We believe that it is only through relationships built on trust and open communication that we can honestly design a building to fit your needs.  A complete and thorough understanding of our client’s needs and goals is necessary to fully execute a project successfully, timely and responsibly.  We are committed to fully engaging our clients in the design process.

Whether or not terms such as "LEED", “Sustainable”, or “Green” are currently in fashion, we believe that it is our duty as designers to be responsible with our designs.  Using simple, common sense principals while taking advantage of advances in building technology we strive to create buildings that use less energy, work harder for their owners, and are better places for their occupants.  We utilize our own design expertise along with resources such as BetterBricks^TM and the Integrated Design Lab to make sure our design solutions achieve the intended results before they are constructed.

Ruby|Edwards believes strongly in rapid, open communication between all design team members including the owners representatives.  One of the most rewarding aspects of an architectural project is the relationships that are built right along side of the building. 

We are keenly aware that at the end of the day, a great idea is only successful if it is applied practically.  We approach our projects with no preconceived notions.  We have designed many successful projects, but each one is unique and therein lies the challenge that inspires us.  Only after a thorough understanding of the budget, the site and the program can we honestly come forward with real design solutions.

Project Approach

Ruby|Edwards’ aim is to provide the highest level of quality and service to our clients, and our size allows us to do just that.  Unlike larger offices, our principals are intimately involved with every aspect of the project from start to finish.  There is no passing off of duties as the project progresses.  We are passionate about architecture and helping our clients achieve their goals.

Our process represents a proven methodology that has been developed over many successful projects.  This approach is designed around active  “client” involvement.  It is organized around a series of carfully planned workshops where the design team becomes intimately familiar with the specific needs and goals of the client.  While every project type has similarities, they are also very different.  Each client has unique operating conditions, personnel needs, community relationships, program requirements and budget constraints that must be fully understood.  It is the architect’s role to act as the manager of the information flow between the client and the design team.  It is a responsibility at which we take very seriously. 

Design Services/Phases

The following paragraphs briefly describe some of the services and typical phases for the design services we provide.

Master Planning

Ruby|Edwards has extensive experience helping our clients find the “highest and best use”  for their properties.  Our experience helps us navigate the various regulatory agencies and requirements imposed upon properties.  We also are very adept at providing early concept drawings, sketches and 3d visualization models to help everyone “see” the project. 

We also maintain an extensive library of commercial building prototypes, and we are continually updating our library on the development standards for the nations top small, mid, and big-box retail companies. 

Pre-Design/Programming/Space Analysis Phase

Our goal through the Pre-Design/Programming/Space Analysis phases is to obtain base information from the client including current and projected staffing levels and operation types.  We often conduct workshops with the design team and the client’s representatives.  We begin this process with a kick-off meeting where all participants discuss our overall objectives, scope, and the procedures for creating and implementing the programming document.

Schematic Design Phase

During the Schematic Design Phase, we begin by examining the site, and how the programmed spaces fit and interact with the site.   We thoroughly examine numerous design ideas and options, always judging them against the overall project budget, goals and objectives.

Design Development Phase

The Design Development Phase is the period in which the design itself achieves the refinement and coordination necessary for a polished piece of architecture.  The decisions made during schematic design are developed to scale in order to minimize the chance of major modifications during the construction documents phase.  

Construction Documents Phase

After the design development drawings have been completed and approved, the design work is all but complete and the construction documents are prepared.  It is during this final critical phase that all of the specifications and details for construction are finalized to match the goals and needs of the client.  A project manual is created to assist the bidders and eventually the contractor in constructing the building.  At the end of this phase the contract documents are prepared and assembled into bid packages for the contractors, and into plan review packages for the local Aauthorities Having Jurisdiction.  We then walk your project through the permitting process to expedite the process as much as possible.

Construction Phase

Ruby|Edwards is firmly grounded in the philosophy that the people who construct our buildings are just as vital members of the team as anyone else, and we strive to forge a strong respectful relationship with them. 

Throughout the years we have developed and refined proprietary software programs for managing and tracking Shop Drawings, Requests for Information, Proposal Requests, Payment Applications and all of the various other documents that are a part of the construction administration process.

Post Construction           

Our design team will stand behind our design, providing troubleshooting services in the start-up and operation of building systems during initial occupancy and until proper operations are established.  We intend to help you create a project to be proud of.

Project Schedules

Even the most talented designers in the world can’t achieve much if they aren’t organized.  Ruby|Edwards takes great pride in our ability to manage project teams comprised of a host of highly talented individuals.  Often times our consultant teams are comprised of over a dozen firms often located in different geographic regions, each with their own highly specialized skills and strengths.   

We are experts at putting together realistic project schedules from the earliest stages through to completion.  These highly detailed schedules are tracked and updated throughout the project to ensure that the team is truly acting as a unit and all heading in the same direction meeting established benchmarks along the way.

The key to a successful project starts with the active participation of our client.  We pride ourselves in being very easy to communicate with, and we go to great lengths to ensure that our clients voices are heard throughout the process.