ABOUT US
iGreen Designs Inc. was established in 2007 and has experience consistent growth. In past years our experience has mainly been providing exceptional 3D Design, modeling, rendering, and drafting services. With recent years our project basis has risen to completed architectural projects throughout Minnesota. While still providing many of our original services, we have expanded our abilities to include complete architectural services, construction administration and company branding.
Our team brings over 35 years of construction and architecture experience with projects ranging from fast-paced retail tenant build-outs, home remodel/additions, to multi-million dollar residential and commercial projects and everything in-between. We also have experience working in other states, but majority of work has been in Minnesota.
Our focus with each project is to provide energy efficient, resource conservation, sustainable design. Through the use of better materials, latest in green technology and methods. Along with increased education and a concern for the impact on the site and community.
PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is simple, to bring the highest degree of satisfaction possible to every client. By LISTENING and RESPONDING with specifically tailored SOLUTIONS.
SUSTAINABLITY: An issue we address with great concern and passion. While almost every project can be addressed with these issues to almost any degree. From the small remodel, using natural materials and light and efficient heating and cooling, to the major construction of a facility collecting rain water, controlling storm water runoff and generating its own energy. Any project, to any degree - can be green.
That is why we have developed the ‘THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN’
WHO - Responsibility falls onto the architects, designers, builders, etc. to bring awareness to the general public about policy, products, technology, method and techniques about sustainable design.
WHAT - SUSTAINABLE, simply means support, maintain. Sustainable Design is the philosophy that the built environment, physical objects of the built environment and services comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainable concepts and theories. Basically the overall design should be able to maintain and support itself with little to no human intervention or maintenance.
WHEN - Time is now. No more conventional techniques that do not take into account of better practices that fail to recognize the environmental impact.
WHERE - First, we need to start in our own backyard. Minor changes like lighting and insulation can make major differences. With minor steps in strategic placement, major differences can be achieved.
WHY - Why not, it can save time, money and energy, all items we could use more of. It can help to create a better environment, quality of health and living.
HOW - Through research and technology and working with people who understand the process and techniques and products needed to make your next project a sustainable project.
DESIGN PROCESS
To assist in the understanding of the design process we offer the following outline the highlights the phases of the process. Obviously each project is unique and depending on the size and complexity of the project, the time involved in each may vary considerably.
PROGRAM
Typically the first step in the Design Process, is the written description of the project. The program should list all of the desired rooms, spaces, functions and the approximate dimensions that are expected. In addition, the program should include a listing of all the extras or built-ins that are desired as well as any special usage comments. If the client does not have the time or inclination to produce a program, iGreen Designs Inc. would be glad to provide a program for review or assist you in its production.
AS-BUILT DRAWINGS
If the project is an addition to or remodeling of an existing structure, we visit the building/site to gather photographs and measure the existing conditions. This information will be used to generate AS-BUILT DRAWINGS that will be the basis of our design work.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The first design phase of the process is Schematic Design. At this time we visit the site, review your program requirements and put together a set of schematic drawings. Typically this will be a loose free hand drawing that depicts the size and proximity of various rooms, and begin to state the architectural style of the building. It is not unusual to generate two or three sets of schematic drawings and use parts of each schematic to produce a final solution that is used for the basis of the design development drawings.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
The next phase is to create hard lines and scale of the schematic drawings to be approved by the client. Also at this time we incorporate any special built-in/equipment that might be desired. In addition to the resolution of the specific architectural details, structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements are explored and finalized. Using these drawings, we develop the construction documents that will be used for the bidding process and required approvals.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
These drawings and specifications are used by the contractor to determine a more accurate bid and to construct the actual building or addition, as well as used to obtain any city required permits. They describe in detail the requirements for construction and the standards of quality of the work and materials.
BIDDING
After all the construction documents are complete, they are issued to the local jurisdiction for review and permit. Also at this time if a contractor is not already chosen this is the opportunity to collect bids from them and the client can choose from the collected bids. Often as a result of the contractors or inspectors input, we revise different portions for either technical, economical, or code interpretation reasons.
FIELD OBSERVATION
This is an extension of the quality control portions of our services. During the construction process there are always questions that arise and decisions to be made. As a result, it is imperative that we visit the site frequently during construction to verify that the plans and specifications are followed and to provide proper interpretation of the construction documents and answer any question that may arise.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
During construction we will be reviewing contractor submittals including: shop drawings, product data, samples, mock-ups, test results, warranties, and other information required by the contractor documents. Part of Contract Administration is processing contractor applications for payment. A site visit and a review of the contract documents are done prior to the certification for payment.
PROJECT CLOSEOUT
As the project nears completion and the contractor has initiated the Project Closeout phase, we will do a final walk through. The data of this final walk through establishes the data of substantial completion. During the final walk through we prepare a punch-list noting in detail all items not complete or not conforming to the construction documents.
When all items on the punch-list are corrected we certify the final application for payment and the project is complete.
