Below, you'll discover essential preparation materials to kickstart your architectural project. Whether you're eager to explore a standard project roadmap, delve into space allocation calculations, or simply wish to meet the team to discuss details – keep reading. We trust that this page will provide assistance as you embark on your journey.

Get Started

 1    

Pre-Design Schematic Design

Project Roadmap

In the below guide, we lay out the essential steps and milestones necessary to bring your architectural vision to life. From initial conceptualization to the final construction phase, this roadmap will serve as your strategic blueprint, ensuring a smooth and successful journey throughout your project. Every project is unique, so the example stage durations will vary from project to project.

  • Using preliminary planning documents and existing conditions drawings supplied by you, we will validate the program and produce layouts focused on code compliance and functionality and formalize that information into a working set of drawings suitable for preliminary construction pricing and zoning review. We will engage experts and stakeholders early on, including security, engineering, town officials, vendors, and utility providers, incorporating their input along the way.

  • 4-8 weeks

 2  

  • We will prepare drawings suitable for a building permit application and will be compliant with current building codes; including fire resistance ratings, means of egress, travel distance, accessibility, and other matters of compliance. We will identify information and concerns necessary for effective coordination and designed to limit the number of questions during construction. We will coordinate with consultants as required and work with your contractor to prioritize long-lead construction items.

  • 6-10 weeks

Construction Administration

 3  

Construction Drawing Production

  • Following the submittal for building permit, we will further prepare drawings suitable for detailed construction pricing and construction. These drawings expand on the permit set to provide you and the contractor with greater detail and specifications. They will be compliant with current building codes; including fire resistance ratings, means of egress, travel distance, accessibility, and other matters of compliance. We will identify information and concerns necessary for effective coordination and designed to limit the number of questions during construction. Working with your in-house team, we will create construction documents that will consider finishes and furnishings. We will coordinate with consultants as required and work with your contractor to prioritize long-lead construction items. Should the AHJ require a Post-Approval Amendment, this will be submitted at the completion of this stage.

  • 6-10 weeks

 4  

Permit Drawing Production & Municipal Filing

  • We will conduct on-site observation to ascertain whether construction is proceeding in line with design intent and in compliance with the design. It is critical to secure a Construction Manager early due to procurement and other market- related delays.

  • Contractor will determine the construction schedule

Programmatic Mapping Diagram

Programmatic mapping is a critical step in the design process and helps us understand how different functions and activities will be accommodated within a given space. Below is a diagram to help you calculate your space allocation and functional requirements.

Cultivation

60%

    • Flower Rooms

    • Breeding Rooms

    • Vegetation Room

    • Drying Rooms

    • Curing Rooms

Manufacturing

20%

    • Extractions

    • Bucking

    • Trimming

    • Vault

    • Storage

    • Post-Processing

    • Packaging

    • Fresh-Frozen

    • Loading

Mechanical

10%

    • Mechanical Room

    • Electrical Room

    • Fertigation Room

    • Water Room

    • IT Room

    • Utility Closet

    • Equipment Pad

Administration

10%

    • Offices

    • Conference Rooms

    • Locker Room

    • Kitchen

    • Security

    • Break Area

Let’s work together

Book your complimentary consultation below to get started.

About the Team

Brett Barshay, Director of Project Management

Brett Barshay is an architectural designer and project manager with over 7 years of professional experience. Brett’s professional work spans the breadth of high-end residential design, efficiently commercial fit-outs, and experiential art exhibitions. Specifically, he has worked within the cannabis industry on cultivation facilities and dispensaries throughout the Northeast. He has also worked on numerous retail projects with clients such as Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Alo Yoga, Warby Parker, Rothman’s, and Madewell.

Salvatore Raffone, AIA, NCARB, Principal Founder

Salvatore Raffone is an architect and real estate investor with over 25 years of design and project management experience. He has been recognized for leading award-winning projects globally, including a wide range of residential, commercial, institutional and public projects in New York, Seoul, Cairo and Manila.

FAQs

How do I get started working with Graphite?

It’s easy! First, feel free to schedule a consultation for us to get to know each other and better understand your project needs.

Second, we’ll typically ask for some baseline information about the project location and any special conditions.

From there, we’ll begin our brief discovery process to understand the scope of work and services. And finally, we’ll put together a proposal. Once agreed upon, we’ll eagerly get started!

What is Graphite’s role as an architect for my project?

Many people describe the role of an architect as a “conductor” as our job is to facilitate and coordinate your project. We’ll help design the layout and circulation flow of your space, select materials and finishes, and coordinate between structural and mechanical engineers.

We are your advocates and your teammates in ensuring the success of the project, and the realization of your vision.

  • "I am beyond delighted with the exceptional work done by Graphite. Their efficiency at design not only saved us time but also ensured that every aspect of the project was meticulously planned and executed."

  • "Brett and the Graphite team took into consideration our budget, timeline, and specific project objectives, delivering a result that exceeded our expectations. Their seamless communication skills, efficiency and quality of work made the project come to life!”

  • "Choosing Graphite for our project was one of the best decisions we made. The level of knowledge, clear communication, and attention to detail they displayed throughout the process was truly amazing."

  • "Graphite was able to turn our complex requirements into a functional and visually stunning design. The level of attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines were exceptional"

  • "We are incredibly impressed with Graphite's ability to tailor their designs and solutions to perfectly match our needs."