UA-126849019-1 Services – Stephen Pollock Architect
OVERVIEW OF PROCESS AND SERVICES

(see more at link above to the Project Planning Pack)
As a licensed architect in Toronto I specialize in residential projects, solving problems for people 45 + in age who want their renovation to be sustainable (environmental, financial, social) and require innovative solutions to technical problems.

This specialization is based on 20 years experience working on on a wide variety of project types of small and medium size. Together, the “My work” and “Work history” pages show a sampling of that work.
Whatever the licensed profession - doctor, lawyer, accountant, engineer or architect - trust is paramount - trust in everything that goes into their work, trust in what follows from, or is produced using, their work.

Architectural services are of most value to the building owner when retained as an entire package. The specific tasks can be myriad, but are based on professional and legal responsibilities (such as the Ontario Building Code, The Architects Act, zoning bylaws) and follow from the client’s (and or users’) needs, desires, budget and - if the project is an alteration or renovation - the existing building.

The visual aesthetics of any building can often be done in a number of "styles". More important to the success of a project is the style of the architect-client working relationship and this starts with values.
Research Phase
Over the years we have seen a widespread and growing problem within the design AND construction industry - the trend to rush into design and drawings without doing the proper research as a solid foundation for the project. For this reason we have developed a research process we call the Needs and Options Review. This can be broken out as a stand alone service, with a report that is yours to keep and can be used by ourselves or any other architect. Alternatively this research work can be incorporated as part of the full package of services. Either way, we believe so strongly in the value of this research in preventing future problems that we will not work on projects where the owner chooses to shortcut the process and skip this phase.

Click this link to book your Needs and Options Review.

Consultation (meet with you at your building)
• Ask you questions. (I do most of the listening, you do most of the speaking.)
• Take photographs or make sketches as appropriate
• Provide a brief written report of findings giving professional opinion for potential for the contemplated project
Defining roles and expectations
• Setting budget and time targets • Explain, negotiate and sign a contract for architectural services • Provide impartial information to inform your choice of future construction contract with the contractor • Contracts are necessary because they help everyone Defining roles and expectations
• Setting budget and time targets
• Explain, negotiate and sign a contract for architectural services
• Provide impartial information to inform your choice of future construction contract with the contractor
• Contracts are necessary because they help everyone
Schematic Design
• Propose one or more layouts/ concepts as appropriate
• Steps typically involve: taking measurements, preparing existing   condition drawings, zoning research
Design Development
• Submission for “PPR” (Preliminary Plan Review for zoning issues) by City (requirement)
• Bring in sub consultants as necessary and coordinate their work into overall design
• Begin process of contractor screening if contractor not previously selected by owner
• If required: submit application for Minor Variance (relief from zoning bylaw)   at subsequent representation at “C of A” (Committee of Adjustment)
• At this stage drawings are typically sent to contractor(s) for ‘realistic’ (not final) pricing
Construction Documents
• Prepare drawings for building permit submission and construction by general contractor
Contractor Selection (Bidding and Negotiation)
• Prescreen contractors
• “Referee” meetings between building owner and potential contractors
• Provide impartial professional commentary on the merits of each contractor,   for building owner’s decision on who to award the construction contract
Construction Phase (Construction Contract Administration)
• Thoughtful, thorough design minimizes changes; rare is the project by anyone,   anywhere that experiences zero changes
• We coordinate any design revisions   to maintain original intentions (aesthetics, building use, cost control)
Final comments:
• Budget: costs are always kept in mind. Degree of certainty of cost is strongly   related to greater level of detail as construction drawings progress
• You are kept informed from beginning to end and frequently asked for preferences or approvals.   You are not burdened with unnecessary questions or explanations.
• Environmentally responsible design is a priority.

Mission Statement:

“Improve life through design and service”.

It is meant to be all inclusive.
Respect, smiles, a sense of humour, make the process fun and results better.