“I solve problems through deep understanding and rigorous investigation. Because I believe that one space affects another, I strive for comprehensive solutions for my clients.” -Ed Kopel

• Comprehensive Architecture and Interior Design

• Renovations, Alterations, Additions, and New Construction

• Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Department Approvals

• Construction Supervision and Project Management

• Dignified Design for Clients with Disabilities

• Schematic Design

• Design Development

• Construction Documents

• Procurement, also referred to as Bidding and Negotiation

• Contract Administration

• Programming

• Site selection and building assessment

• Feasibility studies

• Budgeting and cost estimation

• Landscape and garden design

• Lighting design and Furniture design

• Finish selection

• Plumbing fixture and appliance specification

• On-site project representation

• Historic restoration

While every project is different and unfolds differently, what follows is a description of my services for a typical renovation project.

1. Engagement

After meeting a client and touring their property, if they are interested, I will prepare a basic proposal including my understanding of the scope of work, a list of architectural services, and the business terms. After some back and forth, if the owner wants to proceed, I will prepare an American Institute of Architects Owner-Architect Agreement for review and signing. My original proposal is attached as an exhibit to the agreement. Everything I do is transparent, so if AIA contract terms have been modified or adjusted, it is apparent to the client. At contract signing, I require a deposit that I will hold “on account” and deduct from my final invoice.

2. Existing Conditions Documentation and Pre-design

After being hired for a renovation project, which is most of my work, I document the existing conditions. This usually take a few sessions of field measuring and inputting existing floor plans and, if necessary, elevations. Usually during the existing conditions documentation phase I am gathering additional information from the owner and investigating site, zoning, and building department issues. For a new building on an empty site, I work with the owner to engage a licensed surveyor to draw the property while exploring similar project parameters and jurisdictional requirements.

3. Schematic Design

Then, based on what I’ve learned and my background documents, I take a stab at the design which usually means several subsequent stabs as well. I solve problems through deep understanding and rigorous investigation. Because I believe that one space affects another, I strive for comprehensive solutions. If I am asked to design a kitchen, I think about how it affects the dining room, living area, and porch. Most of the work at this point is done in plan or model. After I have an idea, more often than not, several ideas, I will meet with the client and present pre-schematic plans showing a basic layout and design direction. Based on that meeting I will modify the basic design to achieve a collective vision. After a plan is accepted, I begin to develop elevations and sections. Their completion marks the end of Schematic Design.

4. Design Development

The next phase, Design Development, is about elaboration. DD documents fix and describe the size and character the project and often include diagrammatic approaches to affected building systems. Design development documents are geared toward building department filing.

5. Construction Documents

During the Construction Document phase all building elements are specified in detail so that the drawings may be competitively bid for a fixed fee agreement and the work subsequently executed.

6. Bidding

Once construction documents are completed, the project usually goes out to bid. I like competitive bidding and have faith in the wisdom of the crowd. I have no loyalty to specific contractors. No deals or kickbacks. I usually bid projects to 3 to 5 bidders. When a project is put out to bid, I include a bid breakdown sheet so that itemized bids can be easily compared. Bidding lasts about 3 weeks. A week or so after the drawings are bid, I schedule all bidders visit the site, usually one after another with owners present. Seeing a bidder’s behavior, especially his timeliness, understanding of the documents, and interaction with the owner is invaluable in decision making. After the bids are returned, they are compared and analyzed. Bidders may be asked additional questions. Usually one or two are asked back for a second interview. Then a decision is made. I will then prepare an AIA Owner-Contractor Agreement. The bid breakdown sheet will become the schedule of values which will be used for monthly invoicing by the contractor during construction administration. Once the contractor is hired, he will obtain the appropriate permits based upon the approved plans.

7. Construction Administration

During Construction Administration phase, the architect’s role is to confirm that work is being completed in accordance with the approved plans. However, in my practice, I usually go further, visiting the site on a weekly or biweekly basis, addressing contractor concerns with sketches and addenda, arbitrating change orders and disputes, and reviewing monthly contractor payment requisitions.

8. Completion

As the project draws to a close, I will complete the inspections that I committed to during the filing process. I will shuttle the project from substantial completion through the project punchlist to final completion. I will work to assure that the highest level of craftsmanship and execution is obtained throughout the project.

“I like helping people, solving problems, and making beautiful spaces.” -Ed Kopel

At Ed Kopel, Architect, P.C., each project is treated as a unique opportunity for architectural expression.  Solving the functional problems is the first step toward producing rich and enduring architecture.  Timeless designs are guided by ideas that blossom or burnish over time. 

Most of our clients present significant constraints on schedule, budget, or both – but all demand sound design concepts and quality execution.  We relish the challenge of delivering functionality and beauty under such constraints, for example:  creating a destination bar/restaurant for a fast-paced, bottom-line oriented hotel client; or transforming a 700 square foot, cobbled together apartment into a gracious family home.  

The firm does not believe in the primacy of one particular style.  We accept all projects have a style, whether considered or not.  All styles deal with the same fundamental building blocks -- space, light, form, materiality, structure, usability and craft.  Style must be understood within the continuum of architectural history. 

Often architectural details play a strong part in our projects.  In any project, details reinforce a project’s basic ideas.  But more interestingly, sometimes that process works in reverse -- with details becoming the inspiration for larger elements.  Every edge and corner, every time two materials meet, is an opportunity for invention.

Ed Kopel Architects is committed to creating environmentally responsible buildings. Ed is a LEED Accredited Professional, meaning that he has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building practices. All projects incorporate the most sensible and up-to-date approaches to green building. We do not believe that green building is an architectural movement, or that it should be treated as such, but rather that it is a critical component of sustainability to be deployed wherever possible. Green is not an architectural theme. It is a fact always considered.