02 · Entitle
Design Review Strategy
Design review boards weigh compatibility, scale and character, and a hearing is public. We help your architect present a project that has already answered the board's likely questions.
Who it's for
- Architects preparing a project for a board of architectural review
- Owners whose project requires conceptual, preliminary and final design review
- Projects in neighborhoods with active design guidelines or community plans
What we handle
- Applicable design guidelines and community plan standards
- Neighborhood compatibility and size, bulk and scale analysis
- Package review for completeness and clarity before submittal
- Preparation for conceptual, preliminary and final review
- Neighbor outreach strategy, where it helps
How it works
Three steps, each one documented.
- Review & refine
We assess the design against the guidelines and neighborhood context, and give your architect written notes while changes are still inexpensive.
- Prepare
We make sure the package and presentation are complete, clear and board-ready.
- Follow through
We document board comments and track revisions through final approval.
What you receive
A written design review memo for your architect and a package prepared to read as complete at the first hearing.
Questions
Design Review Strategy, answered.
Cris serves on the Central Board of Architectural Review. Does that create a conflict?
Cris does not participate in the review of any project Black Oak is involved in. His board experience informs how we prepare projects; it is never a route to a decision.
Do you replace my architect at the hearing?
No. Your architect presents the design. We make sure the package, the narrative and the responses to prior comments are ready, so the conversation stays on the design.
What usually comes next
Pre-Flight Permit Review
03 · Permit. A fixed-fee audit of your permit package before it goes in, so it comes back complete.