About Philosophy
Based on 25 years of experience, MLArchitecture has developed a philosophy
that successfully guides the process from conceptual ideas to reality.
The four cornerstones of MLA’s project philosophy are:
- Context and Design
- Clear Communication
- Detailed Documentation
- Follow Through
Context and Design
A project design must not only meet form and function, but must be part of an ever growing fabric of the built environment. This process includes the definition of the type of architecture, the functional design, and the planning layout. We are also LEED certified to incorporate a sustainable philosophy. The design must not only fit into the built environment, but must achieve the goals and values set by the owner. With our knowledge and expertise, our role is to assist you in transforming conceptual ideas into a functional design that meets the goals that you have set out at the beginning of the project.
Clear Communication
Since communication and listening to the owner are critical for project success, MLA has implemented formal communications planning as an integral effort on every project. Key stakeholders are identified in the beginning of each project. Then, a communication plan and organizational chart is developed to establish clear lines of communication, define the roles of various stakeholders, and identify critical decision milestones. Frequent communication with detailed documentation is essential throughout the process to ensure that the project moves in the right direction and to successfully deliver the project on-schedule and on-budget.
Detailed Documentation
Detailed documentation and sign off by key stakeholders are also an important part of the process. Throughout the duration of the project, e-mail is used as a prime medium of communication between the entire project team. MLA prepares detailed meeting minutes for all meetings in a timely manner so everyone is clear on what has been achieved, what decisions were made, and which action items are outstanding to continue to move forward. We work closely with the owner to review the drawings at each stage of the process as they progress from the Programmatic level, to Schematic drawings, detailed design drawings and ultimately, to Construction Documents to assure that your standards and site preferences are met. Our long history working with DSA and/or OSHPD, combined with our detailed documentation approach, facilitates a smooth plan check approval process to move your project from the drawing board to the construction site.
Follow through
Finally our design expertise and understanding of construction industry will allow us to properly document what is needed to bring the project into the construction phase. Bidding documents will be reviewed for code compliance, and to assure that all aspects of the project are documented acceptably according to project delivery method. MLA builds the project as a team with both the owner and the contractor. With this team approach we bring the project to fruition as it was meant to be, a part of the built environment, with as few surprises and changes during construction as possible.