The IONIC Process: Your Project Timeline
Welcome! If you’re visiting this page, it means that you’re partnering with the IONIC team to bring your idea to life. As we move through your project’s journey, you may be curious and excited to know what is coming next, and where we are in the process to final construction. This timeline is intended to be a resource you can refer back to as we move through each stage, and we hope you will find it useful.
Award:
The project is formally awarded, & the client agreement is finalized. This milestone marks the official start of collaboration.
This milestone marks the official start of your project. The client agreement is finalized, confirming the scope, budget, and timeline. To progress to the next phase, a signed proposal agreement and down payment are required.
- A finalized agreement outlining scope, services, fees, and schedule.
- Submission of a signed proposal agreement and initial down payment.
- Confirmation of the official project start date.
- Alignment on key objectives and priorities before design begins.
Key team members are introduced to the client. Roles & responsibilities are outlined to establish clear communication & accountability.
Before our first meeting, we’ll send you a quick look at the design team you’ll be working with throughout your project. This is your chance to put faces to names and get familiar with who does what.
- A short portfolio or profile of each team member.
- Details on their role in your project and how they’ll be involved.
- Contact information for key points of communication.
- A warm welcome to the collaboration ahead.
Team introduction:
Kickoff meeting:
An initial meeting is held with the client & team to align on project goals, scope, timeline, & expectations.
This is where the project officially comes to life. Over the years, we’ve learned that the most successful projects start with you meeting directly with the DeZigner(s) who will be working on your project. That interaction is unmatched—it builds trust, sparks ideas, and sets the tone for a strong partnership.
- A guided discussion of your project goals and priorities.
- Review of the agreed-upon scope, budget, and schedule.
- Introduction to how we’ll share updates and track progress.
- An open Q&A; to answer any early questions before design begins.
The creative phase where initial ideas, sketches, & design concepts are developed based on client needs & project objectives.
This is when the DeZigner heads to the drawing board to start shaping your project. Based on what we’ve learned about your goals and needs, the team works behind the scenes developing initial ideas and sketches.
- The design team focusing on exploring concepts and possibilities.
- Development of early sketches and rough layouts.
- Preparation for the upcoming design presentation where ideas will be shared.
- A creative, thoughtful process underway to bring your vision closer to reality.
Conceptual Design:
Design Presentation:
Preliminary designs are presented to the client for feed- back, ensuring alignment with their vision & project requirements.
We’ll share the first design concepts and sketches based on your goals. This is your chance to review, ask questions, and request any changes—because after this phase, revisions become much harder and more costly.
- Presentation of initial concepts and sketches.
- Discussion and feedback to ensure alignment with your vision.
- Time to request changes before finalizing designs.
Client feedback is incorporated into the design to refine & enhance the proposed solutions.
In this phase, we refine the design based on your feedback from the presentation. Adjustments are made to ensure the design better meets your vision and project requirements before moving toward final approval.
- Incorporation of your requested changes.
- Improved and polished design options.
- Ongoing collaboration to fine-tune details.
Revision Stage:
Final Presentation:
The revised design is presented to the client for final review & formal approval.
We’ll present the revised design for your final review and approval. This is the last chance to confirm everything meets your expectations before we move into the detailed design development phase.
- A polished, updated design reflecting all revisions.
- Review and confirmation that the design aligns with your goals.
- Final opportunity to address any remaining concerns.
Detailed designs are created, integrating structural, mechanical, electrical, & other consultant inputs to finalize the design.
Design Development:
Presentation of Phase:
The completed Design Development documents are presented to the client & stakeholders for review & feedback.
At this stage, we share the completed Design Development documents with you and key stakeholders. This presentation allows everyone to review the detailed design and provide feedback before construction documents begin.
- A comprehensive set of design development drawings.
- Opportunity for client and stakeholder review.
- Feedback to ensure alignment before moving forward.
Comprehensive construction drawings & specifications are prepared, including all details necessary for permitting & building.
Based on the final approved design and your agreement to move forward, we prepare detailed drawings and specifications that contractors will use to build your project.
- Thorough, detailed construction drawings and specs derived from the approved design.
- Documents prepared to meet permitting requirements.
- Clear instructions for contractors to follow during building.
Construction Document:
Final Approval:
The client reviews the construction documents for final approval before submission.
Before submitting for permits, you’ll review the complete construction documents to ensure everything aligns with your expectations.
- A thorough review of detailed construction drawings and specifications.
- Confirmation that all design elements and details meet your approval.
- Final sign-off to move forward with permit submission and construction.
Implementing detailed review of deliverables for accuracy & compliance with project standards.
Before any documents are submitted, they undergo a thorough review by a team member with over 30 years of construction experience. That level of hands-on industry insight brings a unique precision to the process, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all project standards.
- Expert review of all drawings and specifications by a construction veteran.
- Verification that documents meet code, permitting, and quality standards.
- Corrections made before submission to avoid issues during approval.
Quality Control:
Submission for Permits:
Construction documents are submitted to the appropriate authorities for permit approvals.
With final approvals complete, we submit the construction documents to the appropriate permitting authorities.
- Submission of all required drawings and specifications to local authorities.
- Tracking of the permit review process and timelines.
- Communication of any updates or requests from the permitting office.
Any comments or corrections required by permitting authorities are addressed & resolved.
If the permitting authorities provide comments or request changes, we address them promptly.
- Review of all comments from permitting authorities.
- Revisions or clarifications made to meet requirements.
- Resubmission of updated documents for approval.
Comment Response:
Contract Administration:
During construction, the team oversees quality control, coordinates with consultants, & ensures the design is implemented as intended.
Once construction begins, we remain actively involved to ensure the design is carried out as intended.
- Regular communication with the contractor and project team.
- Site visits to verify construction aligns with design documents.
- Guidance on resolving issues or changes during construction.
Owner contracts directly with General Contractor to develop the project.
In this phase, the general contractor—hired directly by you—brings the approved design to life. While the contractor manages day-to-day construction, we remain available for support, answering questions, clarifying details, and ensuring the finished product reflects the design.
- The general contractor overseeing all on-site construction activities.
- Our team available to provide clarification and design guidance as needed.
- Progress updates as major milestones are reached.
Construction:
