Process and Practice

Architecture For Living Well

Our Approach

Methodology

Every project at Assembledge+ is born from a thorough engagement with people and place, establishing a program that addresses unique needs while blending in aesthetic and contextual considerations seamlessly.

Over the years we have developed a holistic four-part process that enables to consistently translate the complexities of the development process into coherent, viable architectural solution.

1. Investigation

2. Design and Exploration

3. Documentation

4. Building

Thorough research and analysis to establish the foundation for design.

Through high-quality, iterative design and visualization, we ensure that insights from the entire team (including the client and contractor) are thoroughly tested and integrated into the project.

Our comprehensive project management quality assurance processes ensure proper coordination and documentation of architectural drawings.

Experienced and focused staff oversee construction to ensure the delivery of the appropriate level of finish and quality.

With a dedicated team, many of whom have been with us for nearly a decade, Assembledge+ brings design sensitivity, technical expertise, and hands-on principal involvement to every project.

Collaborative Practice

Collaboration is an essential cornerstone of architecture, serving as a practical imperative. At Assembledge +, this principle is a central tenet of our creative methodology, fostering synergies not solely within our studio, but also encompassing our esteemed professional associates and valued clients.

Working With the Project Owner

Working With the Contractor

In our approach, understanding the aspirations, personal needs and preferences of the client are foundational to our design methodology.

Effective communication between the client and our design team is crucial for a successful and satisfying project outcome. We believe that transparency is key to maintaining trust and clarity.

We utilize tools such as Zoom for real-time discussions, allowing us and the client to share ideas, updates, and visual concepts. In addition to that, we establish a reliable and responsive email communication channel for written documentation, project updates, and formal documentation.

Leveraging our use of technology, we provide our clients with realistic renderings and virtual tours of architectural designs to help them visualize the proposed concept and make informed decisions remotely.

At Assembledge+, we actively collaborate with contractors to ensure seamless execution of all design projects. Our approach involves a comprehensive evaluation and selection process for contractors, typically undertaken after the production of construction documents.

We acknowledge the benefits of engaging with builders early on. This early and dynamic cooperative relationship not only opens avenues for technical consultation but also intermittent cost estimation, thus optimizing the construction process. The proactive involvement allows for a more integrated approach to project development, enhancing communication and problem solving between architects and contractors, ultimately ensuring the successful realization of architectural visions.

Design Process Design Process

While we approach every project with a shared philosophical foundation, we also acknowledge the unique interplay between each site’s history, landscape, materials, and client.

The design process in architecture follows industry standards, but it’s also a reflection of each firm’s unique values and beliefs. At Assembledge+, we emphasize our dedication to listening and guiding our clients throughout the journey.

The process through which an architectural project is conceived, designed, and built is generally composed of individual phases, each subsequently building on the process and decisions of the previous.

Discovery and Pre-Design

Schematic Design

Design Development

Construction Documentation

Bidding / Contractor Selection

Construction Administration

Our process starts by closely collaborating with each client right from the start, even before any formal agreements are made. The duration and resources allocated to each phase are flexible, customized to fit the unique needs and goals of the project

Additional Services - Interior Design

We believe in carefully crafted spaces that foster a sense of well-being. As such, we are happy to offer services that include designing, specifying, procuring, and installing furniture and bespoke objects.

Owner Supplied Items

Topographic Survey

As-Built Drawings

Discovery + Pre-Design

Planning Approval Submission

Construction

Building Permit Submission

Soils Report Issue for Tender

DESIGNVISION ESTABLISHED PROJECTBUDGET ESTABLISHED

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS BUILDINGPERMIT APPROVED Schematic Design

PROJECTCOMPLETION

PROJECT

OWNER REVIEW

Discovery and Pre-Design Gathering and Understanding

The Pre-Design stage is the first step in designing a building, happening before any actual design work starts. It’s a crucial phase because it lays the groundwork for the whole project. We gather important information by conducting various studies such as whether the project is feasible, looking at zoning rules, evaluating the site, and more.

This data helps us understand the project better, making it easier to move forward with the design process later on.

Schematic Design

Sculpting and Ideating

During this stage, we leverage the data acquired in the Pre-Design phase to determine project goals and requirements and to formulate the program - a term used to define the required functions of the project. One of our primary needs is to understand your preferences and lifestyle. We sketch, diagram, and utilize other media to illustrate multiple design schemes at the onset. Together, we will review these ideas, considering factors such as scale, aesthetics, and functionality until we find the best solution for your project.

Schematic Design is also the research phase of the project, during which zoning requirements or jurisdictional restrictions are investigated further and addressed. By the end of this stage, we aim to establish a clear design intent, including a preliminary site plan, floor plans, and exterior elevations.

Design

Design Development

Refining the Vision

In this stage, we actively support you in engaging the services of engineers and consultants by formulating a comprehensive project description and delivering the schematic design package. Subsequently, we collaborate closely with all involved parties to ensure seamless coordination of essential building systems while upholding the integrity of the architectural design.

Simultaneously, the architectural plans undergo detailed development to precisely define the size, quantity, and positioning of all design elements, encompassing walls, rooms, locations of windows and doors, built-in cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and other pertinent aspects. To visualize the project and help you understand the design, we produce a variety of formats such as sketches, computer-generated renderings, a virtual reality walkthrough, and digital or physical models.

Concurrently, the refined plans are submitted to local building authorities to initiate the plan check and permitting process. This phase represents a crucial step in the project timeline where meticulous attention to detail and adherence to regulatory requirements are paramount.

Material Palette

Construction Documents

Communicating the Design

Drawing from the approved Design Development Package, we prepare Construction Documents to tie everything together into a set that will be used to build the project. These documents encompass comprehensive construction drawings that intricately outline the specifications essential for the project’s construction. As such, the Construction Documents are meticulously curated to furnish detailed information and specifications and are fully coordinated with all consultants associated with the project.

This phase is typically the longest and most fee-intensive out of all of the phases, as there is so much coordination and detailing to do. This clarity enables General Contractors to formulate bids for the project’s construction precisely, ensuring a thorough understanding and alignment with the envisioned architectural outcome.

Sliding

Bidding / Contractor Selection

The Right Match

Upon finalizing the Construction Documents, these documents are shared with qualified General Contractors for bidding. A bid constitutes a proposal from a General Contractor detailing their plan to execute the Owner’s project. This proposal outlines the cost and timeline required for completion, using the drawings and specifications as the foundation. We typically can assist in recommending suitable contractors or can consider any referrals from you.

After distributing the Construction Documents, we are available to answer any questions or provide any clarifications necessary for the General Contractors to complete their bids. Upon receipt, we collaborate with you to assess and select the winning bidder. Finally, the contract is formally awarded to the winning bidder through a letter of intent, facilitating the commencement of construction.

For projects with unique features or complex requirements, we may recommend earlier collaboration with the Contractor. Early collaboration may also be utilized to generate early budgeting to assist in guiding the design process.

Permitting Ensuring Compliance

We prepare and submit all required permit applications on your behalf, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations. Typically, we work in conjunction with a third party consultant (Expeditor) and manage the entire application process, from initial submission to final approval.

Throughout the permitting process, we maintain open communication with relevant authorities, addressing any inquiries or revisions promptly to expedite approval. Once permits are approved, we work with the consultants to facilitate the acquisition process, obtaining all necessary permits and approvals to commence construction.

Construction Administration Building with Quality

Once the design is finished and approved by the local authorities, the Construction Administration phase geins as construction commences. During this phase, we take on various tasks to ensure the project is built according to the approved design illustrated in the Construction Documents. This includes coordinating with Contractors, visiting the construction site regularly, generating clarification sketches when needed, and carefully reviewing drawings and submittals from manufacturers to ensure they are in accordance with the approved design.

We visit the site regularly at different stages of the project as outlined by the Contractor. These visits help us understand how the construction is progressing and keep you updated on the quality and progress of the work done so far. As a part of our commitment to a collaborative process, it is our role in this phase to facilitate clear channels of communication between project stakeholders during this phase.

Interior Design Holistic Vision

In every project, we approach architecture and interiors with a unified vision. Our Interior Design Services are dedicated to crafting timeless and welcoming spaces. This includes interior specifications and selecting everything from soft furnishings, decorative lighting, and accessories, as well as the design and creation of bespoke items.

Our design team works closely to oversee every detail and manage every step from requesting samples to making sure everything fits together as designed. When it comes to custom-made or unique pieces, we work with suppliers, consultants, and you to manage production and ensure quality.

Our ultimate goal is to create spaces where architecture, interiors, and design seamlessly complement one another.

6255 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 920

Los Angeles, CA 90028

+1 323 951 0045

info@assembledge.com

IG: @assembledge

Photography: Lisa Romerein, Roger Davies, Tim Hirschmann, Yoshihiro Makino