Our Process
We Listen
We start by listening to our Client’s hopes and vision for the project. Then repeat what we heard in text and in design. We frequently ask if we are accurately reflecting the project objectives.
We Join the Client Team
We make the Client’s aspirations our own, and offer our hopes for the project. We make every effort to keep our (new) team working together.
We Communicate
We use drawings and models. We draw in two dimensions and three. We make small models and we find full-sized examples expectations.
We Explore
With the project objectives in mind, we explore ideas and possibilities. We sometimes “toss all of the variables in the air,” and allow intuition to suggest ideas. We let our pens “talk to us.” Sometimes we emphasize one objective over all others. How can we use light most effectively? How can we make a building communicate welcome? How can we make this easy to build and less expensive?
We Discern
With the Client’s participation, we review the ideas, the possibilities, the limitations, and discern the path that is best. We make the big decisions first, and fill in the lesser decisions in order of priority. We involve the services of experienced and informed Engineers and Specialty Designers as required to make the best decisions.
We Work Hard
When the path is clear, and the architectural design decisions are made, we record the information. We make a bigger team when the Builder is added, and work together to make the vision a reality.
We Celebrate
We recognize that the design process is a way of sharing career, talent and life with others. When our work is done, and the project complete, we certainly celebrate the accomplishment.
Contact Us
JAMES CUMMINGS, AIA
1612 20th Street NW Suite 500, Washington DC 20009, USA
