Practice

Q1. I need to add space and change others, can I afford to do this?

Construction cost is typically one of the most important issues in any project. Our goal is to develop a budget range right from the start that matches your space and building requirements. Often this can be addressed before any major designing takes place. This is a “pre-design budget”. It is not a "cost estimate" because it will not have a finished design to guide it, but a pre-design budget will be helpful in determining whether your initial ideas and goals are worth pursuing.

Q2. I know I need design assistance, how can you help me?

Designing is another word for creative problem solving, and that is our specialty. Every problem demands its own unique approach, whether it is a floor plan layout, a new roof configuration or planning how to make the most out of a small narrow lot. We have the tools and expertise to present you with options that will meet your design challenges. This may include seeing solutions in 3 dimensions, as in a computer model, or maybe a basic floor plan or a more detailed drawing. You will be able to see the solution thoroughly and completely and have input before it is constructed, and avoid regrets when it is done.

Q3. I have a limited budget, I can't afford design.

Design can be affordable. Sometimes just a few hours of a short consultation may give you the input you needed to confirm how to move ahead. This may include going through some options for layouts or different orientations or brainstorming ideas or hearing about possible new solutions. You don’t want to hear yourself saying “I wish I had thought about that before I built it”. In the whole scope of building costs, the design fee should be money well spent.

Q4. I've never done a construction or renovation project, where do I begin?

The fact that you’re considering a design professional means that you have started to make informed decisions about what could be the largest expense in your lifetime. Building any project is a complex and costly process that can be both exhilarating and fulfilling, as well as frustrating and disappointing. Educating yourself to avoid the pitfalls is the best approach, and we can guide you through any or all parts of the process. We offer an initial meeting, free of charge to discuss your project and to explain how we might work together. From there we can provide a written proposal for services. See contact information below.

Q5. I already know what I want.

By contacting us or setting up an initial meeting you will be opening yourself to the possibility that there may be ideas or approaches you hadn’t thought about. Our business often involves seeing a problem in a new and different light and coming up with innovative solutions. You may discover a more interesting way forward.

Q6. I'm working with a contractor on my project.

Having an experienced, honest contractor involved with your project early on is very important to a successful outcome. An architect can add another level of expertise and experience to your project and can compliment the work of your contractor. All good design takes time, expertise and some level of expense.

Q7. I'm not sure if I need an architect?

If you're not sure, contact us and set up an initial, no cost preliminary meeting and find out what we can offer you. If you decide not to hire an architect, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you explored that option and moved ahead with eyes wide open.

Q8. Why Design?

What will your project look like in two and three dimensions, what will it cost, how long will it take to build, how will the design accomplish your goals and what compromises will you have to make to achieve them; these are the questions we will answer together during design. From where the sun shines in any space on a cold December day, to what are the important views, both inside and outside, or the spaciousness of a particular room or the insulated value of your roofs or walls, you will want to know the answers to these questions and many others before you build, not afterwards.

Q9. How do client and architect work together?

Every project and design process is different, but below is an outline of what can be included. Some of the phases below can be expanded, altered, shortened or omitted altogether and can be discussed as options in the proposal.

-Introductory meeting includes a discussion of the project and goals, an outline of spaces and their interrelationships, a description of the scope of work, and a Site/ Existing Building visit.

-Architect’s written proposal for design services and agreement. Usually involves the development of pre-design construction budget range and outline of design and construction schedule, scope of work, and Architects fee proposal and contract.

-Site/ Building survey involves, investigating, measuring and photographing. This may also involve a consultant such as a surveyor or engineer.

-Design: This process progresses from very general to very specific and may include: Investigating issues of orientation, sunlight, natural light, openness, spacial flow, proximity, public vs private, interior and exterior, privacy, size, material quality and relative cost, material samples, durability, site analysis and layouts, developing building plan layouts, 3d computer models, sketch options and variations, preliminary construction cost opinions, revisions, outline and consideration of the buildings systems such as electrical, lighting, plumbing, heating, ventilation & air conditioning, foundation and structure, and building envelope and insulation. (Just to name a few)

-Construction Drawings (Blueprints) These are the documents the contractor would use to price and build the project. They also are required for a building permit and often by banks for financing. They include all the information, both drawn and written, that will describe to others, exactly what you have designed. These documents are often very technical and detailed and dense with information. The extent of detail and information will be a primary determinant of the architect’s fee for this phase of the project.

-Construction Observation: This phase of the Design Process is often undervalued and minimized, but can be critical to the delivery of a satisfactory final product, depending upon the size and complexity of the project. The purpose of this phase is to have the architect periodically visit the site during construction with the goal of keeping lines of communication open between the owner and contractor and checking the actual construction against the drawings and specifications. The architect is a not an enforcer of the contract for construction but hopefully a facilitator, with the goal of implementing, accurately, the construction drawings and specifications.

-Architects Fees Our design fees are tailored to reflect the scope of work discussed and agreed upon in the initial meetings. This scope will be outlined in the proposal. For some projects, we prefer providing a “fixed fee” or a “not to exceed fee”, for others, an hourly fee for service is more appropriate. If the proposed fee does not work with the client’s budget, we can usually alter the scope of work to one that will still provide the client with what they feel would be essential design input.