CKS Millwork Design: Our Collaborative Process

We have refined our process from sales and budgeting, to order entry, production, shipping and installation to attain highly predictive, highly repeatable results every time.  At CKS, we align our expectation with yours through good communication.

Idea Generation: The Architect

Each project begins with the architect’s ideas. We gain an understanding of the architect’s vision and ideas and then offer cost-effective solutions to deliver the design in it’s entirety.

Conceptual Pricing: CKS Millwork

This is where we turn a designer’s ideas into a buildable concept. Our experience lends us the expertise to know what elements will compliment the design while still staying within budget. Here, we meet the architects ideas and bring the fabrication cost into focus. In doing so, we provide cost and material options to the architect and client that work within the timeline and budget of the project.

Approval: Architect and Client

We keep communication open and take every step to ensure your every expectation is met. During this stage, we present clear plans to all parties for the approval to proceed.

Engineering Discussion: Architect & CKS

Once we have approval to proceed, we begin executing our internal engineering discussion. This is a detailed discussion of means and methods of fabrication and installation. Topics can include construction joints, size of elements, the coordination of outside components, vendor selections, coordination of finishes, and materials.

Shop Drawings: CKS Millwork

With approvals and key details resolved, our team moves into field condition measurements and verification as well as very detailed shop drawings. These drawings include every detail from dimensions, finish locations, and veneer grain direction. Once we complete these drawings, we submit them to the architect for full review and approval before proceeding beyond this point.

Sample Submittals & Approval: CKS

While shop drawings are being prepared, we create a list of finish and material submittals for the architect to review and approve. This step includes all finished materials in the design including wood veneers and finish, metal finishes, natural stone, marble, or synthetic stone. Once the architect has reviewed and approved these samples, we begin the final fabrication process.

Fabrication & Sourcing: CKS Millwork

With all approvals submitted, begin acquiring all materials and components, rather than putting that responsibility on the architect.

General Contractor Meetings: CKS & Architect

Depending on the scope of the design and contract with Acacia, our general contractor may attend job site meetings to stay current with conditions, address timing issues, or any other issues that might affect our work. We keep a close eye on the project throughout the entire process to ensure a successful outcome.

Installation: CKS Millwork

In our millwork shop in Durham, we pre-assemble the pieces to discover any hidden issues before we get into the field for installation. Then, we disassemble the components and carefully pack and transport them to the site. Our skilled crews repeat the set-up and installation sequence and follow by cleaning and applying any field protection that may be needed.

Inspection & Approval: Architect and Client

The final task in our process is the detailed inspection and approval of the project but the client and architect. Together, we look at all components of the design. We make a list of outstanding items and details, if any, and at that point we ask for a signature of final approval.