portfolio
Services
Studio
Community
Journal
At MA, we fully understand the profound decision to design and build a building, so treating your project with the utmost care is the north star that guides us.
No two building projects are exactly alike in a custom like MA Studios, so there is no singular path to follow.
Therefore, an architect is needed with the professional experience, training, education and leadership to guide the way through design and construction, all while balancing project vision in concert with budget and timeframe.
The architect is working with design options, building codes, zoning laws, surveyors, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, HOAs, interior designers, vendors and associates, always representing the interests of you — the client — through and through.
This is why longtime experience is key for a competent architect. One who has navigated pitfalls and challenges firsthand will know how to avoid them in future. At MA, two decades of experience in mountain architecture for Principal J. Scott Munn, AIA, NCARB makes our team a trusted source for your design.
Don’t hold back here! Tell us what really matters to you. Dream a little too, because you never know what may be realized in the final design.
How will subjects move inside the spaces? What are the purposes for those areas? In your present life and work, what do you want to change or make better? What types of spaces make you happy?
Think of those dreamy pictures in your mind. Express those scenes you would like to recreate for yourself in your new or improved home or other building.
Think of new efficiencies you might want in your newly built home. A better entrance that has a system to collect coats, shoes and bags. A mudroom to deposit the gear from active lifestyles. Closets in key places. A kitchen layout that makes sense in the traffic flow of cooking. Does the morning sun shine into the kitchen while you enjoy your coffee? Ideally where are you when you enjoy your coffee? Do you prefer a cozy den for a bedroom or one with large windows and lots of light?
Or, for public or commercial concepts, we can help you brainstorm the integration of people, action and space. We also challenge ourselves on needed efficiencies as well as the interaction with surroundings of the future built environment. We assist you to focus on the overarching goals of the project.
We are the trusted partner during a major investment of time, energy and money in one’s life.
Ok, dreamer, your architect has been intensely listening. It’s time to start drawing.
The architect takes information you have shared, adds expertise, artistry and a dash of practicality, and applies it to the site.
Here is where the overshadowing of budget may start to influence what is included and what may need editing.
More than one solution can be applied during Schematic Design. And your architect will work with you to find the optimum of them all. Be sure to voice what you like and do not like.
When the schematic design has reached its best possible point of refinement, the architect will then engage with respectable contractors to obtain preliminary bids. At this time in the process, cost estimates are still very general in nature.
Keep in mind, there is still time to “sculpt” while the design is still an abstraction.
Your design is taking shape! More information has flooded in from various contractors about cost and feasibility.
It is at this point, if not sooner, a selected general contractor becomes involved. At MA Studios, we firmly believe that introducing the contractor to this phase is wise. We have found that tapping into cost awareness early will allow MA to generate the clearest set of documents reflective of design and budget outcomes.
We fine-tune the design to reflect elements such as measurements, materials, and finishes. You are now seeing the project take shape, and 3-D renderings are mastered to help you visualize accurately.
MA Studios recommends more than one general contractor; it does not regularly work with one exclusively.
Again, no two projects are alike in a custom build, therefore, no one contractor is suited for all projects.
Often clients engage MA Studios to help find the right contractor for them.
We are in the advantageous position of knowledge when it comes to contractors. We have worked with many over the years and can share what we know about quality of work and level of service.
The final selection is always up to you, the client.
Upon your approval of the design development and preliminary construction budget, MA Studios will prepare the detailed drawings and specifications for your project. This will include a
a final set of drawings for:
• A final construction budget with your selected contractor
• Documentation for achieving authorization for building with the authority having jurisdiction, or simply put, a set of permit plans.
When the construction documentation is ready — Congrats! — Let's build.
Look how far your project has come!
Keep in mind, MA’s role normally does not stop with the preparation of construction documents. We also can provide construction administration services as well.
This will ease the burden for you when it comes to questions that arise during construction. Construction administration also includes site visits, reviewing payment requests, and making sure you the client always is represented in decision-making.
It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s hopeful. It’s exhausting. It’s exhilarating.
But together we celebrate all that has been accomplished. You chose the right team to make it happen.
Certificate of Occupancy granted. Time to move in.
If you’re ready to get started or have more questions, please get in touch
