Our Process

BMA Design Process

BMA guides our clients through a comprehensive design process consisting of five phases from Predesign (PD) through Construction Administration (CA). It can be overwhelming to learn the architectural jargon — below is a summary breaking it down to help you know what to expect if you take on a project with us.

  • Predesign (PD): As indicated by the name, Predesign is a phase that lays the groundwork for the project before putting pen to paper with any design work. We share a questionnaire to help clients develop and define the vision for their project, cross-check that vision with budget and schedule expectations, and conduct code review to identify permitting considerations.

  • Schematic Design (SD): After aligning expectations and defining project goals, we start developing design concepts for review and feedback together with the clients. Typically this design phase involves two to three rounds of design concepts with client meetings on a two-week cadence. SD culminates in a schematic design drawing set and scope narrative that can be priced by a builder. This early-stage pricing offers a check-point to confirm that the design is on track with the client’s budgetary goals before they invest in a full-fledged drawing package.

  • Design Development (DD): This phase is when BMA dives into the technical coordination with the civil, structural, and mechanical engineers. While most of this work is done behind the scenes, we keep the client in the loop with regular updates and set up meetings as needed to discuss key design decisions.

  • Construction Documents (CD): During the CD phase, we return to bi-weekly client meetings to work through the material and fixture selections (lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, flooring, cabinetry, etc.). We also continue coordinating with the engineers and developing the technical details, compiling a comprehensive drawing set for construction. We often engage the builder for another round of pricing mid-way through this phase, to ensure continued alignment with the client’s construction budget.

  • Construction Administration (CA): While the contractor is responsible for the construction schedule and execution, BMA remains engaged to ensure that the design is fully realized in accordance with the client’s vision. We hold regular construction meetings with the contractor and client, review submittals from the contractor, and conduct regular site visits to observe progress on site.

Gather Your Vision

  • We are here to listen, inspire, and guide you on a journey towards achieving your vision.

  • We provide a process for gathering your ideas, reflect them back, and help you prioritize what’s most important to you.

  • Whether this is your first project or your third, Black Mountain Architecture’s experience and expertise will help you to place value in the places that you care about.

Define Your Project

  • We understand the local Adirondack vernacular and can also respond to your specific aesthetic.

  • We understand the APA, DEC, and local permitting constraints and will help shepherd your project through the permitting process.

  • We explain and help you define your green building and energy goals.

  • We explore what can be achieved based on your budget, your property, your timeline and your quality preferences.

Gather The Team

  • We know the other local professionals, from surveyor to builders to all other people you will need to actualize your project. 

  • We bring together a team to lead you through an Integrated Design Process, where we bring expertise to the table early in order to make the design and construction as efficient as possible (both in terms of energy and budget).

  • We work to build trust within the team – setting the stage for problem-solving, innovation and strong communication.

  • We work with you to find a general contractor who is a good fit for your project, and bring them into the design process early so that we can benefit from their construction and estimating expertise.

Craft your Design

  • We guide the design process to customize your project to your tastes and priorities. We bring beauty, technical knowledge, experience, and problem-solving to the table.

  • We apply our attention to detail to the places that have value to you. An investment in design and planning up front can save costly errors in the construction phase. We help you protect your future investment by having everything thought out and resolved prior to breaking ground. 

  • We communicate regularly with all members of the integrated team to discover any opportunities to add value to the project.

  • We lead you through the phases of design: 

    • Schematic Design

      • We show you different potential versions of your project and review them with you to discover what aspects of the design appeal to you.

    • Design Development

      • We refine one of the versions in more detail, and provide you with options for all of the major components of the project. We break down your project into manageable pieces and help you prioritize what’s most important.

    • Construction Documents

      • We produce the drawings and specifications that your builder will need to estimate and build your project.

      • We set the general contractor up for success by providing a high caliber and thorough set of Construction Drawings and Specifications.

Consult During Construction

  • We continue to facilitate the integrated team throughout the construction process to ensure the project is built to design specifications, troubleshoot any questions that come up during construction, and check that the finished product meets your performance requirements.