Each project or assignment must start with listening to the Owner’s needs and goals.
Our first obligation is to get to learn about your business. We need to know what your needs are, why they exist and how you propose to address them. With this information we can begin to help to set clear and concise goals for the project. Goals need to relate to the function of the end product, your expectations related to aesthetic, schedule, and budget.
The learning process also involves our understanding of the Owner’s team and their roles within the firm and how these roles relate to the project. The Owner’s operational team is an important part of the project team as they are the ones that can best describe the outcome that is needed.
The deliverables during the Planning Phase include:
- Clear, written goals
- A preliminary project scope
- A preliminary timeline
- A preliminary budget
- And, depending on the project, a sketch.
Once goals and the preliminary items are understood, the team can proceed to design. Design is usually broken into phases that include schematic design, design development and construction documents. These phases can vary depending on the project delivery method. However, the constant requirement throughout is regular evaluation of the project related to the goals and objectives. The biggest impact on your timeline and budget is made during the design phase.
The IFS deliverables for keeping transparency and direction during the Design Phase include:
- A written team evaluation of the goals
- An updated scope of work as the project develops
- An updated timeline and budget with a comparison to the previously agreed items
If variation exists, IFS will work with the team to offer ideas and suggestions to you to bring the project back within the constraints or adjust the parameters as needed to accomplish the new scope.
