Frequently Asked Questions

Every architecture firm brings its own combination of skills, expertise, interests, and values to its projects. The challenge is to find the one that aligns most closely with your project’s needs.

Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding architect selection include:

As the Owner, when should I bring the architect into the picture?

As early as possible. Architects can help you define the prject in terms that will provide meaningful guidance to design. Tehy can also do site studies, master plan analysis, and phasing studies, help secure planning and zoning approvals, and perform a variety of other pre-design tasks.

Why should I use standard American Institute of Architects document forms?

Most disputes that arise do so during construction. American Institute of Architects forms have been in use since the 1880's and have been carefully reviewed and modified over the years. They are widely used and present a current consensus among orginizations representing owners, lawyers, contractors, engineers and architects.

What are considered as basic architectural services and, once selected, what would be the first steps with your firm?

Typically these include schematic or preliminary design, design development, preparation of construction documents including construction plans, specifications, and construction contract agreements, and finally construction administration of the agreements between you and the contractor.

Many other additional services are available from the architect if needed, such as pre-design services, tenant related design, special drawings, models, and focus group presentations. In order to get the ball rolling we would need to execute American Institute of Architects contracts, define project scope and establish an appropriate fee.

How much do you charge?

That is based on the level of services provided. The level of service is determined by the scope and complexity of the project. A variety of compensation methods by be employed. Different types and scopes of projects fit better with a particular method of compensation. Methods include hourly rates, stipulated sum, and percent of construction cost, unit cost, and reimbursable expenses. A combination of methods providing the best fit for the project is typically prepared for each individual project.

How much will this project cost and how long will it take?

The contruction cost and completion time also vary with the scope and complexity of the project, as well as the intended quality level for the project and the Owner's schedule. While these variables are interrelated and can be manipulated and controlled to some extent, the marketplace is a part of each variable and is always the wildcard in all projects.

What makes your firm different from other firms?

We understand the importance of client care and strive to achieve this by individualizing each project. Happy clients are frequently repeat clients and we enjoy a close relationship with many that now stretches into more than a decade. We work as a team with the Owner, engineers and consultants to produce the best possible outcome for everyone. This not only creates an intense focus on your project, but also affords a level of understanding among the team members of the intricacies of the project, helping to reduce errors. With a wide variety of project experience we can assist you with projects from land development and planning through construction projects including residential, retail, offices, schools, churches, medical, hospitality, justice, industrial, and the occasional doghouse.

My project is small; can your firm still help me?

Yes. Our firm is committed to building client relationships. Often relationships begin with smal trust-building interactions. We recognize that a small project can present issues which are as unique and challenging as those of a large project, therefore, we approach each project enthusiastically.

How does your firm measure success?

Success comes with the knowledge that our clients trust our capabilities and counsel. They contact us when questions arise concerning their projects, both initially and throughout the life of the project.

What qualities do I look for when choosing an architect and is firm size something I should be concerned about?

The primary things to look for would be compatibility, turst, references, and repeat clients. We believe our firm is sized to be large enough to offer redundancy and depth of experience, yet small enough to remain attentive and committed to the success of every project.

I already have a contractor selected; can I still hire you for the design work?

Yes, we welcome the opportunity to work with contractors at any stage of the project. Having a contractor or construction manager invloved early in design presents the opportunity to gain new insights into the design that come from construction experience.