Step 1 | Consultation
DLDS provides free first-time consultations for potential clients in the triangle area and any visit less than 1 hour. We take phone calls from 10am – 7:30pm, Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 5:30 pm Fridays and 5 pm – 8 pm Sundays. Emails will be responded to within 12 hours unless on weekends. We can provide a design fee estimate after the first consultation within 2-3 days and a full design contract within 3-5 days. DLDS will also provide a basic project cost estimate based on median average price per square foot. This should not be considered a detailed estimate.
Step 2 | Plan + Ideate
DLDS follows the 5 basics services of an architect for providing design and drawings.
Schematic Design Phase:
First phase in the design of a project where an DLDS prepares schematic diagrams giving a general view of the components and the scale of the project.
Design development Phase:
In this phase the DLDS will further develop scaled floor plans, building sections, elevations, and site plan. Fenestration and possible finish materials. 3-Dimensional views.
Construction Documents Phase:
In the final construction document phase the DLDS will produce official scaled drawings used for legal documentation and permitting.
Bidding and Negotiation Phase: typically for commercial work
DLDS shall assist the owner in procuring the reproduction of bidding documents to prospective bidders.
Step 3 | Build
DLDS is a design firm not a general contractor and does not provide construction management or contracting / building services. However, we do provide Construction Administration the 5th service of an architect.
Construction Administration Phase:
DLDS shall advice and consult with owner and act as their advocate to the extent written in the contract. DLDS shall visit the site at intervals appropriate to the construction progress to become familiar with the work and verify the work is being performed in accordance with the contract documents.