About Hughes Design and Construction, Inc.
Building a reputation for excellence, the Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. team differentiates itself with an efficient and effective Design/Build approach. Unlike the standard approach of hiring the architect separately from the contractor, our system allows us to work closely with our clients from conception all the way to completion. This promotes a seamless project manifestation with a high degree of communication and coordination. Our method allows for constant fine tuning as the architecture and construction unfolds with no interruption of schedule.
Operating extensively in central Arkansas, Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. limits its building area and number of projects to ensure superior quality and design integrity. Being committed to design excellence, Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. gives its clients the option to make tweak decisions throughout the process. Because Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. works on flat fee contracts, there are no change orders as design changes occur.
Construction projects can be complicated and stressful. It is our hope that every customer enjoys every phase of the construction process and shares in our excitement from the ground up.
We feel privileged and thankful that you would consider Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. as your Architect and builder. Earning your trust through personal attention and commitment is the foundation of Hughes Design and Construction, Inc., Known for honesty, integrity, and quality Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. has built a reputation as a successful commercial and residential design/build firm. From concept to completion, we are with you all the way.
Call us for a free consultation today.
Design Process
Complimentary Consultation
The Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. process starts with a complimentary consultation and preliminary discussion of the scope and goals of your project. The right fit and chemistry between owner and design professional is very important. We try to make the owner feel comfortable and at ease from the very start. Once retained, more in-depth meetings take place to discuss all aspects of the project.
Phase 1 – Design
After initial consultations, Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. has been retained, the process begins with an introductory meeting with the client and all parties involved (architect, project manager, interior decorator, contractor, etc.) to discuss specific project requirements. Owner presents initial budget constraints, design taste and thoughts, and general program requirements. A date is determined for groundbreaking and a date of completion is estimated. (The construction schedule will vary depending on nature of the project). Keeping in close communication with the client every step of the way, we work with you to review your desired architectural style, lifestyle needs, and budget. Your input is an integral and vital part of the process and we help you make informed, educated decisions.
Then we develops preliminary conceptual designs for presentation and evaluation. The client approved designs are then converted into 3D software with future meetings until the design is perfect. The Owner will sign off at each benchmark which typically includes:
Schematic Design Phase
Design Development Phase
Completed Construction Documents.
This process takes as long as necessary depending on the complexity of the project.
Phase 2 – Pricing
The completed plans are then sent out for final pricing.
Phase 3 – Construction
Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. takes the completed and approved plans and obtains the necessary building permits and approvals for construction. As the building process progresses, Bi-weekly meetings are held with the owner regarding product selections, budget and construction updates, travel to vendors to make selections and walk-throughs. This is an exciting time as all the planning and dreaming begins to take form into reality.
Accounting can be e-mailed or hard copy to client on a bi-weekly basis (information is available at any time upon request due to Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. Open Book policy).
Phase 4
Final Inspections
Certificate of Occupancy
Phase 5
Punch Items, the punch list is one of the most important processes in closing out a job. The punch list is more than a list of things to do – it’s an opportunity for Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. to exceed expectations and to show how we will do anything possible to help everyone feel comfortable on the day of occupancy.
Final Accounting Review
Build Process
Design / Build Process
Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. Specializes in the design/build approach providing full service Architecture AND Construction capabilities in house. Hughes Design and Construction, Inc. leverages the powerful advantages of the Design Build Process by combining the Architect and Builder on the same team. Coordination, efficiency, and knowledge transference is increased exponentially over the traditional process. The design/build approach allows clients to utilize and benefit from Ralph’s ideas throughout the construction process while maintaining accuracy, consistency and a seamless design- build process.
The design-build delivery method is a shift from the more traditional design-bid-build delivery of construction contracts. Successful design-build projects offer an owner many benefits that add value to a project. These advantages include:
Single Point of Responsibility
A design-build contract combines design and construction quality, cost, and schedule into a single point of responsibility. Design-build contracts foster partnering between team members, which in turn adds value to a project. This single point of responsibility also helps the design-build team avoid potential adversarial relationships that could arise under traditional, design-bid-build contracts.
Improved Project Quality
Using the design-build delivery, the architect and contractor coordinate as a team, leaving an owner free to focus on the project’s scope and general decision making. This leads to a higher quality project that better suits the owner’s needs in the following ways:
The design-build team works together to produce a complete set of construction documents. By contrast, with a design-bid-build delivery, the owner is responsible for providing complete documents to the contractor.
Constructability can be reviewed throughout the design process by all members of the design-build team. This leads to effective value engineering ideas created by the architect, contractor and engineer working together to maximize design and functionality while maintaining budgetary and schedule concerns.
Cost Saving
Value engineering and constructability review are enhanced and utilized continuously throughout the project duration. The early involvement of the design-build team is essential in maximizing the full potential of the design-build delivery system. Decisions that can be made during the programming, concept and design phases will impact the schedule and costs of the project more than any other phase of construction.
Time Saving
With a design-build project, design and construction for a project can easily overlap, allowing for fast track construction. The owner benefits from this shortened timeframe because construction costs can be reduced and the new building will be available for use sooner.
About Ralph
Ralph graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1979 with a degree in industrial engineering. He started his career with American Air Filter in Fayetteville, Ark., as a member of the engineering team supervising construction of a new manufacturing facility. Ralph later moved into sales as an engineer and system specialist for companies in Dallas, Texas, and Tulsa, Okla.
Born and raised in Arkansas, Ralph returned to his roots and became part owner of an electrical distribution company in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After selling out of the electrical distribution business, Ralph wanted to return to his long time dream of building. The love for building was actually birthed from helping his Dad and their builder construct their first home in Van Buren, Ark.
Ralph owned and operated Hughes Design and Construction for over 24 years. During that time, Ralph has built strong relationships with subcontractors and has learned how to Shepard a client through the complicated construction process. Ralph has developed into a masterful custom home builder with impressive design ideas and imagination.
When Ralph isn’t on a job site or taking care of business he enjoys following the Razorbacks, playing golf or tennis, or just hanging out with the family. Ralph is career-minded, goal-oriented and quality-conscious. He also moves quickly.
