Bringing your vision to life one sketch at a time

It has long been said that one should choose the right tool for the right tasks. It’s equally important to avoid using the right tool in the wrong way. In today’s world of architecture, the majority of premier residential and commercial design firms across the globe have pulled away from hand-drawn sketching in favor of computer-aided design software (CAD). Why? Drawing by hand with a pencil and sketch paper is perceived as the old and time-consuming way of doing things while CAD allows firms like us to quickly turn a client’s vision into a well-designed, precise, and functional product in a fraction of the time.

CAD is the new face of architectural visualization, but the industry’s reliance on it at potentially all phases of the design process has quickly turned drawing by hand – at least during the initial stages of a project – into a lost art. The ML Group believes every tool has its place in architecture, and every residential and commercial project we put our name on starts with doing things by hand. With more than 30 years of experience, bringing our clients’ vision to life one sketch at a time is what we are known for.

A few of the benefits of drawing by hand include:

• Capturing raw thoughts and ideas without worrying about precise measurements
• Exploring and articulating alternatives face-to-face with the client
• Putting clients at ease through creative style and expression
• Giving clients precisely what they want through personalized service

CAD and Hand Drawing should co-exist

Many times, clients are unsure of what they want or cannot fully communicate their ideas. Maybe they have a few screenshots from Pinterest or Instagram but not a clear vision. Because of our experience, we can sit with a client, even with limited information, and turn their ideas into a conceptual reality.

The ML Group believes CAD and hand drawing should co-exist. It’s a win-win because our architects can visually understand and capture exactly what the client is looking for early in the process simply by sketching things out. The client leaves that initial consultation with peace of mind, knowing they found a true partner.

Designing Your Vision – It’s all in the details

In a world of technology, our architects are true craftsmen who start with sketch paper and a drafting pencil in any commercial or residential project we work on. Phase II is where we take those preliminary drawings and turn them into a precise computer-aided design (CAD) that eventually leads to final construction drawings. It is with CAD that we are able to create, edit, and supply our clients and builders with computer renderings that give them an exact idea of what the home or building will look like before it is built.

Using CAD allows architects across the globe to perfect their innovative designs in a fraction of the time. Our process is unique in that we use it to create a complete play-by-play for the client, the builder, and additional contractors that handle everything from electrical to plumbing and HVAC. Phase II & III includes:

• Fully scaled computer drawing of completely dimensioned and noted floor plan, roof plan, and exterior elevation
• A scaled computer foundation silhouette
• Electrical fixture schematic layout plan
• Masonry and floor calculations
• Site plan with complete notations throughout
• Final construction drawings

Because the client is always the priority, we pride ourselves on intelligent design based on integrity and a customized approach that literally covers every element of the design.

Our clients are involved every step of the way to ensure every detail of their vision has been accounted for.