FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My client-inclusive collaborative process works best with 2 fee options: ~ Hourly ($/HR) with Estimated Fees: for Client-Teammates who want to be active in the Design Evolution and/or for Limited Service projects. ~ Percentage of Construction Cost (% of CC): for client-teammates who want Full Services from Design Concept thru Construction. A few ways to save on my fees for new houses include: ~ after brainstorming design options, i'll propose a Concept Design or two starting with an "A"-Set. Then i'll develop one of those with you thru the alphabet (A-Z). Finishing a Design Set within 1 alphabet is a cost-effective goal. ~ If the house you want to build on your site is similar to one of my already designed houses, we can save time/fees by starting with that design and brainstorm how it might fit you and your site. (i have more houses than shown on Thumbtack or on my Portfolio-Website.) ~ Typically my fees are more reasonable than similarly experienced Licensed Architects. ~ I can usually save you in Construction Costs more than my fees thru efficient space-planning and form-making. If we're a good fit, let's find a way to work together.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
In our first discussion i'll ask questions to understand your goals for your project and answer your questions. If we think we might be a good fit, we'll meet at your site (your house or lot) and brainstorm options together to fit how you want to live there now and in the future. And if you don't have a lot yet, i can help you determine if the lots you're considering fit your project goals. We'll also discuss if you'd like to take a collaborative approach with sketch sessions together or if you'd prefer that i suggest a creative design concept or 2 for your project - and we'll review the advantages to each. Then we'll discuss the drawing set (Design Set, Permit Set, or Full-Service Package) that fits best for your project along with related fees. Then i'll prepare a proposal including these decisions and we'll start the design process, from Concept Design through Sketch Design Development until we complete a Final Design. Then i'll refine that Design with you into a Set of Construction Drawings (Permit Set) working with other Teammates to secure a Building Permit. I'll attend Construction Meetings (in-person & remotely) to clarify, brainstorm, and resolve challenges and discover opportunities on site.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Architecture. UC is an Intern School that allowed me to work alternating quarters while in school to gain valuable experience between creative quarters in class (it allowed me to pay for my college). I then attended Yale University (Masters of Architecture), a tremendous guide in developing my creative process from a wide range of professors, artists and architects. I interned throughout my college/grad school years before taking Architect Exams before arriving in Colorado. As a licensed professional, the American Institute of Architects and the state of Colorado require Continuing Education, so i frequently attend Code Research, Design Conferences, Energy and Accessibility seminars. I'm also licensed in Hawaii and Nebraska which have similar Continuing Education requirements.