(o) 540-668-7445
(c) 703-509-2141
(e) info@oxmanarchitects.com

Mr. Oxman is a 1967 graduate of Pratt Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He is a member of the NCARB as well as being licensed in many states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. Oxman's experience, as an architect, is diversified including the design of single family homes, town homes, apartments, religious buildings, commercial facilities, office buildings, recreational facilities, special interiors, numerous renovation and rehabilitation projects as well as master planning of mixed use projects.

featured articles

2021 - Orton, Kathy. “A suburban Md. Condo with an Unusual Agenda.” The Washington Post, July 24, 2021

2018 - Orton, Kathy. “Were We Live.” The Washington Post, Nov 2018. Print.

2015 - Sattell, Jessica Barrett. "Family Affair." Design Bureau, The Architecture Issue Spring 2015: 77-79. Print.

2015 - Milam, Andrea. "the house that jack built." MACO Caribbean Living Jan 2015: 66-73. Print

2014 - Milam, Andrea. "love reclaimed." MACO Caribbean Living, Vol 16, Issue 3: 72-79. Print

2013 - Milam, Andrea. "ends of the earth." MACO Caribbean Living, Vol 14, Issue 4: 24-33. Print

2013 - Skolnik, Lisa. "eighth wonder." luxe. interiors + design, Volume 11, Issue 1 Winter 2013: 160-171. Print

Recognitions and Awards

2014 - Luxe Interiors & Design 2014 Gold List
2004 - Award of Excellence, (NAHB) National Commercial Builders Council - Project of the Year - Division II - Recreational
2003 - Award of Excellence, (ABC) Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. - Historic Restoration
1994 - Award of Excellence, (CBC) Custom Builders Council Award - Homes over 7,500 sq. ft.
1994 - Award of Excellence, (CBC) Custom Builders Council Award - Transitional Homes

METHODS OF OPERATION

The firm of Architect Michael L. Oxman and Associates, Ltd. is dedicated to quality design, through effective client relations and consistent professional standards, in all that we do. In order to make the process of working with us as smooth as possible, the following outline of our standard Methods of Operation gives a description of each phase of our work with the intent, what takes place, and the results you can expect.

PRE-CHARRETTE

Our entire process is based on a close and intensive relationship with our clients. However, before we can begin the Design Charrette phase, we need to gather information about the property. This can vary quite substantially, depending on the nature of the existing materials that are available and may include, among other things, the hiring of a Surveyor or other Consultants. Because of the varying preparatory tasks and the time necessary to accomplish them, we will bill this phase by the hour in addition to the other professional fees and costs outlined in our General Provisions and Conditions.

DESIGN CHARRETTE

The Charrette begins with a one to three day event. In this phase the Architect meets with the Client to determine all the requirements for the project and develop a Project Program. Together they establish the space requirements, the character of the building, any special use considerations, the general site planning and determine a tentative budget.

Using this Project Program and all the information about the site (including the boundaries, topography, utility locations, easements, adjacent uses and setbacks) as well as any other information available, the Architect and Client, together, develop a series of Schematic Design studies. These freehand sketches will generally include; a site location plan, floor plans, and concept sketches for the exterior appearance or character of the project.

This intensive Charrette Style meeting between the Architect and the Client has proven to be extremely effective in producing a design that closely resembles the desired final product. It is our experience that this is also a uniquely cost effective process. The Client is intimately involved, decisions are made correctly the first time around and fruitless design studies are eliminated.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN

With everyone in agreement and the Design Charrette complete, we are ready to further develop and polish the design. The Architect reviews the complexity and scope of the project, developing a 'task list' and budget for the drawings, studies and information required to fully synthesize the Project Program, the Design Charrette sketches and the full range of concerns that an architect brings to bear on all projects--function, aesthetics, structure and cost.

After the Client has approved the 'task list' and the cost for this phase, we produce a set computer generated drawings that generally include but not limited to a site plan, floor plans, elevations and a scale model to aid in visualizing the completed building. Other work that is commonly completed includes major building sections, detailed cost analyses, interior elevations and other three-dimensional drawings to clarify special areas of concern.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

Upon satisfactory completion of the Preliminary Design, the Client signs the drawings to indicate general approval and these drawings become part of the Construction Documents contract and we begin the largest part of bringing a project to completion.

Once again a 'task list' and budget are developed for the project outlining the work necessary to complete the construction drawing phase , witch may include; details, studies, sketches, meetings, specifications, consultant coordination and in-house management necessary graphically and literally to convey the full design intent, setting forth in detail the requirements for a permit and the construction of the project.

With the 'task list' and cost for this phase approved, the next step is an intensive coordination process with our consultants and with the various construction elements that make up every building. Building systems are carefully worked out, special materials or equipment researched, and all major elements are brought together for an initial review. This will be the first of many checkpoints or “milestones” where the Client is sought out for approvals, preferences or simply to be kept abreast of the current status of the work. This ongoing process of planning, checking and coordinating continues until all the information critical to a complete project has been synthesized into its final form.

With the Construction Documents sufficiently completed, the next step is to get the project approved and under contract to be built. We generally assist the Client in filing the documents for approval by the local government jurisdictions and coordinate with the Client in either bidding the project or negotiating with a pre-selected Contractor. This can be an elaborate process or a much looser relationship, depending on the Client's needs.

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

Our responsibilities during construction vary greatly depending on the size, duration, scope and complexity of the project and the Client/Contractor relationship. Generally speaking, we act as the Client's representative and all of the Client's instructions to the Contractor are given through us. We make periodic visits to the site to familiarize ourselves with the progress and quality of the work and to determine whether it is proceeding in accordance with the Contract Documents.

We also may review shop drawings, prepare change orders, issue certificates for payment and make a final inspection with the Client and Contractor just prior to final completion. As this process varies greatly in terms of the time spent, we generally bill this as additional services using our standard hourly rates for the individuals involved.

SUMMARY

The entire Architect/Client relationship is fundamentally based on the trust extended to us by our clients. We, in turn, can do nothing less than to give them the most professional response to their needs and special concerns that we possibly can. A client that is intimately involved in the process makes this an efficient, effective and enjoyable event, thus guaranteeing that most important goal; a well designed, well constructed and functioning work of architecture.