Our Services
Altura Architects is committed to design excellence grounded in a sense of place, stewardship of the environment, and strong client relationships.
Altura Architects is a comprehensive architectural firm that provides a full scope of design services. We create original concepts for new construction and renovations on a wide range of project types as well as consultations for green building, master planning, building assessments, and design guidelines for developments.
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Our Process
Discover. Create. Inspire.
Our Process guides everything that we do. Through each phase of a project, we Discover the unique history and character of a place and the vision and needs of our clients. We Create specific concepts and solutions through creativity and collaboration. Ultimately, our designs Inspire joy in those who use and live in the spaces we create. We believe architecture can bring beauty into our daily lives and improve our quality of life.
Discover.
We take the time to discover our clients’ vision, the history of a place and the character of a landscape to know how to start our design process. These early moments of a project form lasting impressions. We search to understand the true essence of a person, an organization and a place so we can begin to know what to create.
Create.
Our discoveries guide us as we develop a tailored approach to the design. Through our creative process, we blend art and function to create an individualized project for each client. We work collaboratively with our clients, listen to their goals, ask questions and then provide our guidance on the best design solutions.
Inspire.
We are continually inspired by the work of others and the beauty of the natural world. We bring the best team to the table to develop a unique design, from contractors and engineers to landscape architects and interior designers. Our goal is for our work to inspire joy in those who live in the world that we are building together.
Architectural Phases
Step 1: Schematic Design
Develop the Concept
We listen to our clients’ vision and goals to create initial design concepts. We work closely with our client to achieve an approved design concept and develop a preliminary budget.
Step 2: Design Development
Refine the Design
We add detail, more technical information, and refine the approved design to create preliminary pricing documents for a contractor to review.
Step 3: Construction Documents
Add the Specifics
We prepare detailed construction drawings and specifications that will be referenced in the contract between our clients and contractor. This typically includes structural and mechanical (HVAC) engineering, shell framing, and exterior finish details.
Step 4: Construction Procurement
Assist in Hiring the Contractor
We assist our client in selecting the right general contractor for their project. This can include interviewing a contractor, reviewing their pricing, and helping our clients negotiate an Owner-Contractor Agreement.
Step 5: Interior Architecture
Finish selections, Interior Detail
We assist our clients by reviewing product samples and making final interior selections. These can include lighting and plumbing fixtures, tile, and paint colors, among others. We also provide more detailed interior elevations as part of this phase. Interior Architecture is sometimes done in coordination with an interior designer.
Step 6: Construction Administration
Observe Construction Progress
During the construction of your project, we will observe for quality and conformance to construction documents. We can also review the project’s shop drawings, product samples and submittals, and if requested, review contractor’s applications for payment. We also can administer project close-out such as develop punch lists, review warranties, and provide certificates of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all projects include all of the services noted above?
Most do; however, we can adjust our services (and fees) to the Owners’ particular requirements.
What approach produces the best project?
- Attentive listening, clear communications and teamwork by all parties
- The Architect gets to know the Owner(s) and understands how they function
- Owner approval of each phase of work prior to proceeding
- “Living” with the project’s design as it unfolds
- Taking time to process and understand the plans
Who is on the “team” when designing and building a project with Altura Architects?
The Owners, the Architect and a Contractor. Affiliated design professionals, such as an interior designer, engineers and a landscape architect, are also often involved in creating the project.
How are your fees determined?
Our fees are negotiated according to our role and level of service. We can structure our fee as a fixed amount, percentage of construction cost, or hourly rates – based on the Owners’ needs. The project size, location, level of finish and other design factors affect our fees.