Historic Restoration & Adaptive Reuse
Historic restoration is about protecting existing architecture as a form of built art, not rewriting it. Our work begins with understanding what gives the building its significance—proportions, materials, detailing, and construction methods—and making deliberate decisions to preserve those elements. At the same time, buildings must serve current needs. We carefully update structures to meet modern use, safety, and code requirements without erasing their original character. New systems and interventions are introduced only where necessary and are designed to remain visually quiet and technically sound. The objective is continuity: preserving the architectural integrity of the original work while ensuring the building can be used, occupied, and maintained well into the future.
Project Type: Historic Restoration/ Adaptive Reuse/ Preservation and Sustainability
Project Square Footage: 4,900 SF
Project Budget: $1.2 Million
Project Completion Date: January 2012
Zoning Constraints: Local municipal zoning Single Family Residence. Project met zoning requirements.
Preliminary Design
Preliminary design includes establishing the owner’s wish list, priorities, and design suggestions. We create basic sketches and develop information for the proposal, including the potential cost of the project. The preliminary design defines the scope of work and establishing the working parameters of the existing site and building.
Schematic Design
The schematic design phase is comprised of research, analysis of the property, including zoning and code requirements. We establish the shape and site of the building with some basic plans of each space. We create a plan that documents how the project will work within the budget. A schematic plan shows the general model of where rooms will be located and specifies the placement of doors and windows. This phase begins implementation of the design scope of work.
Design Development
During the design development phase we select materials, finishes, and fixtures. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment are selected. The drawings are revised with greater detail. Engineering starts with expanding on the schematic design phase. We verify that we have Code Compliance and work with the engineers to design the structure.
