Understanding Your Options
Wondering where to start? Every project and client is unique, but similar steps can be used as a guide to create a path that’s right for you. For those unfamiliar with the project process, we have put together some general resources to help you better understand your options.
Scroll through this page or click a button below to explore each section. If you have questions or want to know how these are applicable to your project, please say hello.
An Overview of Project Process
When to Start
The Designer’s Role
Design-Bid-Build vs Design-Build
Projects and Markets Studio Vibrant Serves
More About Studio Vibrant
When to Start
We encourage clients to begin the project process at least two years before they need to move in. While not always possible, doing so allows partners to be brought in early and provides time for you to make thoroughly informed decisions. Elongating a project’s schedule allows for a more robust service menu, tailored design options, and better risk management. When a project schedule is limited it then becomes prioritized over the budget and design so you are either left paying more money or compromising your vision.
An Overview of Project Process
The interactive graphic below outlines and provides a brief description of the potential project steps. Please use this graphic as a general starting point.
Click each circle to learn about the project steps.
The Designer’s Role
As architects and interior designers, it is our job to not only design your vision but also to advocate for you and your goals throughout a project. When our contract is with you, we have no other interest than you. The only way we have a successful project is if your priorities are met.
Bringing us on early means we are able to advocate for you from the start, making sure that everything from your program to your new location meet the priorities you outlined at the beginning of the project.
Design-Bid-Build vs Design-Build
The above overview graphic shows a project using Design-Bid-Build (DBB) as the process, but Design-Build (DB) is another option. However, when it comes to interior architecture, DBB and DB processes are very similar with one of main differences is how mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering is addressed.
When it comes to costs, where MEP fees are held is different between the project process types. In DBB, they are typically held in your contract with the designer; in DB, they are held by the general contractor.
MEP engineering occurs concurrently to other phases within both structures. In DBB, it is completed during the Design phase, parallel to the architectural and interior design which then allows each permit to be submitted concurrently. In DB, it is completed during the Construction phase and if complications arise, may stop or delay the schedule.
In many instances, your chosen space contains existing MEP systems. In DBB, MEP engineers review systems in the Design phase to determine their viability, allowing any revisions or new equipment to be included in the schedule and budget. In DB, the existing system review takes place during the Construction phase, which limits options and may require the schedule to be extended and budget to be reworked or increased.
In every project, the architecture, interior design, and MEP systems intertwine with one another. In DBB, completing MEP engineering during the Design phase allows for the integration of systems within the design. In contrast, MEP engineering in DB is done after the design is complete and is at risk of not integrating into the design.