Joyce Plath's services range from a few hours of on site consultation to full service that takes a project through construction drawings, contractor selection, construction supervision and coordination with other design professionals.  Frequently Joyce works as part of a team that includes a landscape architects Tina Rousslout  and Mary Gearhart, draftsmen Robert Button and Roger Pryor, architect William Zoller, historic preservation advisor Alex Stillman, master craftsman Kelly Carlin,  interior designer Sara Traphagen, and builder Ray Wolfe.

The process begins with a two hour conversation with a site visit. The clients discuss with Joyce everything from important pieces of art or furniture that will need to be included in the new building to storage requirements.  During the site visit, likely locations for the entrance, important views, sun angles, good locations for gardens or play areas, direction of the wind and parking are discussed.  Also noted are surroundings including neighboring buildings ,any possible areas that the client may not wish to view, and topography.   Sometimes further site investigation may be necessary to get information on set backs, soil conditions, slope stability, or a topography.  Getting this information in the correct sequence can save time and money as the design process goes forward. Correct siting and spatial organization are the most critical elements in building green and creating a building that seems to belong where it is built.

At the next meeting the client will look be presented with diagrammatic sketches that show the general location of various spaces, inside and out.  As agreement is reached, the process goes to more developed sketches and then to CAD drawings that begin to look at building elevations and sections.  Along with this process, various city or county fire, building, planning, and health agencies are contacted to verify that the proposed building will conform.  A structural engineer is usually brought in for consultation as might be consultants with knowledge of solar energy, historic architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design.

As the process moves forward lighting, cabinetry, interior and exterior  finishes, trim details, ventilation, and heating systems are all brought into the design process.  After the design phase is complete, the building is usually reviewed by one two local contractors and a preliminary bid is prepared.  This is an opportunity to do cost cutting before the expense of construction drawings.

Once the client is comfortable with both the design and the projected costs, the structural engineer begins working with a draftsperson  and Joyce to develop construction drawings.  These are the legal documents that will be permitted by the local building department, submitted to an appraiser for a bank loan, bid on by contractors, and used to construct the building.

 

During construction there are usually minor changes that come up.  Joyce makes regular site visits and consults on any changes or clarifications that may be needed. Her fee for this complete service is usually six percent of the estimated cost of construction.