Architectural Drawings/Design

Architectural Drawings & Home Design In Chicago

Architects are not required for every remodel project, but when it does come time to consult with one, Areté’s preferred architectural partners are available to consult and provide the best recommendations for your Chicagoland project.

Architectural or CAD drawings include more technical details to visually communicate installation, mechanical, and design elements to your general contractor or remodeling firm. Here is a general list of projects that would require architectural drawings and design:

• New Construction – With any new home development, you must have approved architectural drawings in order to move forward with construction and help guide the design process. The drawings will reflect the overall appearance—interior and exterior—of the home, how it is oriented on a building site, and the layout of its living areas. Before construction can begin, architectural drawings must receive final approval from the client and then be submitted for permitting.
• Home Additions – Just like with new builds, architectural drawings are required in order to provide the basis for the mapping of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for the house as well as roofline and interior details. In conjunction with your contractor, your architect can design a space that mends seamlessly with the existing structure so as not to have a defined line of “old” and “new.”
• High Rises – Many times high rises will require architectural drawings for simpler projects, like opening up a wall or changing the footprint of the bathroom or kitchen where plumbing and electrical systems are affected. This is because any time the original layout of the condominium changes, they must ensure changes made are in accordance with building restrictions and will not affect any other units in the building or shared plumbing and electrical systems. Our preferred architect partners have extensive experience working in Chicago high rises and understand the challenges that come with working in these high traffic buildings.

Once the architectural drawings have been completed and the client signs the labor proposal, the architect will file for the necessary permits and acquire the signature of a general contractor to sign off on the permits. It is usually up to the architect if they would still like to be involved in the design process once all the permits have been approved.

Some prefer to create the drawings and move on to other jobs, and others like to be a part of the design process and specify finish materials. Depending on the scope of the project, the architect’s further involvement can be discussed with our clients and in-house interior design team.

Since 2002 we have been working with Chicago area homeowners helping them make their visions a reality by remodeling their homes. Call today at 773.683.3033 for an initial consultation or visit our showroom at 3821 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 to discuss in person.