MGDA primarily focuses on custom Single Family Residential Design + Architecture. MGDA also works on the following:
MGDA offers a wide variety of design services to our clients:
Whether your project is big or small, we are here to help you with the same quality of service. Although there are many advantages to working with an architect on a project, the most important reason is to develop & establish a clear scope of work for your project. Without a clear scope of work and a comprehensive set of construction documents, it is extremely challenging to effectively permit and bid a project for construction. Our goal is to assist you, the client, in developing a comprehensive set of construction documents that clearly represent your expectations for the construction process and finished product. It is by this process, that our clients can properly bid and build a project with clear goals and expectations.
The cost associated with our design services vary depending on the scope of work and involvement. We always encourage an initial client meeting to understand the project scope and program before we are able to provide comprehensive pricing for a project.
Please send us a message with a little bit of information about your project by clicking the link below and we’ll get back to you to set up an initial phone call where we can set up an in person meeting to further discuss your project. Once the scope of work has been clearly defined, we will provide a comprehensive proposal for your consideration.
MGDA has a passion for contemporary design and looks to develop projects that are fresh in feel and effective in utilizing modern technologies and building practices. We also have a deep appreciation and respect for the history of architecture and always look to acknowledge and embrace the style of an existing structure. Our goal is that the style of each project brings a contemporary approach while responding directly to the vision of our clients and the unique qualities and history of the site.
In the beginning of a project it is most important to identify your project’s program, scope of work, objectives, and budget . Throughout the design process we encourage an open dialogue and collaborative approach to all projects and welcome all ideas, inspiration, and information that will help us respond directly to your goals and limitations. It is the client’s responsibility to provide direction, feedback, and accurate information throughout the design process.
There are essentially five phases of the design process: Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bidding & Negotiation, and Construction Administration. Please see our Process page for a further description.
The time required to design and permit a project varies. Your project size, complexity, physical site conditions, and aesthetic preferences are just a few of the elements that make your project time-line unique. We start all projects with Due Diligence & Feasibility Studies where we look to understand the impact of the above factors and permitting requirements of each project. These findings allow us to develop a more accurate project time-line for each project.
The team at MGDA is involved with all projects from start to finish. The principal architect and founder, Matthew Guerrero, works directly with all clients and manages each project from concept to permit.
In addition to our architectural design services, the owner may need additional consultants throughout the process. These may include the following:
We highly recommend our involvement in the construction process. It allows us to act on behalf of our client and ensure that the quality of construction meets the expectations and design intent of the owner.
Typically, architectural Standard Services include Schematic Design phase services, Design Development phase services, Construction Documents phase services, Bidding/Procurement phase services, and Construction phase services. Supplemental Services would be additional services that can be provided separately or in addition to the Standard Services. Examples of additional Supplemental Services would be the following: Programming services, Measured/As-built Drawing services, Site Analysis & Feasibility services, Site Evaluation & Planning services, Sustainable project services, Hardscape & Landscape design services, Interior Design Services, Cabinet/Millwork design services, and 3D Computer Rendering Services. Once we become familiar with your project during our initial project consultation, we will be able to clearly identify what services are recommended for your project and in what order those services should be engaged.
MGDA does provide interior design services as an Additional Service. Our intent is to always ensure that a design is cohesive from exterior to interior and being involved in both services allows us to ensure this is the case. Although we are always open to collaborating with the consultants of our clients, we strongly recommend working directly with MGDA on the interior design of your project as it allows for a seamless coordination of all interior design decisions, specifications, and construction details. In addition to the benefits of coordination and consistency, being deeply involved in the interior design process of a project also allows us to better evaluate all interior design decisions with our clients and discuss the options available and their impact on the design and budget of a project.
Although we do not offer landscape design services or plant specification, we do offer a wide range of exterior design services which include hardscape design, exterior space planning, swimming pools & spas, water features, outdoor kitchens, outdoor living rooms, covered patios, pergolas, cabanas, saunas, etc.
Program is a term used to describe the required functions, objectives and conditions of a project, usually defined by a client and delivered to the designer at the onset of a project. Program deliverables can include outlines, lists, and diagrams to help communicate a client’s goals for a project. Program can also include project information such as as-built drawings, site surveys, soils reports, building records and other useful site specific information. Although it is typically the role of the client to provide the Program for a project, we do offer the additional service of assisting our clients in developing their program if assistance is needed.
Consultant Fees and local agency, permit & clearance fees may be required.
A Feasibility Study determines the extent of what is physically possible on a site. It begins with an in depth evaluation of all applicable codes and regulations and their impact on a particular site and project scope. The findings of this due diligence period are utilized to develop a formal feasibility study that outlines all applicable zoning requirements, agency involvement, conditions of approval, and feasibility for a project.
