To accomplish a complete project, the design process includes five steps. 

PROGRAMMING

The first stage where we meet with the clients, discuss their needs, wants, and goals. This helps us understand the scope of the project and develop the specific needs for the project. During this phase, it is important that as many questions as possible are asked and addressed, thorough discussion early on streamline the process.

SITE ANALYSIS

For clients who have a location ready to be built on, the next step is to perform a site analysis. Here is when we make note of the existing conditions of the site and what restrictions they will place on the design. These include topography, property lines, existing features, and opportunities for views. 

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Now that the information for the site and program have been acquired, we begin forming a variety of design options for you to review. There will be new questions and discussion points throughout this phase as we refine the options and narrow down which scheme should be pursued in the next Phase.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Once a scheme is picked, we continue to refine the design and present you with more detailed options, starting at the large scale and working towards the small details. There will again be more questions and discussion, this is a vital part of the design process, where the design becomes truly tailored to you. 

DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

As more decisions are made, the project moves to its final phase. The design documentation phase is the most time consuming part of the process. This is when the final drawings are made that will serve as the instruction manual to bring your project to life. 

Every project is different and requires a different combination of skills and team members to do it right. When required, we partner with local architects and designers to round out the needs for that project.

My upbringing was surrounded by stunning architecture in one of the most historically rich regions in the country. The architecture of tidewater Maryland and Virginia have endured and are still popular today. Existing in balance with the natural environment, an accomplishment we strive to maintain with every design. 

Our philosophy is based in historic traditions for design in proportion, space, form, and scale. We work to ensure that our designs appear as if they had always been there, placed in harmony with their surroundings to create a cohesive design at every scale. 

All of our projects begin with a conversation, some questions and hopefully a hot drink. From there, an intimate conversation is continued throughout the entire project. We understand that to have a successful design, there needs to be the right blend of your desires and ideas, along with our design expertise. Both sides must be open to exploration, new ideas and authentic listening and discussion. 

Through the entire process, we employ hand drawing and rendering techniques to ensure every detail is attended to. These techniques allow for on the spot modifications and exploration during initial design phases, facilitating more in depth conversation.

WHAT IS A MAQUETTE?

Maquette is a French term referring to a sculptor's preliminary sketch or model. Tidelands Design Maquette’s philosophy is that a project is not finished when we deliver the final drawings. This process only creates the preliminary model of the final piece, the constructed project. We are a think tank that works with clients to design to their needs and find solutions.