architect, landscape designer, entrepreneur david c ainsworth, with over 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, and healthcare design.
Mission & Values
form, function, fusion
our work finds balance and harmony between the natural and built environment. we find elegance in simplicity and beauty in the subtle. the universal elements of orientation, light, color, air, soil, water, fire, sight, sound, touch, and smell are critical to our creative process. a dedication to the efficient use of resources and avoiding waste is embodied in our design philosophy.
The Value of the Architect (Architecture matters)
From the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, 2019
Architecture is the sole profession whose members are qualified to design and to provide advice, including technical and aesthetic judgment, on the built environment. Architects provide services and solutions with technical competence and aesthetic sensitivity suitable to the physical, social, cultural, and economic environment, thereby inspiring the community and its citizens. In matters of public health and safety, architects are obliged to serve the public interest and respond to the public need. And now, these concepts of health and safety have been expanded to encompass the sustainability of the global environment and accessibility for all persons. Architects add value to building projects by creating a design and layout that is functional. Architects design for construction that is durable and energy efficient. Architects work to enhance the look and visual impact of the project to provide a positive experience and increased market value to clients and users.
why do you need an architect?
the most important decision you will make on your building project is hiring an architect.
by default, architects have both an obligation to protect their clients’ interests and to satisfy regulatory requirements. the profession of architecture is largely self-regulated and as such each architect is responsible for the quality of services they provide. for the most part, architects are hired through referrals, so the reputation of an architect is of critical importance.
traditionally, architects follow a standard process for delivering a project to their client. this process includes the following steps.
schematic design
SD
from a client provided program or scope of work the architect develops multiple concepts related to orientation, light, shadow, volume, adjacency, aesthetics, symmetry, and other variables based on the project goals. the architect creates study drawings, documents, and other visual media to illustrate the design concept to the client, including site plans, floor plans, sections, and elevations. during this phase, jurisdictional restrictions, zoning requirements, and construction costs are also addressed. it involves extensive meetings with the architect and client and concludes with the client selecting a final concept.
design development
DD
the approved concept undergoes further refinement, and the project receives a more defined form. the architect elaborates on the schematic designs by specifying materials and finishes, meticulously defining the interior and exterior aesthetics. detailed elements such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural details are added. it also includes selecting exterior materials, interior finishes, color choices, and signage. the client's active collaboration during this phase is crucial, as the choices made directly impact the construction cost. if agreed upon in the contract, the architect will provide a cost estimate as part of the final deliverable.
construction documents
CD
the architect shifts into production mode, and must meticulously produce highly detailed drawings, including construction details and material specifications. dimensions and annotations are essential to ensure a clear understanding of the design on the construction site. these documents serve as the project's instruction manual and both contractors and regulatory agencies require these documents for necessary permits.
construction administration
CA
at this point the architect’s work is 80% complete but remains obligated solely to the interests of the client. in this capacity, the architect will observe the construction progress, respond to information requests by the contractor, review proposed change and payment requests and make recommendation for or against approval. at substantial completion, the architect does a full walk-through of the project scope and produces a punch list of items to facilitate the project turn over.