OUR WORK PROCESS

How We Work

We specialize in creating research-based original architectural concepts that stand out from the crowd, not necessarily because of their physical characteristics but due to the core ideas the projects are designed around. Each project's concept is specifically tailored to fit its unique site and business context, creating an easily recognizable and memorable architectural piece. We believe that design is not the solution, it is the process.

Our design process has been continually refined over the years and serves as the backbone of every project that we take here at Symbiotectura. It is a tool that significantly increases the project's chances of success. That is why we stick to it and don't skip any step of its process. Each step is designed to lay the foundation for subsequent steps, this allows us to concentrate on each stage's objectives and avoid lengthy reworks. With each step, we will be refining the design, helping you convert a previously blurry idea into a tangible reality.

Do you think your idea is not ready to become a reality? No matter the stage of development, we can help you clear your mind by taking you through the design process so you can feel secure about the journey we are about to dive into.

OUR DESIGN PROCESS

Our process is divided into three main stages: Understand, Explore & Define, and Materialize.

UNDERSTAND

The first stage of the design process is getting to know your project's goals and challenges. We will collaborate closely with you to gather the required data that will define your project's characteristics, so no critical information is missing. Once everything is received and organized, we will analyze that data and find the opportunities and challenges that are unique to your project. This process will test your project's original idea by confronting it with real constraints and identify any mismatches with the actual goals you want to achieve. This will allow you confidently define well-informed priorities and goals before engaging in the project's development.

This process will result in a document we call "Analysis & Diagnostic," which will contain important information needed to start your project, and provide a clearly defined set of goals and priorities that will serve as a foundation to develop a strong strategy. Usually, projects miss this essential first step, reducing the design team's chances of success due to a lack of focus, precision, and complete information. The "Analysis & Diagnostic" phase is a paid process, the cost of which will be reduced from the project's later phases in the case that you decide you want us to continue with the project's development. We believe this is a fundamental step, it will fortify your previous ideas or will point previously unknown issues for you to think through and the design team to resolve, leading to long-lasting investments. And, as a bonus, you will get to see how we work before any important commitments are made.

EXPLORE & DEFINE

This is the creative stage of the design process where all your goals and ideas will be transformed into architectural form. It is divided into three phases that will refine the design until it reaches the required level of detail. The first two phases focus on exploring design options, generating a wide range of creative ideas. The third and final phase defines the project in detail. We will be making sure the project preserves its essence and meets your objectives as it goes through each phase. Think of this “Explore & Define” stage as a camera lens were an initially blurry image comes into clear focus until you are able to see every detail.

We will start by designing a “Core Architectural Concept” that best aligns the project with your priorities and goals. This will be the soul of the project and will set the stylistic, spatial, functional, and material directions during project development. After your approval, the concept will be reviewed and critiqued by the required contractors and consultants to refine the idea early on and facilitate the integration and scheduling of their work throughout all stages of development.

The next phase is "Design Development." Its purpose is to convert the Core Architectural Concept into a well defined architectural form that you will easily understand. We will determine the location and scale of architectural elements and materials, creating a unique architectural language that speaks closely to you, the users of the project, and its context. Here again all necessary architectural documentation will be reviewed, approved and coordinated with all contractors and consultants.

The third and final phase is the "Construction Documents" phase. Its objective is to create the technical drawings that will describe the final project specifications for the general contractor. This is where all details, large and small, will be solved, such as windows, doors, handrails, roofs, floors, masonry, woodworking, and finishes. We will make sure that each project element interacts harmoniously with all other project elements and respects the Core Architectural Concept. Upon completion of this phase, construction begins.

MATERIALIZE

By now all construction work participants know the project perfectly and have clear implementation plans at hand. It is time to put those plans into action. The project was created on the ethereal plane, but materializing it will bring new challenges that need to be addressed. Unforeseen things will happen and on-site decisions will need to be made. This is where we come in. Once construction work begins, we will be closely overseeing its implementation to make sure that everything goes according to plan. We will keep you up to date regarding relevant on-site events so you can sit, relax, and enjoy watching your plans become a reality.

ARE WE THE RIGHT CHOICE?

We love what we do, and we want to continue doing it as long as possible because our work is our passion. We embrace our responsibility to help you turn your ideas and dreams into reality. That is why we only accept a job when both parties, you and us, are well served by working together to make every venture a success. We aim to create symbiotic relationships with all clients.

For you to decide if we are the right architecture studio to work with, you need to know the following:

• We don't do creative work without an Analysis & Diagnostic.

• We don't do speculative creative work.

• We will always put your needs first. That is why strategy is king.

• Our best work is done when we have freedom of execution and there is mutual trust.

• We reserve the right to be the sole presenter our work.

• Although our primary focus is Mexico we are open to all locations.

We hope you are now better acquainted with us. If you liked what you read, we'll love to hear from you. Do you have questions about our design process or anything related to architecture or design? Please click on the button below to get in touch with us. All inquiries are welcome.

home