“The What’s Possible”

“The What’s Possible”

by SweisKloss
Jan 30, 2020

Embarking on a new design + construct project can be overwhelming for a property owner. And agreeing to a proposal for a large-scale build or renovation is a major commitment, especially if the client is not entirely sure what they want to do with their property. Do they want to build up, do they want to build out, do they want to remodel, or tear down and build new?! This is when I suggest we conduct a feasibility study for the client. Simply put, a feasibility study is an evaluation and design plans of “the what’s possible.” For me, the feasibility stage of a project is the most exciting. I get to be creative and channel all of our design skill to create great options for the client to choose from. This stage always reminds me of how much I love design and why I do this every day. Even if there are site and code restrictions, I always believe there is a design solution that will exceed the client’s expectations.

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“I found the feasibility study to be one of the most exciting parts of the project. Seeing all the design possibilities that Abeer and SweisKloss came up with really solidified my confidence in working with them. As a person with a slight disability, I have a lot of concerns. SweisKloss listened to me and adapted the design to my needs, while also visualizing a beautiful new home.”

— Client in Santa Monica

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For this discussion, I have broken down a feasibility study into three components: 1. Pre-Design During an initial walkthrough of the property, the client and I talk through their goals, wish list, concerns, and together we flush out ideas and property potential. We do the preliminary code research and come up with a tentative project schedule. We also prepare the site and building program—size, circulation, indoor/outdoor flow, number of rooms, landscape features and other factors to determine the scope of the project. We take measurements of the existing buildings and prepare three-dimensional as-built drawings as necessary. At the same time, we hire a surveyor, if deemed appropriate, to confirm the site boundaries and document slope and elevation heights. In some cases, we might hire a soils engineer to ensure the site is buildable. 2. Code Research To determine what is possible we also need to understand what is not possible. A feasibility study outlines opportunities and restrictions. What zoning codes apply, and are there any special permits or approvals necessary? Will there be any existing code issues? Where can we push the limits? And, how will all of this affect the client’s goals? This part gives us the parameters in which we need to design and sets a more realistic project schedule. 3. Schematic Design This is my favorite part of the feasibility study, and really design as a whole. This is when we create several floor and site plans that incorporate all information gathered from the client, the surveyor and the code research and combine it with our vision for the project. The outcome is magical. The input is a lot of wants, needs and restrictions. The process demands pure creativity and results in a truly unique space. I love when clients come into the office for the feasibility meeting where we present all of the design options. They are always awed by the possibilities. The moment the client sees what is possible is the moment that sparks the most excitement about the project.