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Glossary of Terms and Phrases
Architect: A designation reserved, usually by law, for a person or organization professionally qualified and duly licensed to perform architectural services; A person skilled in the art of building; one who understands architecture or makes it his occupation to form plans and designs of buildings.
Bid: A statement of what a contractor will charge based on specifications for a particular project.
Bid Review: Review of submitted bids to ensure the clients that the bids received are equal in scope of work required for the Project.
Building Codes: Developed by individuals actively involved in the construction industry, the purpose is to provide standards that protect the environment, property and lives of the general public and owners and occupants of residential buildings. Building codes are often adopted, modified and enforced by local government officials and politicians.
Building Permit: A document issued by the building department that authorizes the holder to construct a specific building on a specific lot
Construction Documents: Depending on the complexity of the project, these documents which are required for permit, typically include the site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, electrical plan, exterior elevations and details, framing plans, interior elevations, building section, ceiling details, pool plan and structural details.
Programming: The architect and homeowner first discuss the goals, needs and function of the project, design expectations and available budget, pertinent building code and zoning regulations. The architect prepares a written statement setting forth design objectives, constraints, and criteria for a project, including special requirements and systems, and site requirements.
Project Process:
1. Client Interview Phase: This is the first phase in our four-phase process. During this phase, we sit down with our client and learn exactly what it is that they are looking for in their project. We ask the client a series of questions and reference any magazines or photograph clippings that they might have brought with them. All of this information is gathered and used collectively to start the Preliminary Design phase.
2. Schematic/Preliminary Design Phase: In this second phase of our process, the client's project is designed in the form of hand drawn sketches based on the clippings and answers obtained from the Client Interview. These hand drawn sketches typically include floor plans, elevations and interior architecture. Upon final approval from the client, the project enters into the Design Development phase.
3. Design Development Phase: This third phase of the process is where the approved Preliminary Design sketches are redrawn on the computer into AutoCAD software. These refined drawings include floor plans, elevations, roof plans and interior architecture. Upon final client approval, the project then moves into the Construction Document phase.
4. Construction Documents Phase: In this fourth phase of the process, technical drawings are created that include the detailed specifications required to receive a permit which is required before construction can begin on a project.
Punch List : A detailed list of work that needs to be completed prior to a project being completed by a contractor. This list is generally created near the end of a project.
Site Inspections: Visits to the project site during important phases of construction to inspect your home and ensure that the project conforms to the construction documents.
Specifications: A part of the construction documents contained in the project manual consisting of written requirements for materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship.
Square Footage: In general, square footage is in reference to the livable, air-conditioned space, however, architects, builders and realtors each measure square footage differently. Buyers should always be sure that an explanation is provided as to which spaces have been included in the measurements provided.
Zone A (a.k.a. "Flood Zone"): Flood zone A are areas that will be affected by rising water. These areas are those that are low lying and along the coast line of both the Gulf and the Bay. All new and substantial improvements to structures in this area will require that the lowest living floor be elevated to the required base flood elevation and that these improvements be designed by a Florida registered engineer or architect. Also required is that enclosed areas below the base flood elevation must be impervious to water damage, have openings in the walls to allow the flow of the flood waters and shall only be used for parking of automobiles and storage of non-insurable items. (Source: http://www.pinellascounty.org/build/flodinfo.htm)
Zone V (a.k.a. "Velocity Zone"): Flood zone V is considered a high hazard flood area based on the fact that it is an area that will not only be affected by rising flood waters, but also wave action. All new and substantial improvements must be designed by a Florida registered engineer or architect. The structure must be constructed on pilings or a matt foundation. Enclosed areas are not allowed unless the walls are constructed to breakaway under pressure from rising water and wave action. This zone also requires that the bottom of the lowest structural member be elevated to the required base flood elevation. (Source: http://www.pinellascounty.org/build/flodinfo.htm)
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