ABOUT
Blake Foxley design was started in 2021 by Blake Foxley. It operates as a small residential design firm located in Platte, South Dakota. The firm performs design services on any aspect of residential design, from cabinet layouts to home additions to new construction. BFd will work closely with the builder to ensure that the details are designed and built with craftsmanship and efficiency. High performance and passive design are at the forefront of any project that BFd undergoes. We are happy to help, where ever you are in the design process, from beginning schematic design to construction documents to build completion.
Blake Foxley was raised in Platte, South Dakota, where he grew up working on his family’s grain farming operation. In 2014, he graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. From there Blake went to work as a project manager for a general construction company in Sioux Center, Iowa. His focus was primarily on small to medium sized commercial projects. In 2019 he received his Master of Architecture from South Dakota State University. From there he worked for a small architecture firm in Mitchell, South Dakota. However, the need to be hands on took him back to the construction field. In 2020, he worked as a project manager for a construction company out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then in 2021, he decided to make his way back to the family farm.
He currently works with his family on their grain farming operation, and continues to pursue his passion for design on a part time basis. He currently holds his certificate as a Certified Passive House Consultant.
Blake loves spending time with his wife, Mica, and their two children. He enjoys spending time in nature, whether it be checking fields, hiking, or just going on a walk with his family. He continues to enjoy learning, as a life long student, about anything from design to soils.
LOCATION
PLATTE, SOUTH DAKOTA
P.O. Box 251
Platte, South Dakota 57369
(605) 680 1992
PROJECTS
Every project begins with a conversation, often a phone call, where we discuss with the client, the project's scope, goals, budget, and timeline. During this conversation we make sure that our design process and philosophy seems to align with that of our client's.
BFd's design process is very interactive with the client, assuring that you get a final product that meets all of your expectations. Throughout the process the client is given "design documents" to review and provide feedback on. This gives us the chance to continually tailor the design to the client's wants and needs.
Every project is unique, and not all projects follow this process exactly!
PRE-DESIGN
Pre-design is an information gathering phase that will be the foundation for the design phases to follow. The main goal during this phase is to learn everything possible about our clients’ personality, lifestyle, and needs as well as determine how much space you need now and likely to need in the future, and how that space should be used, organized, and arranged. This information is organized into a document called the Space Summary & Project Goals, which describes all the rooms and spaces for the project, their approximate sizes and any specific qualities or unique features you are looking for. The other part of Pre-design phase is observing and documenting the existing conditions at the project site. This usually entails a survey of the land to determine the property line locations and/or measurements of any existing structures. We also do background research to better understand how the site relates to the surrounding area, climate, people, and the regulations that affect the project. Clients should expect to be very involved and ready to answer personal questions during this phase. We will ask that you fill out our "Client Questionnaire" so that we can get better acquainted with you and your project expectations. Collaborating in this way allows us to better understand your values and needs, resulting in a design that reflects your individuality with optimal functionality.
Deliverables: Client Questionnaire, Space Summary & Project Goals, Existing Conditions drawing(s), Site Analysis & Study
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
In this phase, we begin the process of translating the Space Summary into an efficient building design. This is when we start exploring design options; it is the time for testing concepts and getting a general idea of the look and feel. The floor plans and shape of the project will begin to take form, but the specifics about materials and details will come later. The Schematic Design phase includes several meetings where we present ideas to our clients using images of other projects, hand sketches, drawings, and models to help visualize the size, shape, and relationship of spaces to each other. We listen and observe your reactions, then refine the ideas according to your feedback until we reach an agreed upon design direction to develop further in the following phases. Clients can expect to be quite engaged throughout this phase and to be asked for approval of the Schematic Design before work proceeds. Make sure to let us know if you don’t understand something and take the time necessary to give thoughtful feedback. It is always possible to make changes later, but it is easiest during this phase when the design is most fluid.
Deliverables: Design Options, Preliminary Site and Floor Plans, Preliminary Exterior Concepts
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
During Design Development, we advance the design significantly based on the floor plan and exterior concept approved in the previous phase. The first priority of this phase is to define and develop all the important aspects of the project and produce a set of drawings and outline specifications to show potential contractors for preliminary cost estimating. If adjustments are necessary to bring the project scope in line with the construction budget, it is most efficient to do this sooner than later. Once we know we are on track, we will talk more specifically about the interior and exterior materials and functionality. As we dial in the layout of the indoor and outdoor spaces we will refine the window and door placements and make adjustments to the building form. This phase is usually when our clients feel the project coming to life and it becomes possible to see themselves in the new space. By the end of the Design Development phase, the building exterior will be more fully designed, the interior layout completed, dimensions of all spaces finalized, and most materials selected. The deliverables will be a more detailed set of drawings that communicates the overall layout and volume of the building or space, all significant equipment, and any specific materials or finishes will be called out.
Deliverables: Detailed Design Documents
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
In this phase we develop the Design Drawings into a thorough and precise set of Construction Documents. These drawings and specifications have all of the details, dimensions, and notes necessary to communicate the entire design intent to the builder. We show how the building components should be connected, specify all of the materials, finishes, fixtures, equipment, and appliances to be installed. The Construction Documents phase often requires the most time, which can surprise clients because the design seems complete after Design Development. However, this is a critical step in the process of successfully and accurately executing the design you have invested in. Early in this phase there may still be options on the table for some of the items to be specified. Clients should be prepared to make decisions during this phase. It is our job to make recommendations and educate you about the options, but ultimately you will be the one occupying and maintaining the home or building and you have the final say.
Deliverables: Drawings and Specifications for Construction
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
While most of the designer's work is done before any building begins, our consistent presence during the construction phase is equally important. During this phase we visit the jobsite at regular intervals to answer questions from the builder and proactively address potential issues. The frequency of our site visits could be weekly or monthly depending on the project and your needs, but it is vital to have us keeping an eye on things to ensure the finished project meets your expectations. Inevitably, some decisions must be made or modified in the field, and our involvement and ability to work quickly with your contractor to solve problems is essential for helping you avoid costly delays and change orders. During Construction Administration, the architect’s role is advisor to the owner. At our site visits we will take photos and write field reports to document the progress, confirm the materials and workmanship are of the quality you agreed to, and verify your contractor’s billings accurately reflect the amount of work completed. At the end of the project, we help you develop your final Punch List to ensure all work is completed to your satisfaction.
Deliverables: Field Observation Reports, Punch List
HIGH PERFORMANCE
BFd employs the following building-science principles throughout the design of high performance construction. These five principles will typically increase building costs and reduce long term energy costs. In addition to reducing energy costs, these principles, used in conjunction, will also increase the comfort levels throughout your home.
AIRTIGHT ENVELOPE
The building envelope is extremely airtight, preventing infiltration of outside air and loss of conditioned air. A blower door test is recommended to ensure the house meets the prescribed level of air tightness.
CONTINUOUS INSULATION
Employs continuous insulation throughout its entire envelope without any thermal bridging. High performance envelope assemblies will typically require greater insulation values to prevent thermal conductivity of the building materials.
HIGH PERFORMANCE OPENINGS
Employs high-performance windows (double or triple-paned windows depending on climate and building type) and doors - solar gain is managed to exploit the sun’s energy for heating purposes in the heating season and to minimize overheating during the cooling season.
MECHANICAL RECOVERY VENTILATION
Uses some form of balanced heat- and moisture-recovery ventilation. Recovery ventilation systems act as the “lungs” of a house. These systems constantly exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, while also maintaining the conditions of the space (i.e. temperature & humidity). This principle provides substantial upgrades to indoor air quality.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN MANAGEMENT
The use of shading, orientation, and placement of openings help to prevent or encourage solar heat gain. This principle employs passive strategies to lower the need to mechanically condition spaces within a home.
