concept model
A concept model at the outset of a project is helpful as a visualization of the studio vision. It is essentially a sketch with which to build the construction set. Is your project a basement studio, bedroom studio, backyard studio? Do you have a commercial space? Do you need just an A-room, or a B, C, D room as well? Does your space need a lounge, rest room, sleeping facilities? What do you play? What kind of stuff does your band do? Do you record in the box or do you plan on recording full horn sections? Do you live beneath a flight path or near train tracks or an industrial area or freeway? If this is a home studio, do you have kids? Are you trying to make money from the space? Do you need to rent out your B-room? Does it need its own entrance? These are the types of details to get down to first.
construction set
The set is organized in a way to address the unique requirements of the specific rooms, but presented in a way so that trades and subcontractors are able to clearly understand their role even with little or no prior knowledge of, or experience with, acoustic or recording studio construction. How this translates to a set of construction documents looks like this:
Index of pages/cover-sheet
Specifications- construction specifications that address each of the trades/sub-contractor responsibilities
Under-Slab PVC Conduit Plan for electrical and technical wiring
Wall Framing Plan- wall framing and/or masonry dimensions including any double-wall, glass wall, or wall-framing-related decoupling specifications, products, etc
Ceiling Framing Plan (similar to above with the addition of coordinating ceiling framing with potential hvac duct runs and register placement and lighting)
Gypsum Board Plan (as pertains to different isolation strategies for various walls and ceilings).
Soffit Framing Plan-For sound isolation purposes, HVAC ducting will be enclosed by some form of soffiting.
Reflected Ceiling Plan-because hvac layout is so central to acoustical design, the RCP helps coordinate register, lighting with ceiling treatment placement.
Electrical Plan-outlet placement as pertains to conduit layout and any dedicated power runs specific to studio equipment if necessary.
Lighting Plan-usually spec Phillips Hue lighting for customized lighting scenarios by client, basic wiring layout, switch placement, fixture placement in regards to ceiling treatments.
Mechanical Plan(s)-locate condenser unit (if applicable) for best isolation, place air handler, lay out duct runs and supply and return registers
Building Sections indicating isolation/acoustical products and techniques, placement, Door framing info, and other details as needed.
Acoustical Finish Plan -individual treatment specification and layout.
Elevations and/or Perspective Drawing-show the final finished rooms with acoustic treatments, any custom treatment number designations, requirement, and other details.
Treatments, studio furniture, and specialty products may require additional manufacturer specifications, mounting information, etc. The goal here is clarity of on-site communication, objectives, and implementation. We want to head-off the prospect of any mistakes or rebuilds by contractors not familiar with this type of construction.
Design fee for the construction set is divided into 3 payments over a 1-4 week period. The first payment is due at this time to commence development of the Design concept. The second payment is due at the time of completion of the Preliminary Construction Set- approximately 2-3 weeks following client approval of the design concept plan. The third payment of $3500 is due at the time of completion of the Final Set of Construction Documents. Payment can be made via wire transfer or another agreed upon method.