Our Process
Levitch Associates specializes in full design/build services from architecture through construction for residential and commercial projects.
We are licensed as both an architect and general contractor with a depth and breadth of experience in the greater Berkeley area and beyond.
Our work is inherently “green” as we are often transforming existing spaces so they better meet clients’ needs.
From our office operations through construction, we embrace sustainable practices and are a certified green business through the California Green Business Network.
Design/Build Overview
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One accountable team: From concept to completion, with clear roles and responsibilities.
Integrated approach: Strategy, design, and construction expertise combined, so decisions align with client goals and are grounded in real-world building knowledge.
Early collaboration: Clients, architectural staff, and subcontractors make informed decisions together, with cost, schedule, performance, and tradeoffs evaluated upfront.
Efficiency and savings: Earlier cost certainty, fewer change orders, shorter permitting and contracting periods, lower fees, and reduced risk for all parties.
Flexibility during construction: Architects stay engaged, allowing faster responses to changes and refinements without major delays or added costs.
Higher quality outcomes: Better communication, fewer disputes, and a stronger alignment between design intent and finished project.
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Divided responsibilities: Multiple entities with differing goals can create unclear accountability, finger-pointing, and less effective collaboration.
Design–construction disconnect: Architects often design without contractor input, leading to speculative decisions, gaps between design and buildability, and late involvement of subcontractors.
Inefficient process: Clients make decisions only at milestones, contractors require high levels of detail to price, and revisions consume extra time and money.
Higher risk of change orders: Limited communication and coordination between architect, contractor, and client increase the chance of missed details, budget conflicts, and costly changes during construction.
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Less waste: More construction and demolition waste is reused or recycled for “less to the landfill”
Lower energy and water use: Reduces the need for power generation and/or storage, and can lower utility bills
Reduced environmental impact for material production, transportation and disposal
Better indoor air quality (IAQ) due to avoidance of harmful substances, with options to improve air quality further as needed
All of which enhance property value and reduce operating and maintenance costs, and can improve resilience.
Architecture
Our ARCHITECTURE Agreement Includes:
Nearly every project begins with architecture.
After an initial meeting or site visit, we prepare a customized Proposal and Agreement for Architectural Services.
Through drawings, we explore design options that meet client goals and define the project for pricing, permitting, and construction.
Our early goal is to create design solutions that align with the project goals and budget.
As Architects, we follow the AIA Code of Ethics, upholding responsibilities to our clients, colleagues, community, and environment.
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As provided by the Owner or interpreted by us.
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Owners’ construction budget if known.
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Preliminary work to prepare for schematic design
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We find that the design process is one of the most enjoyable parts of a project. While developing the Schematic Design(s) we think through the entire project considering all aspects: program, budget, construction means and methods, materials, building strategies, schedule, and applicable planning and permitting considerations. We guide the client in understanding how and why we arrive at the solution(s), then listen and revise the design(s) as needed. We encourage clients to provide feedback and participate in design meetings.
Meetings can be at our offices, onsite, or online.
We can often communicate through email, phone or video call after the first meeting.
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Once the Owner accepts the most desirable Schematic Design, we prepare an estimate of construction costs.
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This task occurs after the Owner accepts the Schematic Design and Estimate of Probable Construction Cost and authorizes this work. We develop the approved design into drawings suitable for permitting and construction.
Construction
Levitch Associates is a licensed general contractor with decades of design/build experience, completing hundreds of projects since the 1960s. We specialize in building what we design, ensuring craftsmanship and seamless coordination from design through construction.
If we build your project, we provide an agreement that includes:
Project description
Price to complete the work
Estimated project duration
Since the early 00s we have committed to sustainable construction practices including:
Reducing, reusing and recycling construction and demolition waste
Incorporating green building design, techniques, and materials into our projects
Maintaining ongoing education and certifications to improve environmental and workplace practices