FAQ
Q: How does it benefit me to hire aN ARCHITECT?
A: Designing a new home, or addition or renovation to your existing home, is about much more than square footage - it's about optimizing each space in the home, and making them work to meet your needs. It's about things like creating efficient flow patterns and places for activities to happen, balancing indoor/outdoor connection and separation, and perhaps most of all, tying everything together in a way that is harmonious and beautiful, even inspiring. During the design process, I will listen and learn what's important to you, help you clarify your goals, sort through your options (including ones you haven't thought of yet), identify potential challenges, and avoid the kind of mistakes that often happen when people build without first designing. To read in more detail about what I can do for you, please click here.
Q: Can you help with structural engineering and other services?
A: I can offer references for structural engineers, building contractors, and other qualified professionals with whom I have worked, who can also help you complete your project. Depending on the complexity of the project, I often advise working with engineers and contractors during the design process, to ensure the final result is the best it can be.
Q: How does your design process work?
A: I typically begin by meeting with you to discuss your goals and needs. (See options below, under "how much do you charge?") If you already have a clear sense of what you want, maybe even drawings you've been working on, we'll start with those. Click here to learn more about my process. If your project is an addition or remodel, I'll come to your home to take measurements and notes on the existing building. Once I have a good idea of what you need and want, I will develop a series of schematic design options, which are usually quickly narrowed down to just one or two to be developed further. We will continue going back and forth, refining the design until we arrive at one that meets your needs, fits your budget, and complies with building and zoning codes. Then I will develop construction documents, which will be submitted to the building department for a permit, and to your contractor for construction. During construction, I will be available to answer questions and work through the challenges that inevitably arise.
Q: Will my project need a building permit?
A: If you'd like to contact me, I'd be happy to learn more about your project, after which I’ll be able to help with this question. Or, you may check with your City or County building department. Most of them have websites with permit information. If you prefer to call them, and need to leave a message, most return calls within 24 to 48 hours.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Because every client and every project is unique, my fee can vary widely, depending on your goals, and the work that needs to be done to achieve them. In general, you should expect to spend somewhere between 5-15% of your total construction budget on design and/or engineering - and often with a smaller project like a one-room addition, compared with a larger project like a new custom home, while the dollar amount of the fee is lower, as a percentage of construction budget it’s likely to be higher.
I specialize in working with homeowners to figure out how they can make the most with what they have. I offer two options to help us begin:
We can discuss your project by video meeting, phone call, e-mail, or at my office. Once I’ve learned more about your project, I will prepare a proposal for you.
We can start with an in-home consultation, prior to the preparation of a proposal. My typical fee for this is $500. After our meeting, I will follow up with a proposal for my services, and if you decide to proceed the initial fee paid will be applied to my overall fee.
