Architectural Solutions

Our process is built around 3 core activities:
• 1. Planning and Evaluation
• 2. Design
• 3. Construction Support

Initial Consultation
• - we meet you, you meet us
• - establish project scope
• - discuss design ideas, objectives, and goals
• - outline requirements for the project
• - feasibility analysis
• - site visit (if possible)

Site / Master Planning
• - site visit (if not already complete)
• - site survey
• - development of planning principals
• - analysis of place & program
• - prioritization & cost analysis
• - utility & services layout
• - conceptual illustration

Schematic Design
• - information gathering (site restrictions, applicable code & building regulations)
• - development of one or more design solutions with conceptual illustrations
• - design meeting & presentation of solutions

Code Research
• - for more complex projects or more complex jurisdictions we offer this service
• - evaluate your project in the context of relevant local, state, and federal regulations that protect public health, safety, and welfare
• - outline if/where adjustments to the design will need to be made

Design Development
• - a schematic design is selected for refinement
• - significant details are fleshed out
• - materials and systems are selected
• - schematic design is brought into Building Modeling software for more precise spatial organization & adjustments
• - preliminary drawing set including plans, elevations, and sometimes perspectives
• - select and begin coordination with consultants [structural, civil, mechanical engineer; lighting, interiors, or specialty equipment consultant, etc]

Construction Documents

*Architecture is a multi-dimensional process that includes your vision with the built (3D) environment. Beware of anyone who tries to pass of floor plans as “architecture”.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Residential design is personal. It is custom by nature.

At LaurelHouse Studio we work closely with clients and families to understand their style, their comforts, and their every day life. We learn their daily patterns and habits to design a domicile that can truly inhabit their lives.

Our residential experience ranges from small compact spaces, to large ranch estates. Whatever your lifestyle requires, we can help design the perfect space.

LaurelHouse Studio Style

Upon learning we’re architects, many people ask “what style of architecture do you do?”

The answer is: All of them

Here at LHS we do not prescribe to a specific style of architecture. Rather, we prescribe to sound construction and thoughtful details. We believe any style can be successful and beautiful, as long as the details are thought out, well-designed, and well-constructed. We enjoy working with a variety of styles and tastes, from mountain cabin to colonial classic to hill country modern. We relish the challenge of working to accommodate your sense of style - no matter how colorful or reserved.

What’s your style?

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

LaurelHouse approaches architecture, interiors, and landscape/site design in parallel. These components are inextricably linked and rely upon a cohesive solution in partnership with our clients.

Buildings are beholden to their site, whether physically, climatically or contextually. Each site offers unique opportunities and constraints, and designing within these parameters encourages meaningful innovation and instills a building with gooey goodness.

WORKING WITH YOU

Clear and consistent communication with our clients leads to clarity in our design solutions. By continually engaging and challenging preconceived notions, we expose fundamental truths and provide more valuable solutions.

We believe that successfully designing within a budget is more rewarding than pursuing architectural fancy with disregard for economic feasibility. Budget constraints dictate simplified solutions which promote design integrity.

We embrace every project as an opportunity to collaborate and create, working in tandem with client, consultant and contractor to form an inspired team with parallel objectives and a common goal.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

We believe that good design is inherently sustainable design. Always present, a profound respect for our environment shapes our attitude toward how we work and what we create. By eliminating wanton and wasteful building practices, environmental responsibility is easily achieved through common sense design solutions and cognizant clients.

Building Information Modeling

LaurelHouse uses cutting edge tools to deliver the most efficient and cost effective designs for our clients. A BIM model takes our designs into 3 dimensions and catalogues every aspect of the building. This catalogue contains information on cost, manufacturers and is fully integrated in the model. Changes on any drawing sheet are automatically updated throughout the model instantly.

This 3D model is then available for rendering, structural analysis, energy analysis, cost estimation and many other functions typically provided for our clients.

LaurelHouse Studio uses BIM strictly to the extent that our clients need in order to fully understand their buildings even before a contractor is selected. If you'd like to find out more, give us a call or stop by the office.