What We Do

From Concept to Completion

We believe that Steven Ginn Architects is an award-winning firm thanks to our collaborative approach and the vision of our remarkable clients. We exist to help their dreams become reality with the professionalism, thoroughness, and attention to detail that only a licensed architect can provide.

We begin the process by understanding your vision, your needs, and how you intend to use your building. Together, we will walk the site and see the project through your eyes. Beyond simply drawing up plans, we look for opportunities to maximize your investment and create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also adaptable to your future needs, ensuring your project adds lasting value and enjoyment for years to come.

The Architectural Process

Our design process thoughtfully considers aesthetics, functionality, and the unique qualities of your site. We develop ideas using hand sketches, simple cardboard models, and cutting-edge computer technology to bring your dream to life.

We are committed to delivering your project on time, within budget, and in-line with your vision. We maintain an open dialogue throughout every stage, ensuring that our clients feel heard and valued throughout the process.

The architectural landscape is constantly evolving with new products and materials. We serve as your guide through the decision making process, helping you navigate the choices to find the most suitable selections for your project.

When it comes time to build, you can feel confident that our high quality, thorough construction documents will provide your contractor with the precise details they need to see the project through exactly as envisioned. We will continue on as your advocate during the building process to answer questions, provide direction, and monitor the builder’s adherence to documentation.

Typical

Programming
Schematic design for residential, commercial, and cultural projects including new buildings, additions, and remodels
Hand sketches
Physical scale models, 2-D drawings including site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sections 3-D computer models and renderings accurately showing lighting and materials
Design development
Construction documents including drawings and specifications
Contract administration (observation of the contractor to ensure quality)

Additional

Site selection assistance
Master planning
Conceptual landscape design
Interior architecture and design
Custom furniture design
Furniture selection consulting
Lighting design
Post occupancy design services

Our Process

Pre-Design & Schematic Design

The architectural design process starts with a pre-design phase, about 5% of the overall project. During this time we speak with the client to understand their design ideas as well as establish goals and project requirements, including budget expectations, spatial requirements, and aesthetic preferences.

Next is the Schematic Design phase (20% of the project) where we review the requirements and produce schematic design documents generally depicting the scale and relationship of spaces and architectural elements.

Design Development

Following client approval of a schematic design scheme, the project enters the Design Development phase (20% of the project). This includes the development of the approved design scheme with client-specified changes incorporated and further detail added to the plans. A 3D model and renderings aid in visualizing spaces.

Contract Documents

We put the final drawings and specifications together during the Construction Documents phase. This phase makes up the largest portion of the overall project (40%). During this phase, all of the ideas and design decisions made in the previous phases are meticulously drawn and detailed for the contractor to build the custom-tailored home.

Bidding & Negotiation

After the construction documents are completed, the contractor uses the drawings and specifications to get bids from subcontractors and put together a final estimate of project costs, about 5% of the overall project.

Construction Admin

The final phase is Construction Administration and makes up the last 10% of the overall project. During this phase, we will conduct regular site visits and communicate with the contractor to make sure the building is constructed according to the construction documents — meeting our high standards and assuring clients they receive exactly what they planned on.

"I really like the way he fit our house into the neighborhood. It’s not a big house in terms of square footage but it’s tall. It doesn’t look too big or unusual or weird. It just looks like it belongs and that’s a big part of how he fit it to the site because it’s a striking house."

"He was very flexible, very responsive, very creative. I mean, it’s a great house. There’s no wasted space in this house. Like, I don’t want a second foyer or a third family room. I want every space in this house to make sense. And he was really good at that. Really thoughtful. It’s nice when you have a creative person that you can give some guidance to and then have them go out and build that to the extent where it works really well."

"We live on a very rural property and Steven immediately seemed to get what needed to happen on this land. He created a building that is very true to the frequency and the environment. He didn’t do an urban house and stick it on rural property. It wasn’t a stock solution to a very custom problem or situation."

"I’ve never dealt with an architect this deep, so he’s been babysitting me through the whole process. He’s had to explain everything every step of the way and it’s made it real easy for my wife and I. We never felt like we were asking stupid questions or bothering him. He responded all the time in a very timely manner. He’s talked us through step by step and that’s all we could expect."

"I feel like everything he’s done is the proper steps. I feel like everything he does is complete. It’s just simple working with the firm."

We design custom furniture to solve unique problems.

Our commitment to exquisite design extends beyond architecture into entirely original, custom furniture. Each piece is conceived as an extension of your space—exceptionally crafted by expert craftspeople, and always in harmony with the architectural language of your home or building.

We are committed to sustainable design and green building.

“We value the technical, aesthetic and client driven aspects of architecture. Together, we strive to create timeless architecture that expresses these ideals. We believe in sustainable architecture that uses the earth’s precious resources to create buildings that stir the soul while using less energy and water. Buildings that people will want to own and look after so they are well utilized into the future.” – Steven Ginn, Principal

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