One of the most important steps in the process is listening.

We listen intently to clients and ask numerous questions to understand their goals and philosophy, as well as their program and functional relationships. Finding the ideal functional diagram is basic to a successful project. Therefore, the firm often generates several model studies that relate to program distribution on the site, functional adjacencies, contextual issues, and massing before the form studies are begun. Neither our formal solutions nor the design references are premeditated; rather, they are the result of a highly involved study technique that utilizes models, computers, sketches, analytic diagrams, and photography, while simultaneously engaging in an intensive dialogue and relationship with the client and the site.

A significant part of our design process, relies upon the use of models at various scales to address everything from how the building fits within the neighborhood to full-size mock-ups of construction details. This highly visual, hands-on medium facilitates client understanding and participation. During this process we collaborate fully with the client and the end-users to explore and more accurately understand their goals and attitudes. Integrating the clients and users as members of the design team results in an exciting aesthetic variety. The models often range from simple wood blocks that represent massing to refined assemblies including interiors and internal lighting to create nighttime images. The ability to solve planning and program problems in relation to urban context is enhanced with this methodology. These models, despite being "process" models, serve well to build client support and community enthusiasm for projects. They also allow the engineer/consultant and contractor team to clearly visualize the project, thereby improving quality control in construction documents and clarify bidders' understanding of the construction requirements. When possible, we photograph the models, as we find the camera has a distinct way of forcing the eye to realistically evaluate visual compositions from the user's position on the ground plane. This personal view allows the client to avoid misinterpretating the views of the model, (for example, as when seen only from above or from improbable angles, i.e. the helicopter view).

Where appropriate, computer applications help clarify building geometries. While our design often leads toward complex, unique forms, the computer helps us document rational and buildable solutions based on readily available construction systems and materials. Our databases reduce the need to interpret the design during the construction phase. In fact, one of our buildings, the Steinhude Sea Recreation Facility, was built without conventional construction documents. Instead, it was constructed as a panelized assembly in a factory from the three-dimensional computer databases that were created at the end of the design development phase. It was our first project for which the contractor submitted the entire building as something of a shop drawing. In the factory setting it was possible for portions of the project to be uniquely and economically fabricated by computer/robotic-driven cutting and assembly devices in a process coming to be known as "mass customization."

As a firm, we appreciate the craft of building and frequently establish working relationships with the building trades people during the design process. Trades craftsmen often know better than anyone else what creative direction their materials and fabrication tools will support versus what would surpass technical or cost limitations of their trade. When they are brought in early in the work process to participate with the design team, they gain a sense of ownership and commitment to the project that greatly benefits construction. These relationships allow us to explore unique materials and systems applications while maintaining constructability and controlling costs.

This intensive process leads to buildings that respond to our clients' needs. The clients' design aspirations, aesthetic preferences, site, program, budget, and schedule are integral to the generative forces for design. We delight in elevating all these to their fullest potential.