We are currently a full service practice and provide the complete range of architectural services. The diagram below outlines each stage of our process. They do not necessarily take place in the order listed and may look a bit different for different projects.
As the practice evolves, we are committed to prioritizing both the well-being of our team and industry colleagues, as well as delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. Our clients share our dedication to creating high-quality projects that positively impact their communities during design, construction, and throughout the long-life of the development.
As we refine and develop our process, and whether the generalist model of an all-service general practice is the best way to proceed we will be implementing the following to foster health, creativity and well-being:
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Flexible working hours to balance personal life and professional responsibilities.
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Dedicated time for personal well-being, such as exercising, exploring interests, or just enjoying a walk in nature.
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Allocated blocks of uninterrupted, productive time each day to ensure our clients receive our full attention and expertise - free from phones, emails, or other distractions.
Engage.
Getting to know each other
This is the initial meeting where we determine if we are a good fit for your project. We will meet with you, your team, your building committee, and any other key stakeholders.
We want to learn everything you can share about your project - your hopes, dreams, and the reasoning behind it. We will discuss your budget, funding sources, and potential challenges or objections. From philosophical goals to practical details, we want to understand it all. Additionally, we will explore who is and has been involved in the project and what you envision for the next steps.
Once we both agree that we are a great fit, Mosaik will provide a written proposal outlining the project scope as we understand it, associated fees, and the proposed next steps.
Define.
Discover.
Analyse.
Pre-Design
Regardless of whether you have a clear vision or want to explore options, we will help you define your brief. We assist in visualizing how you want your project to look and feel, clarifying your goals and priorities.
We will work with you to review your budget and timeline and collaborate with other consultants to ensure a balance between time, cost, and the desired quality.
High level feasibility studies will assess various options, weighing the pros and cons. Even if you are confident about what and where you plan to build, these exercises often uncover opportunities to enhance the development.
We will also conduct a comprehensive site analysis to identify characteristics that could or should influence the design, such as context, views, topography, orientation and neighbourhood connections.
Imagine.
Create.
Conceptual Design
With all of the gathered information, we now begin composing and documenting ideas that align conceptually with the discovery, analysis and defined brief.
This involves close collaboration with you and (later) the municipality as we refine sketches, diagrams, and models. It is during this process that the overarching concept truly comes to life.
In parallel, the schedule and estimated budget are further refined in consultation with appropriate experts, such as a contractor or quantity surveyor.
Your development is starting to take shape!
Develop.
Design Development
Now we begin to finalize the layout, form and aesthetics of your project with the help of the full consultant team (typically, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and landscape).
Technical details and building code regulations are addressed along with the coordination of the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Each specialist will work to ensure that all systems integrate seamlessly.
You will be able to start to see how your project is going to look. Using detailed graphics and 3-d imagery you can get a real feel for the qualities of the spaces.
Document.
Construction Drawings / Technical Design
We prepare the drawings and documentation for submission to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to obtain construction permits and approvals.
At this stage, your project is typically managed by your general contractor, who refines the budget and finalizes the schedule. If a contractor has not yet been engaged, the documentation produced in this phase can form the basis for a competitive tendering process.
This phase is time-intensive as the project team coordinates systems and addresses all aspects of the construction process. Detailed information is provided to ensure the contractor can execute the work effectively. Ideally, we collaborate closely with the general contractor to address any questions or concerns.
We believe that partnering with those responsible for building the project is essential to achieving a successful outcome.
Approvals.
Site Plan & Building Permit Applications
The project is reviewed by the relevant authorities to ensure compliance and confirm that all regulatory and statutory requirements.
This can sometimes take a while. Depending on the approvals required this stage may run concurrently with other stages of the process.
While the wait can sometimes be frustrating, we see it as an extra layer of checks to ensure full compliance. We also strive to expedite the process by promptly responding to inquiries or requests.
Detail.
Finishing Touches
This stage focuses on documenting and detailing elements that, while not required for approvals, are critical to the project's success. these are the details that my seem subtle but make a significant impact - such as grout lines, shadow gaps, and transitions between finishes.
Administer.
Guide.
Contract Administration
During construction we play a vital role in maintaining the quality, integrity, and success of the construction process while fostering collaboration among all project stakeholders.
We administer the construction contract and monitor the construction process to ensure alignment with the design intent, contract documents, and project goals.
As a liaison between the client, contractor, and consultants, we facilitate smooth communication, address contractor questions or concerns, and work collaboratively to resolve unexpected issues or conflicts that arise during construction.
We conduct site visits to review the work, verify compliance with contract documents, and ensure adherence to applicable codes, regulations, and standards. Detailed field reports are prepared and shared, ,highlighting observations and any issues requiring attention. We also review completed work against the contractor's payment applications, certifying payments to ensure accuracy and timely disbursement.
Additionally, we review shop drawings, product samples, and other submittals to confirm compliance with the design intent and contract documents.
Together with the project team, we are committed to achieving a successful, timely, and on-budge completion of your project.