DESIGN VOCABULARY SHEET
We understand that there are many terms that we use in the architecture and design industry that are not commonly used by our clients. Our goal is to make the design process as seamless and stress-free for you as possible.
To clear up any possible confusion of terms that you may hear while working with us, we've created this "vocabulary sheet", full of terms and definitions that you will hear often over the duration of your project. Design should be collaborative and fun, not intimidating.
We hope these help enrich your understanding and ease the process, and if you have questions about terms not included here, always feel free to ask us! There are no silly questions.
WINDOWS:
Window Sash: The movable frames in a window in which window panes are set.
Casement: A window frame that is hinged on one vertical side, and swings open to the outside of the building.
Double Hung: A window with two sashes that move independently of each other.
Awning:
Clerestory:
Fixed:
Slider:
ROOF FORMS
Gable:
Hipped:
Shed:
Mansard:
Gambrel:
INTERIORS INITIAL MEETING
In this meeting we will define the scope of your project, as well as discuss the design style that you tend to gravitate toward. If you have any inspiration images or elements you know you want to incorporate, now would be the time to bring them.
INTERIOR CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
After the initial meeting, our designer will take the information provided and come up with 2-3 design directions that encompass the look you want to achieve. You will go over these concept boards together and from there, we can continue with a single design direction and begin to specify product based on this concept.
INTERIOR SELECTIONS
From here we will begin making selections that will fit within your desired style and will fit the overall design of your house. You will work with our designer to decide on final selections. This phase is where the most refinement and detailing will take place, and can be as collaborative as you are comfortable with.
INTERIOR SPECIFICATION AND CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
Our designer will not only select finishes fixtures and equipment for your project, but will also provide a detailed selections package for you and your contractor as the final deliverable. She can work alongside the contractor and check in onsite during construction to assure that installation is executed properly.
FAQ'S
WHY IS HIRING AN ARCHITECT IMPORTANT?
We are skilled in space planning, construction methods, materials selection, project management, and working with local government officials. We have the education and experience required to analyze what you want and translate that to a functional, buildable plan. We can think spatially and visualize your house. We have experience working in certain neighborhoods with specific codes and regulations - historic
neighborhoods for example.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES AN ARCHITECT DO?
We listen to a client’s needs and wants, then take those thoughts and translate them into plans and elevations. We can think through the house as a whole and foresee how things will fit together, and if there will be any constructability issues. We manage your project from beginning to end and ensure that the project adheres to local building codes. We work hard to keep your project within your budget and make revisions as necessary. We can give you recommendations for contractors who would be well suited for your project, as well as help managing other professionals such as interior designers, landscape architects, structural engineers, etc.
WHAT DOES AN ARCHITECT NOT DO?
We do not act as a contractor or provide an exact price for construction (we can provide estimates based on SF and experience). We also do not provide couples therapy - It’s very helpful to have both parties on the same page from the start.
HOW DOES AN ARCHITECT BECOME LICENSED?
We are required to have a specific professional degree - either achieved through a 5-year bachelor's program or a Master’s in architecture. We accrue thousands of hours in many different areas of architecture as part of a nationally-controlled internship program, including tasks in every phase of design as well as management and business operations. We are also required to take a series of tests to ensure that we abide by the requirements and codes that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Every project is different. A good architect should be able to adapt their process to fit what you need. Some may only provide floor plans while others provide the complete design package - down to paint colors. Make sure you understand what is provided in the scope and how their fee corresponds. It is important that you understand how they will approach your project.
HOW CAN I MAKE IT A SMOOTH PROCESS ON MY END?
Be very open about what you want and what your budget is from the beginning. The process will go much more smoothly if the architect knows what you can spend on the front end. Share images that you are drawn to and explain what you like. The more information you can provide at the beginning, the closer the initial design will be to that perfect design you’re looking for. Be honest. If something isn’t working, say something. The architect’s goal is getting you what you want and need. It should not be about their ego or what they want out of the project. That being said, the architect will present a design that they believe is the best way to solve the problem based on their years of experience and education, and what is the most aesthetically pleasing. When in doubt, you should feel comfortable trusting their judgement. Pay your bills on time. Don’t be afraid to ask for something or for an opinion that may be outside what you think an architect does. Architects are both project managers as well as designers, and they usually have strong, educated opinions.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
A large benefit of having an in-house designer available to our clients is the fact that the interior design process is integrated with the architectural design process. Starting with architectural planning, our designer is involved from the beginning and will know the project very well. This will ensure that the selection process is smooth and cohesive with the overall direction and design decisions of the project. Working with an interior designer is beneficial to you because it will take the stress of organizing all of the necessary details for construction off of your plate. After the final selections have been made, she will input everything needed for your contractor into a highly detailed interior selections package. This will provide an easy reference between construction documents and interior details, allowing for a smooth construction process