Our process is to deliver the highest quality design and architecture through a synergy of collaboration. Michael Olsen is personally involved with each client to effectively listen to and understand his or her visions, desires, schedules, and budgets from the beginning of a design project through construction completion.  He matches each client’s specific needs with a team of skilled individuals from MJKO, along with a variety of project consultants, engineers and contractors, to build a qualified project specific design team.

Interview
During this interview we will meet with you and recognize the general scope of your project. We will show you examples of similar work, how we would handle your specific project, and answer any questions that you may have regarding our firm or our process. There is no charge for the interview or the proposal.

Preparation of Architectural Proposal
A proposal is a prepared outline of services that will be provided, with the fee for each phase of the project, and a list of fees for any additional services.

Project Phases and Services:

Initial Programming
Michael Olsen will meet with you to discuss your functional needs, general aesthetic goals, and projected budget.

Feasibility Study
The Feasibility Study provides the client with a generalized cost study based on initial programming.  This study may be used to obtain approvals for various community projects or fundraising.

Schematic Design
At the end of the schematic design phase rough sketches will be provided to you to verify our correct interpretation of your requirements and give a general indication of the exterior architectural design and style.

Design Development
At the end of the design development phase the architect will provide you with drafted to-scale computer generated ArchiCAD and PowerCADD drawings that illustrate the project as it will look when it's constructed. These drawings will specifically define the site plan, floor plans and exterior elevations. It is important that the client provide input to the architect at this time as the design development drawings are used as the basis for the construction drawings and cost estimates. If the project requires city or county planning approval this process takes place during design development.

HOA (Home Owner’s Association) Review
We will assemble the submittal documents and coordinate with your Home Owners Association to gain building approval.  This may include plans, three-dimensional drawings, color renderings, scaled models and sample boards. In addition we act as the owner’s representative at Design Review Board meetings.

Construction Drawings
The construction set of drawings and specifications are based on owner approved design development drawings.  The  construction drawings and specifications provide the necessary information to secure contractor bids, obtain the required building permits, and build the project.

Bidding
Although this phase represents just a small percentage of the overall architectural fee it can save you, the Owner, a great deal of frustration and expense.  Typically the architect can ask the right questions with regard to the contractor’s project bids.  It is very important to determine if the contractor has forgotten or overlooked anything on the construction drawings.  If this occurs the contractor will undoubtedly up-charge, even though the project is underway and the owner has already signed a construction contract.  

Construction Administration
This phase is often the most common phase in which to omit the architect’s involvement. This is unfortunate since it can be very difficult for the client to detect deviations for the original construction drawings until it is too late.  However, if a qualified contractor has been retained, the project should proceed as specified in the construction drawings.