Why Onward Design Collaborative?
Are we the right fit for your project? Let's start a conversation about your project and find out. We are passionate design professionals who look for creative solutions to any problem, large or small. With Onward as your guide through the building process, we will ask thoughtful questions, listen to your needs, and generate design solutions that speak to your personal or professional aspirations for the project.
Do I really need an architect for a residential project?
Building projects can be extremely complicated and stressful. The role of the architect is to guide you through the process and manage the necessary consultants along the way to ensure a successful project. While not required in every circumstance, an architect can save the project money by right-sizing spaces to your needs while selecting products and assemblies that provide the best quality for the project budget.
What consultants are needed to complete my project?
Every project is unique and the team required to complete the work varies depending on project type, size, complexity, and site. Part of the architects role is to establish the best team to meet the needs of any given project. Some consultants such as geotechnical and civil engineers are hired directly by clients during the project feasibility phase, while others such as interior designers, structural and mep engineers, and environmental consultants (to name a few) are hired directly under the architects contract to ensure all work is coordinated effectively.
When should we engage a contractor?
We prefer to bring contractors into the project as soon as possible to provide estimates at project milestones and assist with any value analysis required to get the scope back on track if material availabilty or unanticipated cost issues occur.
How much will my project cost?
Project costs can be separated into two categories: Soft Costs and Hard Costs. Accurately determining costs is difficult to determine at the start of a project, but developing a thorough scope and potential budget helps. By engaging a contracting partner early in the project, we like to get a high-level estimate at the end of schematic design and a more advanced estimate at 50% construction documents to give the project team an opportunity to respond and adjust project scope as necessary to meet a budget.
Soft Costs are the upfront, variable expenses required to get a project moving including architectural and design fees, taxes, and legal fees. They also include maintenance and repair costs that occur after construction is complete.
Hard Costs are fixed expenses directly related to physical construction which include labor, materials and utilities that can be included in the project's construction loan.
Do I really need to carry a contingency during construction?
YES. During the construction process, unknown circumstances or conditions are bound to arise. Some are out of our control such as material availability and others occur in response to desired changes that occur during the submittal or building process. Most construction loans will require carrying a contingency, and the recommended amount varies based on project type and complexity. Any change orders generated by the contractor during construction come out of the contingency amount.