Process
Vision, Plan & Design Together
Quality spaces and good design begins with understanding your project goals.
We combine your goals and program requirements with our thorough research of the site, natural environment and local regulations to establish good design opportunities for each project. These opportunities are genuinely unique and inspire good design solutions that become good architecture.
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The project starts with your vision. We listen to learn and understand your goals and values. We meticulously work to uncover your design program, preferred building aesthetic, interests, discuss your project schedule and budget. Through program diagrams, questionnaires and concept boards we capture your ideal building environment. This process forms the foundation and informs design decisions for the entire project.
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Every project we design is unique and one of a kind. This requires a workplan based on your goals and needs for the project. We develop a workplan with you that will highlight your goals, the project schedule, milestones and tasks that will be completed during each phase of the project. The plan becomes the framework for the project and team to ensure a successful design and construction process.
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Grounded with your vision, program and project plan, we work to discover key project opportunities based on your site, surrounding context, natural site features, research and evaluation of record drawings. These opportunities become the structure for smart, efficient and sustainable design decisions that we’ll be making together to produce good design.
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Our design process thrives on collaboration. Collaboration between the client and architect. Collaboration with project stakeholders, contractors, interior designers, engineers, consultants and review agencies. Through all phases of design, we schedule meetings to present and build on design progress. We work to update and refine our design based on your project feedback. Here we will explore master plans, develop functional floor plans to meet your program goals and needs, create architectural spaces that will inspire, design millwork to create spirited work spaces, develop lighting to enhance building features and specify material that will create a unique and timeless building environment.
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The key to a successful build requires a talented builder that is organized, understanding and reliable. We work with you to interview contractors that can meet these key requirements for the project. Key to a success build, we participate during the construction phase through attend meetings with the project team to review construction progress, address site conditions, construction coordination details, review key submittals and shop drawings to ensure a quality build as your design comes to life.
Studio
Through architecture, we aspire
Our firm is committed to providing a work environment that fosters creativity, productivity and wellness. We aspire to create great spaces for our clients and community.
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Principal
Daniel studied at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and received degrees in Architecture and Construction Management in 2004. Following graduation, he worked 11+ years for CAW Architects and successfully completed multiple custom designed homes, commercial /mixed-use buildings, historic preservation and educational facilities. In 2017, he formed Pho Architects to bring a client oriented approach to design that will work towards a focus on contemporary and sustainable architecture.
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Designer
Ella received her Bachelors of Architecture and Minor in Sustainable Environments from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2022. She’s committed to integrating sustainable design principals for the architecture and interior design work we produce as part of our practice. She values design through collaboration, sketching, model making, digital drawings and discourse.
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Designer
Daniel Li is currently completing his architecture degree in Cal Poly, Pomona. He’s been with our firm the past five summers and worked in all project design phases, including extensive time putting together as-builts, schematic design presentations, design development drawings and renderings. His tireless work ethic and enthusiasm for architecture is cherished within firm.