About

NANO will visit the site, review existing conditions, and take as-built measurements of what is there. A set of as-built plans are created. These are simple floor plans and exterior elevations – a minimal set showing what currently exists on site and nothing more. A surveyor is typically contacted at this stage and scheduled to produce a site survey – this survey is eventually incorporated into the as-built documents. 

NANO will visit the city/county building department to review applicable records which may include as-built drawings of an existing building; previous surveys; public records. NANO will gather information from state/city agencies regarding specific land use and building code requirements as well as pre-submittal and pre-permit procedures. NANO will also create a schedule to outline what will be done and by when.

NANO will generate 2-3 preliminary designs incorporating the information from Step 2. At this stage, NANO brings design concepts to the table - we will focus on how the building is experienced during this step. We will explore the sequence of how you approach the building and move through the space. The general locations of the functions within the building are considered and graphically represented in diagram form. 

The graphics, illustrations, and sketches are just diagrams at this stage. Features like windows may be added schematically or not at all. Simple plans and elevations are produced to represent relationships among spaces and the basic envelope shape (think about it like carving a simple, basic model out of a block of clay). Material options start to become part of the discussion and a target budget is established for the overall project. There are typically 2-4 client meetings involved with this step. The client makes decisions with the help from NANO regarding the various schematic options. An overall design strategy is chosen.

As decisions continue to be made, NANO further develops the schematic drawings. The graphics evolve from diagrams to actual architecture at this step. Materials are decided on and NANO figures out how everything fits together (how does the floor meet the wall: base trim, flush trim, no trim).

Window openings are further defined with mullions and opening locations. Information from other consultants, like the structural engineer, is developed and coordinated with the design drawings. Specifications for materials, fixtures/appliances, assembly details, and relevant code information are incorporated into the project. Recommendations from trades, suppliers, and manufacturers are added to the drawing set. The client continues to make decisions at a more specific level of detail.

A full set of construction documents provides graphic documentation for bidding and execution of construction services. These documents provide all information necessary to construct the project -- they are legal documents. 

After final approval from Authorities Having Jurisdiction, NANO will proceed to construction documents, entailing a complete set for permitting and construction. NANO will also handle all documents and exchanges with the city/local permitting office, as well as other authorities associated with the project.

The construction documents are sent out to several contractors, and they are asked to review them and submit a bid for how much they would charge for construction. Then, negotiations on the pricing occur. For fast-track projects, this stage is negated since a contractor was brought in at Step 3.

The documents and drawings for the project are now complete and construction begins. NANO is responsible for coordinating the work of contractors/subcontractors and overseeing quality control on the construction of the project. NANO is retained to answer questions, deal with clarifications, and administer revisions if necessary. In most instances, it is mandatory that code required field inspections and quality control during construction is overseen by a licensed architect. 

NANO protects the interests of the client and the integrity of the design. We will review the invoices, overall costs and scheduling, and provide purchasing of finishes and fixtures, if needed.