The first step in hiring is deciding which architect to hire. We know our strengths, and hope to be candid with you in whether we are a good fit for your project. So ask us, are you a good fit for this project?
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If you are considering a building project, look for an architect who is versed in the range of facets that make up architecture. At the same time, look for an architect who is versed in the type of building you require. If you are new to the design and construction process, your architect will be a valuable resource to explain things, and to represent you during construction. Thus, look for an architect who is adept at explaining things.

We charge fees for design based on market rates for similar design services and the value we believe we bring to a project. Our hourly rate of $100 per hour is in line with other licensed architects in the area. We often will propose a lump sum for a design, based on the number of hours we estimate the design will consume. In general, our lump sum fees equal about 10 percent of the cost of construction, also in line with other licensed architects in the area.

We generally do not run into problems with copyright, but the short answer is “we do.” Architectural drawings are called “instruments of service” when talking about copyright. On most private projects, the architect owns the intellectual property documented on the drawings. Printed drawings are the means to express this intellectual property. The right of owners to use the drawings is limited to the specific project for which the architect was hired and compensated. Use of the drawings or ideas depicted on the drawings on another project is a violation of the architect’s copyright.
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We generally provide owners and contractors with PDF versions of the drawings, recognizing that most owners and contractors are going to use the drawings solely for the project at hand. In return, we ask that owners allow us to use photographs of the completed project in our marketing materials. Contractors will generally want to do the same.

A mid-size house can be designed in two or three months. About half of a project’s design time is usually spent allowing a client to review the design and make the decision to proceed.

We are a firm fully engaged in Building Information Modeling technology and the concept of virtual design and construction. One of our goals is to remove as much ambiguity from our design as possible, so there is only one possible building that can come out of a construction project using our design documents. Nevertheless, errors in translating drawings into reality occur. Sometimes we are not as clear as we could be. Sometimes the contractor simply interprets our drawings in an unexpected way. One major task we perform is answering questions from the contractor. A few sentences can go a long way in clearing up the intent of a design drawing.
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We also monitor the relationship of work put in place and the invoices, or pay requisitions, coming from the contractor. Contractors usually submit requisitions every two weeks or monthly. Requisitions are broken out by trade. In one month, the electricians may bill the general contractor for 20 percent of their total contract. The contractor then bills the owner for 20 percent of the electrical contract. We verify that 20 percent of the electrical contract has actually been put in place.
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We also monitor the quality of the work installed. General contractors do this monitoring also, and some general contractors are better than others at setting and achieving appropriate quality standards. We find that contractors often rely on us to be the bad cop because we are the authors of the contract documents. This authorship position, and our position as the owner’s representative, gives us influence on the job site that the general contractor sometimes lacks.
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Lastly, our position as your representative means you have an experienced, knowledgeable design professional looking out for your best interest on the job. We can see and report issues that are still in the making. We can advise on changes you might desire in terms of their impact on cost and schedule. And, we are the final arbiters on construction completion. Paying a contractor their final payment before the work is actually finished is risky. We make the determination that the project is complete.

A general contractor is an entity that holds a contract for construction with an owner. General contractors may do the building work themselves, or hire subcontractors (plumbers, electricians), or do a combination. In residential construction, many general contractors are carpenters, doing the majority of framing themselves. Foundations, plumbing, electrical, drywall, roofing and site work are typical subcontracted trades.
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A general contractor is not just the holder of contracts, though. They are the party responsible for the overall quality of the work. They are responsible for maintaining the project on schedule. A good general contractor is an essential part of a successful project.

We help choose a contractor, although this can happen in several ways.
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With competitive bidding, we produce a list of contractors, each of which would be suitable in terms of technical and teaming ability. The chosen contractors receive the contract documents and have a deadline to provide a bid. The bid period may be two to four weeks. We review submitted bids to make sure they are “responsive”, and include everything we believe is required by the documents. In general, we recommend choosing the low bidder, although there is no obligation to do so.
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In negotiated bidding, one or more contractors may be interviewed before the contract documents are produced in order to choose a contractor to provide pre-construction services during the design phase. A single contractor is chosen, and that contractor provides cost estimates- the pre-construction service- while the design is developing. The contractor is often asked to provide suggestions to the design that can save money. This type of critique is called a constructability review.
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Some contractors are willing to provide cost estimating for free, compensating themselves with their bid price. In effect their cost estimating service is a marketing expense. We advise owners who choose negotiated bidding to compensate the contractor for the pre-construction service. By paying a contractor for pre-construction services, no obligation to hire that contractor exists. This allows an owner to part ways with the contractor if the desire arises.
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Some owners feel comfortable acting as their own general contractor. We advise owners to recognize the implications of doing so. General contracting is a skill that comes with experience. Compensating a general contractor for their skill is worthwhile.