Trust the Process
Our 5-Step Architectural Process
1. Consultation
We kick off every project with an in-person meeting at the site—an opportunity to uncover your vision and set the stage for a successful collaboration. This is an opportunity for us to listen carefully to your ideas, priorities, and goals while assessing the project’s scope, schedule, design aesthetic, property details, and any design constraints. With this foundation, we prepare a proposal outlining our scope of work based on your objectives.
2. Design
Feasibility and design are the core of any construction project. We explore possibilities, test constraints, and provide solutions.
First, we measure and document existing conditions by taking in-field measurements, capturing photographs, and reviewing the certified property survey (provided by the owner). This information is combined with any additional owner-supplied drawings and publicly available zoning/utility data.
We apply the agreed-upon proposal, existing conditions, and program to develop spatial design concepts. Typically, we provide at least two design options for the owner to evaluate. During an in-person working session, we review each option's merits. Using your feedback, we merge the best elements into a single design direction. Once we receive full owner approval, we move on to the documentation phase.
3. Documentation
Once the design is approved, we transition to Documentation—translating your vision into detailed plans and specifications that guide every phase of construction.
In this phase, we define the approved architectural design by detailing and describing the project. This shifts the focus from what is being designed to how your project will be implemented. We provide elevations, reflected ceiling plans, material and hardware options, and system suggestions (if applicable). Minor design issues may emerge, but they should not affect the major architectural elements.
After finalizing the design, we prepare Construction Documents containing three key types of information: 1) Legal and Contractual Information, 2) Procedural and Administrative Information, and 3) Architectural and Construction Information. These documents guide contractors in bidding and permitting. Our thorough, coordinated documentation communicates full design intent—minimizing surprises during construction and helping ensure smoother execution, accurate pricing, and fewer delays. MNM Architecture delivers with precision to reduce surprises.
4. Bidding + Pricing
If desired, we remain involved in the project until construction completion, acting as the owner’s agent during pricing and on-site construction. Once the Construction Documents are complete and approved, we create a bid package for 1-3 general contractors (either provided by you or recommended by us). We schedule site visits with each contractor to walk them through the approved design intent. We then provide support and professional recommendations for each bid, understanding that contractor selection is ultimately your decision. Finally, we prepare the Construction Documents for the selected contractor to submit applications for required permits.
5. Construction
As outlined in the owner-architect proposal, we monitor the construction process through regular on-site visits (typically weekly). We meet with the contractor and owner, document progress with photographs, and provide solutions for any unforeseen issues. As the owner’s agent, we ensure the design intent is clearly conveyed to the contractor, respond to contractor requests for information, assist in managing necessary changes, review all material submittals, and offer professional advice to secure the best possible project outcome. If any discrepancy or issue arises, we work to preserve the design intent and your original goals as the project is realized and construction is completed to the owner’s satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
We specialize in highly personalized, functional, and timeless design solutions for commercial and residential properties, including single-family homes, multi-family residences, commercial offices, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use spaces.
MNM bases our service fees on your unique project’s complexity and the degree of design services needed to make your project a success. We weigh several factors including industry standards, overall construction budget, estimated construction cost, and our time required to provide you with the best service to fit your needs. We offer options of fixed fees, hourly, or a hybrid depending on each phase of design.
Yes. We incorporate sustainable design principles into our projects, including energy-efficient materials, passive heating and cooling strategies, and eco-friendly building practices. If sustainability is a priority for your project, we can tailor the design to meet specific environmental goals.
Get in touch via our inquiry form on our Contact page. MNM Architecture will respond within 2-3 business days.
We have a 5 step process, which includes consultation, design, documentation, project bidding, and construction admin. To learn more about the details, visit our Process page.
It depends. Although MNM does not provide cost estimating as a service, we are cognizant of your overall construction budget throughout the project duration. Factors influencing construction cost include project size, quality of materials, design complexity, level of customization, location, site preparation and permitting fees. We advise you during the contractor bidding / pricing phase to make sure you will hire the best contractor for your project.
The timeline depends on the scope and complexity of the project. A smaller residential renovation may take a few months, while larger commercial or custom-built projects can take a year or more. During our consultation, we provide an estimated timeline based on your unique project goals.
