De los Reyes Architectural Services - DRAS

05/01/2024

WHAT THE CLIENT SHOULD KNOW.

From Exploring Design Concepts to Collaborative Design Development, is a crucial phase in the architectural process where the architects engage in a close partnership with clients to refine and evlovel the chosen design concept. Aiming to ensure that the final architectural design not only aligns seamlessly with the client's vision but also meets all technical requirements and standards.

Architects and clients engage in a collaborative process wherein the former facilitates open communication to gain insight into the latter's individual demands, preferences, and desired modifications or alterations. This phase involves frequent meetings, presentations, and feedback sessions. Architects frequently give clients a concrete depiction of the developing design through the use of visual aids like 3D models or renderings.

The partnership comprises more than just the client and architect; engineers, interior designers, and construction experts are frequently included. To guarantee that the design is not only aesthetically beautiful but also functional, sound structurally, and consistent with applicable laws, coordination between these many disciplines is essential.

03/01/2024

WHAT THE CLIENT SHOULD KNOW.

Exploring design concepts is a crucial phase in the architectural process, fostering collaboration between architects and clients.

Clients and owners are encouraged to actively participate in the exploration of design concepts, and providing feedback that shapes the ongoing design process is a crucial aspect of the design exploration process, shaping the ongoing design and ensuring that the final architectural solution aligns with the client's vision, expectations and needs.

Breaking down the key components in exploring the design concepts:

1) Presentation of Sketches
Skethces will serve as a fundamental tool of service for the architect in expressing his initial design ideas. They are often quick, conceptual drawings that capture the essence of the architect's vision. It enables clients to grasp the architect's creative thought process at an early stage and allows for immediate and personal understanding of the proposed design.

2) Mood Boards
Visual collages that compile various images, textures, colors, and materials related to the design concept will help evoke a specific atmosphere or emotion associated with the proposed design. Clients then provide valuable feedback on the mood boards, expressing their preferences and ensuring that the envisioned ambiance aligns with their expectations.

3) 3D visualizations
During this phase, client feedback is instrumental in refining the design and addressing any concerns or modifications, which play a pivotal role in conveying the spatial qualities and aesthetics of a project. These realistic representations provide clients with a virtual walkthrough of the proposed design, offering a tangible sense of scale, proportion, and overall design intent.

02/01/2024

WHAT THE CLIENT SHOULD KNOW.

Before diving into the architectural design process, the architect seeks to understand the client's vision. Clear communication about lifestyle, preferences, and functional needs forms the foundation for a successful project.

Here are some insights where understanding the client's vision is a crucial step in the architectural process, laying the groundwork for a successful project.

1) Effective Communication
The architect will be engaging in open and transparent communication with clients. Active listening to comprehend the client's ideas, aspirations, and expectations.

2) Lifestyle Assessment
A thorough understanding of the client's lifestyle is essential, including their daily routines, hobbies, and how they envision using the spaces.

3) Preferences and aesthetics
This helps in crafting a design that resonates with the client's personal taste or preference (architectural styles, materials, finishes, and colors).

4) Functional Requirements
The architect must understand the functional needs of the client, considering both the current and future requirements. This involves discussing the spatial needs, room layouts, and other specific functional elements the client will be requiring.

5) Flexibility and Adaptability
The architect will build flexibility into the design to accommodate changes and maintain a collaborative approach to address any modifications or additions to the client's initial vision.

27/12/2023

Architectural magic lies in the details.

The intricate details in architecture are the ones that go unnoticed or unappreciated by clients and owners who may lack a deep understanding of the design process. The success and quality of design often hinge on the careful consideration of small elements that contribute to the overall AESTHETIC, FUNCTIONALITY and EXPERIENCE OF SPACE.

27/12/2023

Food for thought for 2024 🧐

Architect's 24-advice to 2024 house dreamers.

Before you manifest your House in 2024! You need to know these.

1.If you want convenience, buy a house and lot. You can move-in right after the turnover.Less hassle than building from ground zero.

2.If you have a parcel of land/lot, initially you would want to get an Architect to design your home. The technical plans (Architectural to engineering design) will be handed over to you. (Blueprints, specifications and bill of materials etc.)

3.The probable cost of the house construction will be given to you by your Architect. (30k to 45k per sqm is the most realistic cost)

4.The house can be built by reputable contractors through bidding (3 contractors are recommended then select 1)

5.After choosing the builder, you need to comply with the PERMITS such as building permit, barangay permits, fire safety evaluation certificate etc. (Refer to your local government for requirements)

6.Compliance with these, we can now start your house construction. Bring your deep pockets na.

7.Always keep in mind to hire a third party project manager if you're not a technical person in relation to construction. Your architect and engineer can always help you.

8.Remind yourself,structural work is expensive, architectural finishing is luxury. 😄

9.Keep your budget in check, progress billing of your contractor must be aligned to the actual accomplishment.

10.As the owner,you also have the responsibility to pay what's completed progress.

11.If you have changes to the actual work that's not specified on the plans, the contractor has the liberty to ask for additional cost. This is called "change order/variance".

12.Along the way you will be having delays, it may be the cause of your decision making or the contractor's delay due to various instances. Just in case this happens, add a clause to your contract for "liquidated damages". This corresponds to the cost of delay each day.

13.When choosing materials, seek for the quality made. It's your lifetime investment,not just a mere cheap one. If money is not a problem, "top of the line specs", i suggest 😄 Don't take your chances to substandard-china made faux.

14.Aesthetic is ok, function is better.

15.When dealing with contractors and engineers you need to acquire the harmony of collaboration. Para walang sa sakit sa ulo, build trust and rapport.

16.Peace of mind is the product of hiring professionals.

17.Professional's duties of building your house.
Architect - Predesign, design and construction
Project manager - Design to construction
Contractor - Construction to post construction
Property manager - Post construction

18.Your house must have a warranty,it must be agreed upon if how long, 3 months,6 months or 1 year.

19.Workmaship and material defects are okay for warranty. But if you caused the damage to the components, it may fall under additional charges.

20.Your house is done and you want to design/decorate your interiors,ask for the help of an Interior Designer, they are the expert on this field!

21.Make your house smart, purchase energy efficient appliances and control everything through wireless fidelity. Don't forget sustainable energy from solar panels.

22.Maintain your house brand new, schedule yearly house maintenance cleaning,monthly utility check and upscaling to quality material finishes.

23.Always remember this, a house is a liability if it doesnt give you revenue.

24.Last but not the least,small or huge, make your house a HOME of memories.

-Raw House Architect,2023

09/04/2023

A multi-dwelling project study located at Consolacion Cebu where the client plans to build a 2 storey rentable house angd a 3 storey rentable rooms good for 2 - 3 persons with roofdeck for extra recreation space.

27/02/2023

EM vacation house located in a highly urbanized area in Mandaue City Philippines. The house was designed with large window frames to capture the view of greens of the surroundings and fills the interiors with natural light.

A cream colored interior wall which naturally give calmness and soothing feeling with elegance and a bit of sophistication for the clients comfort through their vacation.

19/06/2022

Home improvements and renovation.