We are a small, tightly knit group of talented Architects, Designers, Project Managers, and skilled craftsmen who aspire to bridge the gap between inspiration and finished product. With the accumulated knowledge and combined experiences, we can provide and fulfill satisfactory services to our clients with all our heart and talent. We specialize in high-end residential design and Commercial projects.
— We Are Tidewater Architects
Dream
Before single line is drawn, consider your dreams. At the very beginning of this process, it’s not about board feet or setbacks or even floor plans. It’s about how you define your desires. Much of this you will already know—it’s your dream, after all!
Design
Designing a home should be a project that will give you years of fulfillment when your dream is realized. Your part of the design is knowing what you want. Our part is helping you make your design goals work, and steering you around design traps.
Develop
You can finally see your new home, the masterpiece you have envisioned come to life on paper, high quality standards are put forth, to develop a home that meets the aesthetic appeal you seek. Now the only thing left now is to build it.
— Architectural Services
Tidewater Architects, LLC was established on two core principals: Design and Service. We are Architects and Designers, who work along side with Structural & MEP Engineers in order to provide our clients with their finished products. We specialize in high end residential design and Commercial projects. We strive to achieve client goals through a collaborative effort among our designers in a creative studio environment.
— Recent Project
— Residential Process
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Step 1
SCHEMATIC DESIGN (SD)
The first step for us in designing your home is listening. An interview process has been developed that allows the company to listen to you fully express your needs and desires. It is the goal of the designer to transfer your ideas and visions into reality. The home site is then studied to gain a thorough knowledge of its potential. In doing so, measurements of the existing building must be taken if the project is an addition or renovation. Only after this does Tidewater Architects start to design a home, addition or renovation that responds to both. The process begins by developing preliminary design ideas through sketches that illustrate the organization of rooms and how those rooms relate to the home-site. When the client approves the schematic design, the designer then moves to Design Development.
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Step 2
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (DDS)
In this phase the Schematic Design is refined. Most of the drawings are computer generated and are developed into a more formal, clear and concise representation of the project. General design information from major structural elements to interior finishes are decided upon, as well as, specific design issues addressed and resolved. Exterior architectural detailing is also included in the drawings. This phase is the opportune time to get a qualified builder involved. With client approval, the designer will then move to step three.
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Step 3
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS (CDS)
The construction document phase begins when all parties are satisfied with the design presented. It involves the preparation of architectural drawings, commonly known as blueprints. These drawings include detailed foundation, floor plan(s), exterior elevations, structural and electrical layouts and general notes. When the construction documents are completed, the client may apply for all necessary building permits either on their own, or like many clients, retain Tidewater Architects to assist with the building process by continuing to step four.
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Step 4 (Optional)
BIDDING AND NEGOTIATIONS
As the Construction Document process nears completion and the owners have not already picked a general contractor, Tidewater Architects will submit the plans to qualified builders for pricing. Each contractor’s budget given for your home will be obtained and reviewed to make certain that the bids received are equal in the scope of work to be preformed and are comparable in material specifications.
This process will help ensure that you will not incur unexpected costs during the construction of your home. Tidewater Architects will review this information with you and help you make a sound decision in choosing a builder. Tidewater Architects will also be available to answer any questions that may arise pertaining to the plans and project requirements. Once the decision is made, Tidewater Architects will then assist in contract negotiations and act as the owner’s liaison.
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Step 5 (Optional)
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION (CA)
Based on the client’s decision as to Tidewater Architects level of involvement, Tidewater Architects may provide Construction Administration (CA) services. Construction Administration commences at issuance of building permit and terminates at the issuance to the Owner of the Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Shop drawing review
- Respond to contractor questions and requests for information (RFI’s)
- Site observation visits
Site observation visits are periodic visits to the site to determine in general if the work is proceeding in accordance with the contract documents.
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— Latest projects
Estate 1
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— Latest projects
Estate 2
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— Latest projects
Estate 3
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— Latest projects
Estate 4
Scott, Chief Designer — “It's been a excellent decision to work with Tidewater Architects, highly recommend!”
