Listening Listening is the first step in the design and construction process and is the most important thing we can do to understand our clients’ goals and aspirations. We work hard to hear what the essential problem is for our clients, and solve that problem poetically, through our design. MC2 Architects is concerned with the functional quality of the space, and strives to create a poetic form that accommodates practical needs. Schematic Design Schematic design is the first design phase. This phase usually involves conceptual sketches, computer-generated studies of plans, sections and elevations. Most importantly it involves small-scale, 3-dimensional models for study. The objective of this phase is to work with the client to define goals for a spatial concept. The drawings and models give clients the opportunity to review our understanding of their goals and aspirations and allow them to provide further input. Design Development Design development refines the building concept. This phase usually involves researching and finding building systems to precisely fit our clients’ needs and economic constraints. During this phase, dimensioned plans, detailed elevations and sections and a larger-scale study model further define and help visualize the space. In addition, during this phase we use the drawings to do more accurate cost estimation based on the proposed building system (i.e. structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical).
