Ames Architect Shane Ames, architect Boca Raton, Florida
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Single Family
Multi Family and Commercial
New Construction, Renovations and Remodelling
Additions
Custom Design Services
Interior Architecture
Archived
Projects outside South Florida
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Contracting Services
 
Any size addition can be designed in any style. Prices and fees vary depending on complexity and style. The process is as follows.


Phase I – Conceptual Design
  • Initial Client contact.
  • Client to fax survey to Ames International Architecture in order for us to verify governmental and community setbacks and restrictions pertaining to the site drawings for initial meeting.
  • Client to secure a set of plans of the existing building from either community architectural review board or city microfilm. Preferable client to drop off plans to Ames Design International so it can be copied and brought up to scale to be able to verify in field and sketch during meeting with client.
  • Set appointment on job site.
  • Walk property interior and exterior with client to absorb physical conditions and discuss ideas.
  • Go over client wish list, approximate to owner's construction budget and discuss ideas.
  • Sketch ideas and concepts.
  • Review proposal process and pricing.
  • Preliminary walk thru with existing plans to verify as built conditions and mark up on plans.
  • Preliminary photograph work.
Write a proposal; based on sketches or by hourly design until an agreed upon design is reached.

Once retainer is received (see proposal and/or retainer agreement), develop hand sketches and front and rear elevations with client meetings.

Input (as built drawings) of existing building into computer and field verify information (see as built drawing instructions)

Once as built drawings are verified, the hand sketched preliminary drawings are inputted into computer over existing drawings in order to utilize as much of the existing structure for cost savings and value engineering. Once preliminary floor plan drawings are inputted we meet with the client to review fine-tune and modify.

Reviewing window and door locations and sizes, cabinets and appliances layout, bathroom designs, niches, archways, verifying lines of axis, centerlines, drawing hand sketches of interior views and elevations, site work designs; pool, decks, driveways, walks, etc. At this point we sketch preliminary furniture plans to verify furnish-ability of rooms.

Once floor plans are completed and agreed to the ceiling heights and ceiling details are reviewed. A lengthy meeting takes place discussing the electrical and low voltage wiring components and systems. The lightning is designed inside and out, the outlets and switches are placed in the new or renovated sections. (Landscaping lighting not included)

Once the ceiling details are completed, the elevation sketches of the front, rear or affected areas are produced and reviewed and changed.

Once floor plans, site plan and elevations are agreed to, then a sign off of drawings is required along with a final proposal contract to start construction drawings with time frame. The contract is reviewed with all components and extras desired.

Please note even though the plans for your addition and renovation project will be prepared based on the existing drawings of the house and our field measurement; further adjustment and modification to the permit set might be needed after completion of the demolition phase. The extent of the above mention adjustments and revision are not known during the preparation of the permit set due to the concealed conditions of the existing structure. These additional
hours are billable as per the prevailing rate noted in your contract.

Due to the nature of designing a renovation and/or addition, the total scope and cost of the work is not known up front

Phase II– Construction Documents

Therefore, please be advised that it is our policy to require an initial
retainer (invoice enclosed) in order to proceed with the preliminary design development phase. All subsequent preliminary design development services for this phase shall be billed at the prevailing hourly rate and deducted bi weekly from the initial retainer.

As built plans
  • Complete digital photographic record of entire existing building and site (100 – 200 photographs).
  • Measuring and verifying existing and missing survey information for accuracy. Such as fences, driveways, pool deck, pool location, gutters, downspouts, drainage ditches, elevation changes such as steps and raised areas, walkways, privacy and planter walls, site lighting, equipment location, generator, A/C units, pool equipment and heaters, water treatment, awnings, covered porches, trellis, out buildings; gazebos, sheds, guest houses, boat lifts, seawall, main electric meter location, water service, transformers, overhead lines, gas service, septic tanks and drain field.
  • Note: Only areas where work will be done are measured.
  • Note: A surveyor may need to be hired to supply additional information relating to ground height or spot grades, flood elevation certificate, crown of road height, existing building height, specific area of existing building setbacks, seawall height.
  • Measuring and comparing thickness of existing interior and exterior wall.
  • Measure of window openings, sill and approximate heights and location in room, locate hurricane protection.
  • Measure room sizes, door locations.
  • Measure ceiling heights.
  • Photograph and copy down entire electric circuit breaker panels and develop as built electric service diagram.
  • Locate all switches, outlets, light fixtures, hi hats, thermostats, rheostats, fans, alarm panels, TV/ phone outlets.
  • Locate air handlers, return airs, supplies and identify size of unit from serial number on unit in attic or closet.
  • Measure and draw sketch of existing overhang condition and verify existing roof pitch.
  • Measure size of interior doors.
  • Measure millwork sizes.
Phase III – Construction Documents

To assure you that the creativity of our designs are achieved, the drawings are prepared with exact detail; our designers, technicians and consultants prepare your final construction plans using the latest in computer technology. Plans will consist of necessary drawings and details to communicate the accurate construction of your project. The final documents being ready for your contractor to start permitting and construction.

It is important that all major changes are completed at this time as new changes are billable and become quite costly as the plans turn from 5 or 6 pages to 25 or so pages involving many outside consultants. Changes cost exponentially more.

Electrical Design
  • The first meeting we have after sign off will be a lengthy electrical review meeting going over all aspects of electrical components including but not limited to:
  • Hi hats
  • Ceiling fixtures, pendants, chandeliers, fans
  • Outlets
  • Wall fixtures, sconces
  • Switches and switching
  • Phone
  • Cable, TV
  • Intercom
  • Lighting control systems
  • Site lighting
  • Exterior lighting, wall, post, flood lights (landscape lighting by others)
  • Gas appliances
  • Smoke detectors
  • Air compressors
  • Air handler units and zoning
  • Water heaters
  • Electric drapes and shutters
  • Appliances
  • Generator and fuel
  • Panel locations
  • Security
  • Pool equipment & heaters
  • Solar power
These mark ups are inputted into computer and a final review meeting is made with owners and consultants to incorporate changes from interior design decisions and minor revisions. The plans are then sent to pertinent outside consultants.

Structural Review

The plans are then studied for structural efficiency. Preliminary meetings with the chosen engineering firm and contractor if chosen are made to ensure ease of building from foundation to roof. After all structural components are agreed to the plans are released to the engineering firm to do calculations and details.


Mechanical Review
Review and coordination of final A/C shop drawings and energy calculations


Truss review
Review and coordination of truss shop drawings supplied by chosen contractor included in contract.

Final Review

A final review meeting will be made to go over entire set of plans prior to issuing signed and sealed permit plans. Note permit plans are not final for construction until building department comments are submitted and approved and final construction plans are issued.
 
Phase IV – Typical residential construction
documents consist of:
  • Cover Sheet
  • Site Plan
Site plan with setbacks and easements from survey, site walls and fences, gates, grills, plumbing riser diagram, outbuildings, general notes, general site electric, drive way and pool deck designed with materials noted. No patterns or details included. Dock location, mail box location as per ARB requirements or any other governing authority. No design or details included. Pool layout and size only. Pool drawings, details and permit by others. Roof plan, sprinkler
equipment located as per governing authority. Layout by others. A/C units location only, layout by others. Trellises, gazebos, exterior bars,
outbuildings, etc.
 
  • Foundation Plan
Structural column schedule, footing schedule and notes, plumbing fixture location, sewer lines location, stacks location, vents location, steps-downs and recesses, downdraft vents location
 
  • Floor Plan
Doors: location and size on schedule, windows: location and size on schedule, ceiling: heights, appliances: location, attic access, soffits, ceiling changes, skylights, area breakdowns, dimensions, floor finishes, medicine cabinets, shower heads and controls, shower enclosures, mirrors, fireplaces, sill heights, staircases, hose bibs, bath fixture locations, arch heights and sizes
 
  • Elevations
  • Front, rear, left and right sides, target heights, finishes, planter wall Heights & hidden elevations.
  • Sections
  • Cross sections, typical one or two story wall, sections and cross section necessary to job.
  • Floor framing
  • Two story homes only, beam schedule, wood truss or concrete precast layout.
  • Roof framing
  • Wood truss layout with tie beam schedule. Overhang details, Gutters, crickets.
  • Strapping plans
  • From roof framing plan for engineer.
  • Electrical plans
Electrical panel schedule, electrical riser and notes, electrical layout based on applicable codes, phone outlets, TV, outlets, fan location, base lighting, smoke detectors, meters, main and panel locations, appliances, AHUs located, air compressors and disconnects, electric hurricane shutter
  • Structural and general notes
  • Typical details and specifications specifications
 
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Ames Design International
Established in 1984 in Boca Raton, Florida by our founder and architect Shane Ames, we work on design of luxurious and memorable single family homes, multi-family housing projects and commercial ventures.

We have completed projects in 27 countries throughout the globe, receiving numerous awards and accolades; being published in dozens of periodicals and books.

We offer full services; coordinating all phases of the project from initial design, through construction, to interiors and final completion
Terms & Conditions

Ames International Architecture
Ames International Architecture
203 Dixie Blvd
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Phone: (561) 274-6444
Web:tsdg 
Terms

 

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