Process

Each project begins and ends with discovery.

Discovery of an organization’s unique needs, a community’s character and aspirations, and the details that spark the “big idea” behind each design. We engage our clients in a collaborative dialogue throughout the design process. We exchange ideas, share expertise and – above all – we listen. Through open, candid communication, we gain consensus and create truly successful design.

We have organized the framework of our project approach into a four-part strategy that is simple but effective:

1. Understand Our Client’s Why

Our process begins with understanding the driving force behind the project: our client, their purpose, vision and mission. We engage with project stakeholders to collect, analyze and synthesize space needs, programming data and other pertinent data that will influence design. This provides the context for our work and foundation for our designs.

Adjacency diagram developed for Jackson County, Missouri's administration departments.

Blocking and stacking diagram of an 83,000 square foot Administration Building designed for Jackson County, Missouri.

2. Explore Possibilities

You could say innovation first happens at the 30,000-foot-level – when we collaborate with our client and project partners to develop an overarching concept that guides the design of the site, the building, the interior environment and building systems. Using the information provided at the onset of a project, gathered during programming, and collected during analyses, we explore possibilities to identify the best solutions for each project. A variety of options are explored, and there are often multiple solutions.

From the early stages of our process, we engage clients and project stakeholders in virtual explorations.

3. Land Where It Makes Sense

After exploring possibilities and prioritizing solutions, a concept unique to the site and program is built on consensus, responding to client goals for function, quality, budget and schedule. Research, lessons learned and the use of new or improved materials, systems and technologies guide us in our quest to design a better built environment.

Sustainable materials, systems and technologies were specified for the building envelope at the Missouri Department of Conservation Regional Headquarters in Lee’s Summit.

4. Ensure Sound Execution

Innovation and sound solutions are realized when we execute designs in the field. Our collaborations, technical acumen, quality control process and execution of detailed construction drawings all come together in creating a deliverable for our clients, ensuring all goals established during concept design are achieved. This continues through construction as we work with clients and contractors to make certain built projects achieve our client’s vision.