Have you found yourself immersed in a confusing landscape of codes and permits, of construction schematics and environmental analyses?\u00a0 The planning and construction of a commercial building may seem like a daunting process, but it doesn\u2019t have to be if you familiarize yourself with the basic steps and look for a reputable, experienced design firm to guide you along the way.<\/p>\n
You will probably want to begin your process by researching commercial design firms and setting up interviews to ensure you have a good match.\u00a0 This is also a good time to either begin your search for general contractors or to discuss with the design firm you chose about their process for selecting contractors.<\/p>\n
After you\u2019ve chosen a design firm, you will want to discuss options such as whether to renovate an existing structure or to build from the ground up<\/a>.\u00a0 Your firm will want to discuss with you various remodel possibilities.\u00a0 This is also the time to negotiate each party\u2019s responsibilities, the project milestones and expected results, the legal obligations for each party, and to hammer out a work plan.<\/p>\n Your chosen design firm should immediately begin the research process into zoning maps, property liens, past permits on file, parcel data, and other pertinent information. They should also start gathering requirements pertaining to pre-permit and permit submission requirements.<\/p>\n If you are working with an existing structure, your design firm should produce documents providing all specifications on the structure as is.\u00a0 Don\u2019t hesitate to provide your own sketches, photos, or examples to your designers to indicate the visions you have for the project.<\/p>\n Where necessary, this would also be the stage to conduct site surveys and to hold discussions with feasibility consultants and environmental specialists who can confirm the viability of your projected designs.<\/p>\n You should be sure by this point in the process that you have designated an internal project coordinator who will be your point of contact with the design firm.\u00a0 The designee should schedule a meeting, following the research phase, to hash out understanding of the codes, permits, and timelines; to hold a Q and A about their impact, and to come to an agreement on translating codes into a physical design that meets your project goals.<\/p>\n The first element of the actual design process will be a diagram that considers codes in a visual format.\u00a0 It will consider \u201clarge picture\u201d requirements, such as proximity to other buildings, height restrictions, and egress requirements.<\/p>\n A full feasibility study of the large-scale design should be conducted at this point to understand how access to the site, the orientation of the building, availability of existing utilities, and other factors influence and limit design.<\/p>\n Your design firm will discuss with you how feasibility limitations alter the schematic design and may provide various alternatives to the initial proposal.\u00a0 They can then begin to diagram a more detailed schematic that incorporates lifestyle components, such as door<\/a> and window choices, natural lighting, common areas, and public and private spaces.<\/p>\n You will also want to spend time at this phase discussing your target budget, analyzing projected construction costs, and making adjustments based on priorities.<\/p>\n You and your design firm should meet to understand the pre-submission requirements for some permits, such as special easements or covenants.\u00a0 Discovering and dealing with such impediments early in the process will clear the path to permit and avoid unnecessary time delays.<\/p>\n A full understanding of the permitting process will lead to the most detailed version of design plans to date that incorporates the restrictions of permits into the design process.\u00a0 At this stage, you can expect to begin making more intricate design decisions, such as whether to use wrought iron exterior doors or where to incorporate tile and wood flooring.<\/p>\nResearch, Surveys, and Sketches<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Coordination and Interpretation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Initial Diagram<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Design Details and Full Feasibility Study<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Predicting Impediments<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Incorporation of Permits into Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n