successful designs require early insight and direction, and good people working together.

The right environment and the right tools keep the project on track to the benefit of all involved.

A STRONG CONCEPT

The concept is the underlying current that governs the character of the design. It constrains your choices in a way that refines the design.

We begin with your program and site information, and then apply the context of the project to determine the most appropriate character for the project.

Whether we are designing something modern or traditional, we take cues from the surroundings to assist us in producing a truly authentic design.

A strong concept governs the decision making process to such an extent that, at times, the project seems to run itself. When there is a gap in understanding, the concept often provides the answer. A strong concept makes the difference between a project that lacks focus and something extraordinary.

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AN INSPIRED TEAM

When I assemble my team for a project, I make sure to choose individuals who will take the project home with them. I want my team to love the process of designing and building homes as much as I do.

To me, being an architect is not a job or even a profession. It is more of an identity, a lifestyle. I consider it a privilege to design and build homes with character for wonderful people, and I only choose building teams who share my passion.

Pride and craftsmanship are qualities that define an individual. By choosing a team of individuals who will exceed my expectations, I ensure that you get the best possible process – and finished home.

A CLEAR DIRECTION

There is a technique designers use when pulling a design together. It begins with putting a lot of ideas on paper to explore every conceivable direction one could take pursuing the solution. This is called “testing the fence.”

The concept and the ideas are then tested to begin the process of elimination and refinement.

I believe the very best designs are simple and restrained. Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright is a great example of near perfection in design. Wright will have had a clear direction from the outset, steering him toward the elegant, inspired final design.

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THE PROPER TOOLS

One of the things that makes my firm unique is our expertise with computer modeling. We consider it an essential tool for fine-tuning the design and generating the necessary plans for putting it together. By using cutting edge architecture software, we develop better buildings.

Computer modeling allows us to bring you into your home while it is still easy to make changes. You get to experience the design in a way that was not possible just a few years ago. Now you can feel confident in how your home will feel before any ground is broken.

Computer modeling assists designers as we explore and test our designs, heading off any potential issues. We utilize the computer to produce designs and documents that are fully synchronized, which makes life at the site much more pleasant for everyone.

The modeling also lets us examine your home and study the way it will interact with the environment. For example, we can produce sun studies that take into account your latitude, longitude, and elevation and then generate accurate animations depicting the sun’s path on your home any day of the year. With that data, we can adjust roofs for better light control and heat gain.

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WONDERFUL CLIENTS

Our clients become our friends and the homes we build are a tribute to them. Our whole team, from consultants to the basic laborer, is there to create something great for you.

Design Associates Architects’ portfolio reflects our varied clientele. We produce custom designs for our clients. Tailor-made design takes more time and a lot more effort than using our personal style and kit of parts, but that means our work is always interesting and creative. We never know who will walk in our door or what their dream home may be.

One of my favorite contractors has a sign in his office that reads, “Perfect, every time.” Why shouldn’t it be? Getting things right might take a bit more time—but if it starts out perfect, it will stay that way for the life of your home.

The perfect design does not cost any more than one that is almost right. When the design is well sorted out, it pays dividends in a smooth and pleasant project.

If you found images and ideas here that sparked your interest, please let us know. We would love to see what we can do for you.

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