Architectural and Design Services

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Residential Additions in San Francisco, followed by New Residences and Kitchen and Bath remodels and Hospitality/Restaurant work.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Really look at how you use your current space, and realize how it works well and how it doesn't. Also, if you are stylistically inclined, find some inspirational images of how you may envision your space.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. It is best to start with me early on in the process, so that we can analyze your needs and design an approach to your project. Once the framework has been laid out, we need to think about what level of service you need. Do you just need some drawings to receive permits from the city? Or do you need more in depth help with the overall design an construction of the project?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work is much more balanced and geared towards budget oriented clients ... I believe in good design for everyone, and high quality design delivered at an affordable price.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The initial contact with customers, finding out their desires and programatic needs for the project, and the process of working through the initial concept and idea.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. How much will it cost? and How long will it take?

My costs are generally below 5% of the construction budget. Generally, I can turn around drawings for a small addition or remodel in a few weeks to take into the city.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I do continuing education all the time, mostly involved with trends and new developments in green building as it is required by my green certifications.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most recent project was a remodel of a historic residence in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. My costs were minimal to the client, around $1500 for approval by the city, and a few hundred dollars more for the full interior package and design. The design and approval process took only 6 weeks from hire to completion. I'm still answering questions about the project, as things constantly change in the field, but it should be finishing up by the end of the month, a 6 month process from hire to move in.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing is very simple: I charge by the hour, and I will set a "not to exceed amount". So if the project is under my fee maximum, you win, it will cost less than expected. If the project goes over my fee maxiumum, you win again, as there is a cap to my fee.