The process

Cascade Joinery offers  the full range of architectural design services or only those that apply to your project--be it ideas expressed on a cocktail napkin, or a full set of engineered construction documents. We usually start with an interview (at our place or yours) to get to know each other and learn about your project.

Next,  we visit your site and collect the information necessary to understand your project in full. Then we hit the boards to develop preliminary sketches, plans, elevations, and models for your review. This is schematic design.

After we have agreed on a schematic design, we begin  design development. We prepare detailed drawings identifying the materials and systems you need to build your house. Foundation plans, framing plans, door and window schedules, are all part of the design development package. From here we can estimate project costs and help you make decisions that work for you.

With the design and budget in place, you are ready to build. We develop a final set of  permit drawings to submit to your local building department. These drawings illustrate how the project meets all applicable building codes and local jurisdiction requirements. Permit drawings usually incorporate the work of a consulting structural engineer and sometimes a site/civil engineer as well.

Design does not end even when construction begins. In fact, this is the most critical time to engage your architect. Contractors often suggest alternatives and changes during construction and unknown site conditions might require.a different appoach.  At these times your architect can help you retain the original vision, avoid potentially costly mistakes, and get the best value for your hard earned money.