How to work with Ileana Schinder, Architect

From interior renovations to building new structures, our office oversees the design process from start to finish. Beginning with an on-site design consultation, we’ll collaborate with you to bring your design ideas to life.

Our work begins with discussing your project over the phone, including your goals, timeline, and budget. If you do not yet have those details fully defined, not to worry! That’s where Ileana Schinder comes in to guide you through the process and be sure we have everything we need to make the project a success from the start.

Schedule a Call

After the initial phone call, we will conduct and on-site design consultation. During the site visit, we assist you in the definition of the scope, its feasibility, and discuss design alternatives that address the structure’s areas of improvement. We will also cover topics such as the phasing, cost, infrastructure, and long and short term space planning. The Design Consultation has a fee to be credited towards the proposal for architectural services.

Schedule a Design Consultation

The process of design and documentation is organized in four main stages:

After the design consultation, we will follow up with a Proposal for Architectural Services in which you will find the detailed design scope and a flat design fee. The Proposal includes a description of the design and documentation process, from survey to construction administration.

1Survey Existing Conditions

During this phase, we will take accurate dimensions of your home or building site to create drawings illustrating its current state and establish the background from which the design will be created.

2Schematic Design

During this phase, we explore different design options that satisfy the client’s program. During this phase, the client and architect engage in discussions to ponder pros and cons of each design option. At the end of this phase, you and the architect will narrow down the design options to one selection in order to move on to the next phase.

3Permit Drawings / Construction Documents

During this phase, the architect will develop a set of drawings that satisfies two goals. On one hand, the drawings will be used to file for a construction permit with the local building agency (i.e.: DCRA in Washington, D.C.). On the other hand, the drawing set will be used to obtain bids from contractors. One of the main advantages of having a construction drawing set is the confidence you get from knowing that prices from different contractors will cover the same scope, thus reducing the potential for unexpected costs.

4Construction Assistance

During the construction phase, the architect will visit the site at regular intervals, observe the quality of construction, assist on the resolution of unexpected conditions that affect the project, and help you with scheduling, ordering of materials, fixtures and finishes.