At M3A we consider the design and documentation process the backbone of our business. Well defined, clearly expressed and efficiently guided steps to satisfy a particular scope of work is essential to the success of any project, regardless of type or size. We strive to utilize a particular process for every project that we have the opportunity to be involved with and we desire to ensure every customer has a clear understanding of what is included with and expected of our professional services.

STEP 1: LISTEN

It is imperative to fully understand your desired scope. The first thing we do is listen. With a clear understanding of your desired project scope we can ask particular questions to better establish the individual program elements and ultimately the overall goal. Our preference is to visit the project site and meet you in person. Although a phone call or a virtual meeting could provide enough preliminary project information, a face to face meeting allows us to have a direct conversation with you and allows us to perform cursory observations of the existing conditions of the site and/or building/space. The information obtained in this stage aids in the development and issuance of a thorough and accurate proposal for professional services.

STEP 2: ANALYZE AND DEVELOP PROPOSAL

Utilizing the information obtained in the Listen phase, we analyze the material, establish the appropriate services needed and calculate the hours required to satisfy each service or phase outlined in your project specific proposal. The type of services, or phases needed and the order in which they would be performed or provided varies depending on type and scope of the project. Each phase is individually broken down into scope and related fees. This promotes the flexibility of scheduling, coordination and controlled progress of each phase as well as the efficiency of the overall process.

STEP 3: EXECUTE CONTRACT

We look forward to your thorough review and feedback on the proposal content and appreciate any questions or comments you may have. We continue to work with you to finalize the proposal until you are completely comfortable with the outlined scope and related fees. Upon your ultimate approval we will request your signature on the contract and the requested retainer be released to our office. Upon receipt we will schedule to commence the first service or phase of your project as outlined in the approved proposal and follow through with all subsequent services or phases. As part of our process, we insist on our completion and your satisfaction of each service or phase before proceeding to the next stage of the process.

STEP 4: DELIVERABLES

Open communication, coordination and collaboration is the foundation of our Deliverables stage. M3A will internally maintain the above practices throughout the entire design and documentation, and expect the specific project team members to follow suit. Local authorities will be contacted to verify their submittal and review process and to confirm our preliminary zoning and building regulations pertaining to the project scope. In this stage each drawing phase is addressed in its entirety until completion. Progress updates are shared with the you and project team for continued coordination. Any direct client changes during this stage are introduced and reviewed by the project team. Solutions are analyzed and finalized with clients approval prior to being issued as official document revisions. If a project includes Bidding and Negotiation Services then M3A will issue a high percentage drawing set to all prospective bidders to gauge interest in the project and to obtain preliminary estimated pricing and schedule availability. We will provide to you the required amount of drawing sets needed for client file, contractor take offs and contractor submittal for permits. M3A can aid in application completeness, submittal of drawings and document review responses to local building officials. Upon final approval by local authorities M3A will take on a Project Management role, to the client, to aid in coordination of the physical construction process.

NOTE: Refer to the Professional Services section for more in depth explanation of what is included in each service offered.