Arch-Eco Design, LLC.
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Arch-Eco Design is a design firm with expertise in sustainable design, landscape architecture, architecture, and master planning
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Arch-Eco Design is a design firm with expertise in sustainable design, landscape architecture, architecture, and master planning
Residential Architecture (360) 273-9291
Markthor MacFarlane: M.Arch.,B.Land.Arch. 
Arch-Eco Design is a design firm based in the South Puget Sound offering a
wide range of services with a focus on sustainability. Based on the scope of
work, location may not be a factor
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN SERVICES
- Building Design Development & Construction Documents
- Design-Build Services _sustainable design & energy efficient homes
- Construction supervision & Project Management
- Remodeling Plans
- Interior Design
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HOME DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
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Coming soon
THE ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT (Choosing the right professional)THE DESIGN PROCESS
The design process is basically the same whether for it's a residential or commercial project.
Although commercial is generally far more systematic. In a commercial project, when a
contractor bids on a project all the documents and specs are complete. There are no questions;
the bidding is done on absolutes. In residential remodeling and construction, there are a lot of
unknowns. Most consumers don't know what construction costs are, what all the design and
permitting steps entail or even know why they will need an architect, designer or engineer.
WHO DO YOU CALL TO GET ANSWERS?
Many times the consumer has a vague idea of a concept they would like to have changed on their home. So, they call a builder. If the project warrants it, the builder will bring the proper design professionals to the project. On larger structural changing projects, there is no way to provide an accurate estimate without proper design work and construction documents.
SELECTING THE RIGHT DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
Selecting the right home building or remodeling design professional to plan, draw and build your new home or remodel may be the most important step you take to ensure that your project goes smoothly. Today there are more options than ever when it comes to design professionals, which means the selection process can become a time consuming and sometimes daunting task.
HIRING A DESIGN-BUILD TEAM OR INDIVIDUALS
Whether you decide to hire one person to design your home and another to build it, or if you find one firm to do it all, you will need professionals who understand the nature of your project and can best serve your individual needs. The more time spent during the hiring and planning phases, the fewer problems you should encounter during building and completion.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND THROUGH THIS PROCESS- How well does the design professional understand your budget, timing and ?
- Does their portfolio of past projects complement your personal taste?
- Can the design professional provide recent customer references?
- How much involvement do you want in the building/remodeling process?
- Do you feel comfortable with the design professional?
ARCH-ECO DESIGN CAN HELP
We take the guess work out of the design-build equation. The builder doesn't try to be
an architect and the interior designer doesn't try to be the builder. We put the right team
together for the demands of the project. That ensures a much more realistic estimate,
smoother project, more accurate scheduling and a better budget analysis and control.
THE DESIGN PROCESS (From concept to construction documents)
1. Schematic Design (SD’s)
The first stage in the industry is called Schematic Design or the conceptual stage. Here the designer works with the client’s ideas, wishes, and boundaries then transforms these into unified logical concepts. Often more than one is generated to illustrate all the possibilities and provide the client with some ideas they may not have thought about previously.
2. Design Development (DD’s)
Once a concept is chosen or several are combined into one, the design team proceeds to develop the concept into greater detail. (i.e. Design Development) This stage is far more complex and typically requires the input from other professions such as:
- The landscape architect to site the building, parking areas, open spaces, manage circulation and storm water)
- The structural engineer to address obviously sizing members, suggesting better techniques and or materials and so forth.
- The mechanical, civil and electrical engineers for commercial projects in particular are also necessary. After all the give and take a final design is developed and the next stage is about to start.
3. Construction Documents (CD’s)
For permitting, bidding and construction a set of “construction documents” are necessary which generally entails a set of construction plans with specifications. They are referred to as blue prints or set of plans. With these in hand an accurate estimate can be generated, banks can provide construction loans, and contractors can begin to build off of these plans once the permits are issued.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE AN ARCHITECT?
LOCAL CODES: Depending on the jurisdiction, residential design can be drawn up by anyone as long as all the criteria and requirements from the municipality or County are
met. This is by no means an easy task, is time consuming, and requires a wider
knowledge base than anticipated.
THE SIZE OF THE NEW HOME: New homes greater than 4,000 square feet are
required to be stamped by a registered architect in that State. Many architects prefer to
defer the structural calculations and specific details to an engineer.
SPECIALTY TRADES: Other consultants are generally brought in to meet all the basic
building minimums such as electrical, mechanical, civil, and landscape or site standards.
All these drawings, no matter who draws them, are required to follow local codes and THE
Residential Building Code. (RBC)
THE DESIGN AFFECTS THE END RESULT: Generally speaking the quality of the design work directly affects the building process, time line, efficiency in project management and the general (quality) outcome. The best or most efficient projects typically follow the professional line i.e. with an architect.
BETTER PERFORMANCE AND RESALE VALUE: Not only is the work performed at a higher caliber using proper architecture produced construction documents, but in the long run the client is more likely to make a better resale profit. The home generally performs better in all aspects, is more comfortable and above all is balanced between an economy of space and fluidity in layout.
THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES: Ideally everything seems to fit right, looks great,
flows smoothly from room to room, and is definitely well organized when an architect is on board.
Please read the blogs on this subject for more insights.
ARTICLES & RESOURCES
- Planning your project
- Landscape architecture vs landscape design
- Professional design fees and why you pay these rates
- Design-build remodeling, what you need to know
- The value of using an architect for your design work
- Design-build information (Web resource)
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SITE LINKS - Home Page - About Us - Residential LS Design - Commercial Architecture - Commercial LS Arch PORTFOLIOS - Commercial Projects - Institutional Projects - Residential Design & Architecture - Residential Landscapes OTHER RESOURCES - Blog Articles - Photo Gallery - Cascadia Design Build - Cascadia Landscaping |
Arch-Eco Design, LLC. Markthor MacFarlane: M.Arch.,B.Land.Arch., Lead Designer Based on the scope of work, location may not be a factor
Services Offered:
- Residential Design & Architecture - Sustainable Design, Architecture and Consulting - Landscape Design & Architecture - Residential Properties & Gardens - Commercial and Institutional Design & Architecture - Site Planning, Master Planning & Project Management - Teaching and consulting on sustainable design & building   |
DISCLAIMER: Arch-Eco Design makes no endorsement or guarantees for specific facilities or services or products found on, or linked to this site, although our information strives for accuracy, integrity and the latest industry trends.