Clark Design Group believes in participatory planning. It is only through an active and inclusive design process that truly successful architecture can emerge. Each client enters the process with different needs, desires, and apprehensions. At CDG, we believe that by integrating as many diverse users as possible into the process, we will demystify the design experience and the end result will be successful for all those involved.
Bringing the client successfully into a project by combining architectural programming and design with an interactive, highly participatory design process is something that only the most experienced and talented architectural firms can accomplish. By utilizing this unique process called participatory design, Clark Design Group has been successfully meeting clients' needs with a reputation built on a high level of client service, original design, and cutting-edge technology for almost three decades.
A major strength of CDG has certainly always been project diversity: "We are not building type specialists; we are process specialists."
Our CDG participatory design process has proven very successful and innovative. Using BIM exclusively, we model the building or space and combine this BIM model with a financial model of the construction cost. The two models are developed simultaneously, allowing the construction costs to be managed as the design evolves. We also use the building model and animation to present the design to the client and make changes and improvements 'on the fly' during the presentation in real time. Doing this brings the client successfully into the design process.
We call this process "glass box design" because of its transparent nature. Glass box design dramatically increases the probability for success over traditional design methods because it not only helps educate the client, but also makes them a component of the design team: "We've come to find that this facilitates an overwhelming consensus among larger groups and a higher level of appreciation and understanding from our clients."
CDG understands that getting the client to talk helps find out what they really want to jump start the process from the earliest stages of design. "We have them tell us what they think the final facility design should look like, all the while telling them there is no such thing as a bad idea," continues Mark. "Then we can give them a test plan so that they can visualize how the space will be used. We can make adjustments right in front of them and with their continued involvement, we can have a working design within a few hours. This helps them understand what they want and do not want, and builds unity. It also helps facilitate very little redesign."
Complete dedication to the owner's objectives is paramount to the CDG on every project, and that means their communication and relationship with the contractors and consultants is of utmost importance. "We fully believe that we are an extension of our client, and their goals are our goals," explains Richard. Of course, a great deal of that team approach involves solving problems. "To that end, we partner with contractors and consultants that have that same mindset. We are all part of a team that is striving for the same end result."
A major strength of CDG has certainly always been project diversity: "We are not building type specialists; we are process specialists."
Our CDG participatory design process has proven very successful and innovative. Using BIM exclusively, we model the building or space and combine this BIM model with a financial model of the construction cost. The two models are developed simultaneously, allowing the construction costs to be managed as the design evolves. We also use the building model and animation to present the design to the client and make changes and improvements 'on the fly' during the presentation in real time. Doing this brings the client successfully into the design process.
We call this process "glass box design" because of its transparent nature. Glass box design dramatically increases the probability for success over traditional design methods because it not only helps educate the client, but also makes them a component of the design team: "We've come to find that this facilitates an overwhelming consensus among larger groups and a higher level of appreciation and understanding from our clients."
CDG understands that getting the client to talk helps find out what they really want to jump start the process from the earliest stages of design. "We have them tell us what they think the final facility design should look like, all the while telling them there is no such thing as a bad idea," continues Mark. "Then we can give them a test plan so that they can visualize how the space will be used. We can make adjustments right in front of them and with their continued involvement, we can have a working design within a few hours. This helps them understand what they want and do not want, and builds unity. It also helps facilitate very little redesign."
Complete dedication to the owner's objectives is paramount to the CDG on every project, and that means their communication and relationship with the contractors and consultants is of utmost importance. "We fully believe that we are an extension of our client, and their goals are our goals," explains Richard. Of course, a great deal of that team approach involves solving problems. "To that end, we partner with contractors and consultants that have that same mindset. We are all part of a team that is striving for the same end result."