TOPOS Architects works to help you realize your goals. Together, we will create beautiful, elegant and practical buildings for your home and family. Our 25 years of residential and commercial design experience will give you a wide variety of unique and graceful possibilities.
Schematic Design 
• Prepare a written description of your needs and desires for the project.
• Consult with the local planning and permitting authorities to verify the exact zoning parameters and entitlement process.
• Obtain a topographic survey and prepare measured drawings of the existing structures, where applicable-consultants may be required at additional cost.
• Prepare several schematic plans (along with building siting, hardscapes, pool, driveway, etc.) along with preliminary cost estimates.
• Present and explain each alternative, discuss ideas and listen to feedback. Iteratively revise the plans until we have a plan that is elegant, suitable, within your budget and can be approved by the jurisdiction.
• Prepare a detailed cost estimate.
• Prepare preliminary 3D digital models of the building and property so you can really visualize the design proposals.
• Provide preliminary material samples so you can really understand what the building will ‘feel’ like.
Design Development
• Revise and improve the schematic plans.
• Prepare detailed 3D digital models. Schematic drawings of building elevations. Perspective sketches. Scale study models, as needed.
• Prepare comprehensive schedules of exterior materials and construction assemblies (roofing, siding, windows, exterior doors, etc.).
• Prepare preliminary schedules of plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and mechanical equipment.
• Itemized review of sustainable building considerations, including resource & energy conservation, health, and life-cycle costs for both the immediate household and the world at large. Prepare a ‘Green Building’ analysis of the project-consultants may be required at additional cost.
• Prepare an Energy Efficiency’ analysis (aka Title 24).
• Prepare preliminary structural analysis and calculations-consultants may be required at additional cost.
• Update and revise the cost estimate to continually monitor the projected project costs.
• Consult and coordinate with other design professionals as appropriate-landscape architects, geo-technical engineers, pool contractors, etc.
Construction Documents
• Prepare project drawings necessary for planning approvals.
• Apply for and obtain the necessary planning entitlements, including neighborhood outreach and planning commission hearings.
• Prepare a complete set of drawings and construction details fully describing the intended project.
• Prepare detailed structural calculations to ensure a safe and code compliant designconsultants may be required at additional cost.
• Coordinate the entire package of drawings with other design consultants as appropriate.
• Apply for and obtain approvals for the necessary building permits.
Bidding/Contract Administration
• Determine the desired construction methodology and contracting structure (fixed bidding, cost plus overheads, owner managed, etc).
• Identify and interview potential contractors together with owners.
• Administer a fair and expedient bidding process (or negotiate terms of a cost plus fees contract).
• Review, negotiate and approve the construction contract. Construction contract review, plans interpretation, shop drawing review and supplemental construction details.
Interior Design
• Listen closely to our clients to fully understand their design objectives, desired stylistic appearances, budget and functional needs.
• Prepare interior sketches and detailed 3D digital models showing the design of rooms, cabinets and other interior architectural elements.
• Prepare installation details of materials and architectural elements such as lighting plans, equipment and plumbing selections.
• Provide material samples of proposed finishes.
• Visit showrooms to assist in the selections of materials.
• Prepare detailed schedules of plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, equipment and appliances.
• Prepare detailed schedules of interior finishes (floors, walls, ceilings, stairs), cabinets and tile work.
• Provide preliminary color selections and assist you in making final color decisions for all surfaces and materials.
• Coordinate with other design professionals as appropriate-lighting designers, ‘smart home’ technicians, theatre designers, etc.
• Prepare detailed drawings fully describing the interior finishes.
TOPOS Architects can monitor your construction project. Detailed site inspections and close communications with the contractor and workmen give you assurance that your project is being built as designed and on schedule. TOPOS Architects is an experienced general contracting company (CA License B655625) offering a full range of construction management services. We maintain strong business relationships with many local sub-contractors and material suppliers, allowing us to assemble a solid construction team to build your project on time and on budget.
Construction Monitoring
• Administer the construction payments per the contract.
• Hold regular site meetings.
• Monitor the construction progress and review schedules.
• Continually monitor the status, quality and pace of the work.
• Work closely with owners and contractors to ensure that all owner decisions are understood and provided on time to keep on schedule.
• Review and verify inspection results.
• Prepare a final project ‘Punch List’.
• Certify final completion.
General Contracting
• Detailed project coordination.
• Accurate cost management, with detailed monthly reports tracking all expenses and revised cost-to-complete projections.
• Detailed project scheduling, with monthly updates.
• Management of all sub-contractors and suppliers.
• Close client assistance to verify/select/purchase all equipment and finishes.
• Weekly site meetings and progress reports.
• Management of all inspections.
• Punch list and project close-out.
