Architectural Services

Design Process Overview

Part of my job description is to educate my client to the design process, from establishing the scope of work in the budget, information gathering, concept / schematic, preliminary design, design development, building permit / estimate drawings with revisions as necessary. Laying-out the structure and site inspections during construction are optional.

Consultation / Building and Zoning Authorities

I can assist you with project feasibility, selecting a building lot, meeting with Zoning and/or Building officials concerns about addition or renovation, removing a wall, acting on your behalf with Surveyors, Engineers and Contractors, etc.

Site Inspection and Documentation

When renovating or adding on to an existing structure, the first step is to document existing conditions so that we have an accurate foundation for the proposed work. I will do the measurements and photographs as required.

Concept Schematic / Preliminary Design

People are not always sure about their needs in a project. My job is to help them clarify what they really want and need. This is a process. We can take as long as necessary to create a design that you are happy with.

Building Permit / Estimate Drawings

Once design is finalized, I will convert it to a set of drawings adequate for final estimations and building permits. In the interest of saving time and money, I do drawings as required and if you or the contractor need further clarification, I’m happy to do that.

Construction Inspections

Often, a question will arise during construction. Typically the situation can be resolved on site, but I will always do any additional drawings as required. Some clients want me to inspect the project on a regular basis, say weekly. I am happy to accommodate your needs in this area.

Disclaimer

I am not a Surveyor, Engineer, Landscape Architect or Interior Designer. Having said that, I usually have opinions in all of those areas.

Architectural Fees

Every project is unique. It is important that you are comfortable with the design process and the related costs. I am service-oriented. We can meet at my home office near Doylestown, or I can come to your home or business or meet at the project site.

I am a small firm with low overhead, therefore I can keep my rates reasonable. Consultations and site inspections are typically done on an hourly basis of $100.00/hr. There is no charge for an initial meeting. It is very important that we are comfortable working with each other.

Design and Drafting fees can be derived from a percentage of the construction cost or a fixed fee as agreed to, or hourly. The fee will vary as determined by the nature, scope of work and the complexity of the project.

Most of my work is done on a handshake. If you want to use a contract, we can use a basic two or three page contract or an American Institute of Architects contract which is more detailed.