The architectural design process is how a construction project is developed and analyzed in set stages. This process is usually broken down into seven phases to provide order to the project by identifying periods of review, creating a structured release of design information and determining the natural stages of invoicing.

What makes construction project management exceedingly difficult is the coordination necessary to connect the involved parties. These parties include the architect creating the drawings, the engineers ensuring that the numerous systems involved are. Integrated and have integrity, and the contractors who convert the ideas into built form.That doesn’t include the other teams working on-site as well as the suppliers, vendors and more.

Process

ARCHITECTURAL PROCESS

A visual breakdown of the Architectural Phases within a project
ARCHITECTURAL PHASES

The architectural design process is made up of several phases:
Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Contract Document/Building Permits, Tender (Bidding & Negotiation),
and Construction Administration, ultimately leading to Occupancy Permit.
These phases put realistic project deliverables and deadlines in place. 

FEE PROPOSAL TO FINAL OCCUPANCY

From the fee proposal to the successful completion of your project, this process will be our framework. As the Coordinating Registered Professional, we will be following this process diligently and always communicate the phase in which we are working, eliminating guess work. Our state-of-the-art project management software will be the tool we will be using to inform you of the progression of your project, what’s expected from you, our client and from the various consultants and stakeholders involved. 

 

WHAT SETS US APART

Image of contemporary houses sitting onto of stacks of pennies. Increasing in height to show increasing value to your project.

1. WE WILL ADD IMMENSE VALUE TO YOUR PROJECT
With 30+ years of experience in the field, it will soon become obvious that you are working with architectural experts.  As such, we will be your strategic allies throughout the course of your project and will advise you on optimizing the use of your site, selecting your consultants and contractor, guiding you through the municipal requirements and, above all else, creatively designing a healthier home with an enhanced quality of life and productivity.  We will provide expert knowledge that will control risk, mitigate issues and prevent unnecessary expenses and changes to the scope.

2.  WE WILL SAVE YOU CONSTRUCTION DOLLARS
Contract documents are the communication tool between the client and the contractor and form the core of any construction project.   They are the graphic representation of what is to be built.  Our construction drawings are precise, well coordinated and as a result, prevent uncertainty, confusion, and costly changes.  The quality and clarity of our detailed drawings significantly minimize delays during construction.  They are one of the reasons the contractors we work with are loyal clients and chose to work with us over and over again.

Our Principal, Michael Moody has dedicated his entire professional career to the field of Architecture.  After taking two years of intensive technical training at NAIT prior to the 5-year B. Arch degree. (a unique combination of skills), he is not only skilled in creating iconic designs but possesses all the tools needed to
understand the impact of his designs on its constructibility.

3. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO VISUALIZE YOUR PROJECT IN 3D FROM INCEPTION
Most people have trouble understanding flat 2D drawings.  As one of our invaluable clients, you can expect visualizing your project in 3D from its inception, with stunning accuracy and  precise measurements.  Our 3D renderings facilitate a  cost-effective way to explore a wide variety of options without having to invest in travel, furniture, photographers and interior designers and an expensive model builder.  They will bring your project’s complexity together in a singular, unified way in  addition to preventing communication challenges with various stakeholders.

4. WORKING WITH US GIVES YOU ACCESS TO OUR EXTENSIVE NETWORK IN THE INDUSTRY
Over the past 15 years, we have had the opportunity to work with all thirteen municipalities numerous times (with several municipalities even referring us to clients)! We have built a solid reputation in the field that can help facilitate municipal approvals for your project. We also have a profound rapport with our
network of contractors and consultants and can help you find key players for your project at a time where there is an acute labour shortage. When working with MJM Architect, you have access to a network that will be a great asset in the successful completion of your project.

Communication

5. YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM OUR TACTFUL COMMUNICATION SKILLS 
With the number of stakeholders involved in a construction project, clear communication is possibly the most vital part of our role and is crucial in getting your vision built exactly how we want it. Communicating is an art that we have mastered. Rest assured that we will always find a tactful way of resolving challenging issues a timely fashion.

6. YOUR PROJECT WILL BE MANAGED WITH EXCELLENCE
Through our extensive experience, we’ve developed proven systems to guide your project through every challenge. From designing, coordinating consultants, submitting RFPs to working with municipalities our client’s behalf and everything in between, we’ve done it all…multiple times!

Our architectural services include an in-house dedicated Project Manager who works with the latest technologies recognized in the industry. Our entire project management structure is focused on meeting our client needs, achieving schedule deadlines and staying within the design budget. BQE Core, our fully integrated project management software enables a more agile, informed and data-driven decision making process and provides project status in real-time which we will be sharing with you as your project moves forward.

USGBC and LEED Logos

7. YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM OUR LEED ACCREDITATION
Public Works and Government Services Canada, and more than two dozen Canadian municipalities have mandated that all of their future buildings meet LEED standards.  Building or retrofitting to a green standard such as LEED (which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) typically leads to substantial reductions in energy, water and maintenance costs.  Should you choose the “green route” for your construction, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you every step of the way.

8. OUR BUSINESS IS A FORCE FOR GOOD
At MJM Architect, our purpose is not merely to make a profit but we endeavour to serve the community and contribute to satisfy societal needs sustainably.  With that goal in mind, we have spent the last few years bringing human, societal and environmental wellbeing into the heart of our business culture.  The beauty of using business as a force for good is that all the parties involved get something in return.  Customers get the peace of mind of choosing a company that works towards helping and improving the world, not destroying it for profit gains. Employees get a sense of
belonging in an organization that shares the same values.

Please visit “Our Commitments : Our Staff and Our Community” to learn about how we go about using our business as a force for good.

B the Change

9. WE ONLY HAVE POSITIVE REVIEWS  
We are confident in our abilities and stand behind our work… but don’t take our word for it! With only positive reviews to our Google profile, glowing testimonials from contractors and clients, we have been voted in the “Top 3 Residential Architects in Victoria” and our multiple architectural awards ( “Click Here to visit our Press & Awards Page” ), it is unmistakably clear to see why others really like to work with us. We encourage you to do your due diligence before hiring us!