Our Process
LET'S GET STARTED
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Initial Consulation
LET'S GET STARTED
It starts with a conversation...
At Giambertone Architects, we believe that every remarkable project begins with a conversation. It’s not just about exchanging ideas; it’s about forming a connection. I always prefer to meet prospective clients in person—whether at my office or in a comfortable, relaxed setting. This is where we get to know each other and discuss your vision, aspirations, and the journey that led you to our firm.
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During this initial conversation, we dive into the heart of your project. What are you hoping to achieve? What challenges are you facing? We explore the specifics, including your budget, timeline, and any zoning restrictions or site considerations. My goal is to understand your vision and determine how we can bring it to life together.​​​
"We walk the property with fresh eyes—looking not just at what’s there, but at what’s possible."
- A G
Vision, Site, & Context
THE GROUNDWORK
Where opportunity reveals itself
Once we’ve established a mutual understanding and commitment, we move into a comprehensive site analysis. This step is vital to uncovering the potential of your property. Together, we’ll visit the site to assess its unique characteristics, such as solar orientation, views, topography, and existing vegetation. Understanding these factors allows us to make informed design decisions that harmonize with the environment.
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We’ll also take into consideration any zoning regulations and restrictions that may impact the project. This ensures that our design not only meets your needs but also complies with local guidelines. I believe that the property itself often holds the key to the best design solutions. By studying the site, we can identify opportunities that may not be immediately obvious.
Throughout this phase, I encourage open dialogue. Your insights about the property and its context are invaluable. Together, we’ll explore the possibilities for your project, ensuring that we are well-equipped to move forward into the design phase. This collaborative effort is where the groundwork is laid for a successful architectural endeavor, turning potential challenges into opportunities for creative solutions.
Creating a Visual Language
ALIGNING INSPIRATION
Where inspiration meets imagination
Before we ever put pencil to paper, we begin developing a shared language. Everyone comes to the table with words like “modern,” “traditional,” “French,” or “transitional.” But what those words mean to you might be different than what they mean to me. That’s why we build a visual vocabulary—an image library that reflects your style and aspirations.
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We’ll collect and annotate images together—what you like, what you don’t, and why. This becomes our reference point, our design “dictionary” of sorts. It helps us stay aligned, visually and emotionally, throughout the design process. It’s one of my favorite parts of the project because it tells me how you think and feel about space and form.
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In parallel, we start researching architectural archetypes that relate to the style you’re drawn to—not to mimic, but to understand. I believe you can’t abstract from a style until you fully grasp its DNA. This is about going deeper than Pinterest boards. We’re laying the conceptual foundation for something original that feels both timeless and personal.
“Some of our best ideas start as quiet sketches—simple gestures that carry the weight of a vision.”
- A G
The Concept
ALIGNING INSPIRATION
Where pencil meets paper
With a clear understanding of your vision and the property, we dive into the design exploration phase. This is where we begin to translate ideas into tangible concepts. Using hand sketches, we explore various design options that align with your goals and reflect the unique character of your project.
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In this phase, I believe in the power of sketching to bring ideas to life. It allows for spontaneity and creativity, capturing the essence of our discussions. As we develop the concept, we’ll focus on creating initial layouts that address both aesthetics and functionality. This is a collaborative process, where your input is invaluable. We’ll review the sketches together, discussing what resonates with you and what might need adjustments.
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As we refine the concepts, we ensure they reflect your aspirations while adhering to any project constraints. Once we finalize a concept that excites both of us, we’ll be well-prepared to transition into the design development phase. This step is about more than just creating a structure; it’s about crafting a space that feels like home.
Design Development
REFINING THE VISION
Where ideas take shape
After finalizing the design concept, we enter the design development phase. This stage is about refining the vision we’ve created together and turning it into a detailed plan. We’ll take the initial sketches and start developing more precise drawings that illustrate the layout, spatial relationships, and overall aesthetic of your project.
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During this phase, we focus on key elements such as materials, finishes, and architectural details that will bring your vision to life. I’ll present options and samples for you to consider, helping you visualize how different choices will affect the overall design. This is where we work closely together, making adjustments and ensuring that every aspect of the design aligns with your goals and preferences.
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I take great care to balance beauty with practicality, ensuring that our design not only meets your aspirations but also functions effectively. Throughout this process, open communication is key. Your insights and feedback guide us as we refine the design, preparing it for the next critical step: documentation. This phase is where we transform ideas into a cohesive and thoughtful plan that sets the stage for construction documentation.
"Construction documents are where ideas get buttoned up.
We translate the design into precise, buildable drawings that set the project in motion."
- A G
Refinement & Documentation
TRANSLATING DESIGN INTO DETAIL
Where vision becomes instruction
Once the design is refined and finalized, we prepare the Construction Documents. This critical step involves creating detailed drawings and specifications that serve as the instruction manual for your project. These documents are essential for guiding the construction process, ensuring that every detail is clearly communicated to contractors and stakeholders.
During this phase, our skilled architects and designers meticulously document the key aspects of the design. If desired, our team can also provide details for fixtures and finishes as part of our additional services, allowing you to tailor the scope to your needs. This attention to detail helps ensure that the vision we’ve crafted together is accurately represented for execution in the field.
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Collaboration remains a priority during this phase. I’ll review the documents with you, addressing any questions or concerns you may have. My aim is to ensure you feel confident and informed as we proceed. Once the Construction Documents are complete, we’ll be ready to transition into the next phase—bringing your project to life through construction.
The Realization
FROM PAPER TO PLACE
Where design becomes reality
With drawings in hand, we move into construction—but our work doesn’t stop there. We’ll help vet contractors, coordinate bidding, and guide the permitting process with your local municipality. We’re advocates for your vision every step of the way, from site visits to troubleshooting unexpected issues that arise in the field.
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We stay involved through completion, ensuring that what’s built is true to what we designed together. That includes everything from finishes and cabinetry to terraces, walkways, and the exterior environment. We believe in a seamless integration between inside and out—because the details matter.
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Most importantly, we never want you to feel intimidated to ask a question or raise a concern. This is your investment, your home, your project. Our job is to make sure you feel supported and informed throughout the process. Many of our clients come back to work with us again, and we’re proud of that. The trust we build together doesn’t end when the project does.
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We’re with you from the first sketch to the final walkthrough—and beyond. Let's get started...
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- A G
