Welcome to ACA Design Studio SERVICES

DESIGN and PROJECT MANAGEMENT for Residential Projects

The Design and Project Management package is a great choice if you are either short on time or you just are not sure how to go about finding a reliable contractor and managing the renovation process. You may be worried and feel overwhelmed about all the details which need to be coordinated between the design drawings and construction trades. You may also be worried about making a mistake and getting stuck in the process. We understand the process can feel overwhelming, and we are happy to help.  

As part of the Design and Management Services Option, you will have TWO HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS. The first one will be to COLLECT IMAGES that inspire you. We will need to review them during our consultation meeting. The second one will be to SECURE A MILLWORKER AND A CONTRACTOR who you would like to work with. If you don't have one in mind, we will be able to recommend both. Each project is different, but we would typically obtain 3 quotes for your job and choose the one which suits your project and budget the best.

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Design and Project Management Package includes:

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1. We will come to your house for the DESIGN CONSULTATION (During Covid-19 this could be a virtual session). 

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2. After the meeting, we will send you our cost estimate for the ACA DESIGN SERVICES and the AGREEMENT document, which will spell out all services included and the timeline. You will receive this document within a week. After we receive a signed AGREEMENT and %25 down payment, we will schedule a time for us to take site measurements.

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3. DESIGN PRESENTATION- after about 4 weeks (from the site measurement), we will present you with 2 or 3 of our ideas for your space in the form of renderings. They will include preliminary layouts, millwork, finishes and furniture. These renderings will be based on the INSPIRATION IMAGES you have collected (which was your homework before Design Consultation) and our discussion during the initial meeting. During the design presentation we will talk about what you like about the renderings and select the WINNING design. 

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4. MATERIALS SELECTION- during the next couple of weeks, we will exchange with you our ideas for the materials, light fixtures, millwork styles, bath or kitchen fixtures, and finishes (paint). We will include images of the items you liked in our final presentation, so that you can shop for them on your own. Please make time to answer our inquiries, so that we can stay on track with your project. 

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5. DESIGN DEVELOPMENT- after the design presentation, we will review your comments and add them to the Design Development Drawings Package and will adjust the Sketchup Model to reflect any changes. This process will take us approximately 4 weeks. Design Development drawings will include all necessary plans (demolition, construction, electrical, furniture, ceiling and finishes), elevations and information to obtain preliminary work cost estimate from the General Contractor of your choice. We will send you our recommendations for reliable millworkers and contractors and assist you with obtaining 3 quotes from each. 

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6. CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS- assuming there are no additional changes to the design, during the next 2-3 weeks, we will turn the Design Development drawings into Construction Drawings, which your contractor will use to build the new space. After we are finished working on them, it will be your job to SELCT A MILLWORKER AND A CONTRACTOR, sign a work agreement and arrange for them to be available for the KICK OFF meeting. If you need recommendations, no worries, we will provide you with 3 options for each. Contractor and Millworker will send you a quote for the work, which will help you make a decision who you want to hire. 

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7. FINAL DESIGN MEETING- when the Construction Drawings are complete we will meet to go over them and to review any changes. We will distribute the drawings to the contractor and millworker of your choice.

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8. KICKOFF MEETING-  this will be the first time we will meet as a team on site (your home). Ideally everyone had the time to review the drawings prior to the meeting, so that we can focus our the discussion on the next steps, budget and schedule.

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9. MILLWORK SHOWROOM VISIT- we will come with you to the millwork showroom to finalize the cabinetry design (select the finish and style). We will review the design and discuss any potential issues and questions.

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10. SCHEDULE AND BUDGET MEETING- we will prepare schedule of the project and the budget and meet with you to go over them.

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11. WORK SUPERVISION- depending on the length of the construction, we will visit the site to check on work and make sure it is progressing in accordance with the DESIGN on the CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS. During these site visits, we will take notes and provide you with a report with our estimate on the work progress. However PLEASE NOTE that as designers we are not responsible for the construction means, methods, installation and safety on job site. We will also not be responsible for any arrangements in your contract agreement with the GC or the millworker.

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12. INSTALLATION- we will come out to your home for the installation of the kitchen millwork or any other items which require coordination.

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13. PUNCH LIST-  after construction and installation of millwork is complete, we will visit your project for the last time and create a punch list (also called a deficiency list) with the items which need to be addressed by the GC or the millworker. 

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What is NOT included in this package:

• Selection and purchase of kitchen appliances.

• Selection and purchase of artwork.

• Final verification that lighting fixtures or appliances will perform adequately in the new space. Final verification will be required by the GC or their subcontractors. 

• Purchase of any construction materials (ie: ceiling lights, countertop), hardware, furniture, furnishings (ie: lamps, carpets), kitchen and bath fixtures.

• Creating and filing drawings for Permit with the Building Department. 

• Researching and hiring Professional Consultants such as Electrical, Structural or Mechanical Engineers.

• Researching and Hiring Lighting Consultants. 

• Agreement between the GC (it’s subs) and the Client. 

• Creating a project construction budget, but we will be able to give you our COST ESTIMATE.

• Securing a Contractor or a Millworker. 

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Cost of Design Services is based on an hourly rate of $125/hour and typically ranges between $12,500- $17,750 plus HST. This estimate may vary depending on the size of the project. Additional services can be purchased at $125/ hour plus HST.

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If you are still not sure or if you have more MORE QUESTIONS, please get in touch.