COMPREHENSIVE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

When your project demands attention to every detail, extraordinary effort must be taken to maintain the integrity of the design-- from concept to specifications.  Our Cyber-Services are offered in order for you to immediately begin the creative planning of your home and to receive a prompt professional response per items noted in our Questionnaire (downloadable from this site).  Our understanding of your specific needs-- requirements for space-planning/ layout, site conditions, budget, etc.-- are the basis of our Schematic Floorplan and Preliminary Elevation.  The more information we receive from you, the better our design will match your needs and expectations.  For as comprehensive an analysis as possible, and thus a better guarantee for the best building design, we recommend ordering the Dream Home Design Questionnaire (on our CD/ Books page).  

  Cyber-Services allow you to obtain a first-rate floorplan and exterior elevation from which you may modify/ develop into finished construction documents using either another architect or drafting professional.  Ultra-Custom Services bridge the gap between conceptual drawings and a finished product.  That is, we take the Schematic Floorplan and Preliminary Floorplan to additional levels of refinement, adding secondary elevations in Phase 2, further studying the Site plan, creating a Roof Plan, and beginning Sections.   These steps are normal in the general Design Process, one shared by architects everywhere schooled in University academic programs and tested by licensing.

Design Development continues at Phase 3, where interior elevations are generated, additional sections are cut, roof geometry checked, and the overall design 'tweaked' to perfection.   Other drawings include an electrical plan, hvac layout, reflected ceiling plan, and details/ drawings for architectural elements, cabinets, trim, pools, gazebos, gates and fences, etc.  Phase 4 leads into finished Construction Documents, where all decisions have crystallized into a set of buildable drawings incorporating all elements detailed above.  Foundation plans and other engineering by consultants (civil, structural, HVAC, plumbing and electrical, landscape architects, environmental, etc.) are coordinated. The services described to this point, with the addition of Structural Engineering and other related consultants -- not included in the Architectural Services-- as required by the site conditions and local codes, typically comprise a Permit Set.

Material and performance specifications are critical to competitive bidding by select contractors.   Further detailing of building component connections, interior and exterior details and other drawings, material and performance specifications, etc. may be required per the scope and complexity of the design and are part of the Ultra Custom Services package.

The general description above is the basis for a complete set of Drawings and Specifications.  The amount of effort and detail varies per project and can only be calculated as an estimate up front.  Highly decorative Period styles (as above) obviously deserve a higher level of study and execution than a more contemporary design for example.   A Standard Contract may be prepared by the architect for Ultra-Custom Services or Permit Set drawings only, which may also include Site Observation, Contract Administration, Interior Furnishings and Accessories design and purchasing, 3-d presentation drawings, and more.  

Please inquire directly for further information by calling John Henry at 407/ 421-6647 or by sending an e-mail request to johnhenry@cfl.rr.com.  We will respond with a completely customized Architectural Services Proposal.  You will note that the Cyber-Services portion, or Phase 1 Services in the Ultra-Custom Services contract is substantially lower than quoted per square foot in the Fee Schedule since comprehensive services are being sought.

Detail of portico eave and arch with coffered ceiling at upper arch vault (above).  Palladian Villa has a ceremonial stair up to entry porch.  Garages are on first level.  Pool deck, Den, Guest bedrooms face rear on second level.  Grand stair at foyer leads to formal living areas on third level.  Master suite is on the fourth level with rear balconies, covered porch. (below right)  More images at Portfolio, Custom Details, and Showcase Homes.

Intricate wrought iron ceremonial gate modeled after French prototype (above left).

Customized column capital in nautilus design, for Mere Belle project (front elevation top photo) showing a combination of stone, stucco, fiber reinforced plastic, and cast concrete details), rear elevation .  Hand carved stone (below left) column capital obtained from Mexico.

A completely self-contained micro environment for a sports celebrity (left).   Detail is from ultra-contemporary design  (see floor plan above)  illustrating free-form plan with curving window walls, platter Family room, glass block entry wall and spiral stair from Master above.

"I believe that Lance Burton could not hold a candle to your magical designs" Mark Harrison M.D. 4/17/01

We recommend examining the two set book combination (see below) to understand the evolution of the Luxury Home and to aid in the planning and pre-design of your Ultra-Custom home.  

Custom door surround from natural stone with wrought iron inset (above).

Frank Lloyd Wright ('Prairie Style') inspired elevation study employing hipped roof w/large overhangs, horizontal emphasis.  Note textile block at gate pedestals. (above right)  Private Luxury Estate in Palm Beach style (above left)

Mere Belle entry gate motif, Winner, International Ironwork