FAQs
What is Site Analysis?
Site analysis evaluates the physical, environmental, and regulatory conditions of a property before design begins. This includes zoning review, utility access, topography, drainage patterns, vehicular circulation, and neighboring land use. Proper site analysis ensures commercial architecture projects are feasible and aligned with local development requirements.
What is included in Architectural Services?
Architectural services typically include conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, coordination with consultants, permitting support, and construction administration. At DAC, services are tailored to each project’s scope and may include master planning, feasibility studies, site development planning, and consulting.
Who submits permits?
Permit submission responsibilities vary by project and jurisdiction. In most cases, DAC prepares and coordinates architectural documents required for permit submission. Contractors may submit permits in design/build scenarios. We clarify roles early in the process to avoid delays.
Understanding Design Phases
Architectural projects typically progress through conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, bidding/negotiation, and construction administration. Each phase builds upon the previous one, refining scope, budget, and technical details to move the project toward construction
Is DAC a Design/Build Contractor? What Does Design/Build Mean?
Development | Architecture Collaborative is not a general contractor. We are a commercial architecture firm with development services.
Design/build is a project delivery method in which a single entity provides both design and construction services under one contract. DAC frequently collaborates with design/build partners, developers, and contractors to support integrated project delivery, but we do not self-perform construction.
Do You Design Single-Family Homes?
DAC focuses on commercial architecture, institutional projects, and development-based work. We do not design single-family residential homes. We do have an extensive network of partners that do provide this type of work and we are willing to help you with referrals.
What is Program Management?
Program management assists owners in an advisory capacity during design and construction. Services include developing a program management plan, coordinating information across multiple projects, establishing a program-wide budget and schedule, and implementing quality control guidelines. This oversight ensures alignment between long-term goals and day-to-day project execution.