bringing life to what is & what will be

Answering the WHY?

We believe the built environment can be life-giving not only to the community but to the human psyche. We also recognize the vitality of a project when the design and construction teams have equal value.

At mADE we strive to establish the team of architects, engineers, contractors, and fabricators from the beginning. Our goal is to build unity among the project team while ensuring all understand the life-giving potential within the space we're creating together.

Our Design Process

We are a full service Architecture firm ready to assist our clients from an initial idea through construction completion. The overall Architectural design process is a sequential series of phases, each one ending with the project being further developed than the prior phase. The goal of each phase is to ensure that the design meets the overall form, function, and budget requirements of the project. The primary Architectural phases are outlined below.

The first part of the process is the pre-design phase. In this phase the essence of the project is uncovered, the primary and secondary goals identified, adjacency of spaces determined, project feasibility and/or viability analyzed, and aesthetic preference established. We research and draw existing space (if any), identify zoning constraints, and determine market research needs. This phase of the process sets the trajectory of the project, we listen to your vision and motivations, then work together to craft the story of development and how best to achieve the design to meet your needs.

Duration: usually 3 - 4 weeks

Deliverables: Program Report

Zoning Summary, Drawings of Existing

Discovery +
Pre-Design

Schematic design, also referred to as conceptual design, is the next design phase where space begins to take shape. During this phase we utilize data from the discovery process and begin to lay out the site plan and floor plan. Establishing an overall aesthetic preference is critical as it will have a big impact on the overall form of the project. We present multiple options over the course of multiple meetings and work to refine the design into the most fitting option. We use example projects, quantitative and qualitative data, and feedback from your team to arrive at an agreed upon design.

Duration: usually 6 - 8 weeks

Deliverables: Site & Floor Plan, 3D Renderings

SCHEMATIC Design

Construction Documents

In this phase, the architectural drawings, details, and specifications are prepared. The documents provide instructions to the contractor on how to build the project accurately. These documents are also used to obtain the building permits. Coordination between the engineers ensures the building systems fit within the building. During this phase, we utilize a ‘half-way’ review, called Design Development. This allows the primary building systems to be determined by the engineers and most of the building components to be identified. Updated drawings reflect the evolving design.

Duration: usually 12 - 24 weeks

Deliverables: Construction Documents (i.e. blueprints), updated 3D Renderings

Construction Documents

Contract Administration

The final step is Contract Administration, also called Construction Administration, which is the architect’s involvement during construction. In this this phase we work alongside the owner and the building team to ensure that the space is built as designed. Since we have a general contracting background we value the construction team and are committed to being a team player when working through issues that come up during the construction process. Our goal is to build unity among the project team and be responsive to solutions proposed by the building team.

Duration: Construction timeline

Deliverables: Field Observation Reports