Experienced Residential Designer

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

A. The types of jobs we encounter vary since we do both architectural drawings and structural engineering drawings. One week we may be working on a 1500 sq ft structural remodel out on 2222 in Austin, the next we're working on rebuilding an apartment complex in Killeen that got burnt down, or designing plans for office buildings in Hutto. If it can be built, we will gladly work on it.

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

A. I would tell them to weigh the pros and cons of using a small local service like Adamant Drafting & Design compared to larger firms. Our rates are flexible, and we work round the clock to meet our clients needs. We listen to our clients and try to give them the best product possible within their budget, without pushing them to buy unnecessary features or options. The client gets what THEY want. Period.

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

A. We are dedicated to precision and customer satisfaction above all else. We do not stop working until the customer is happy with the work we produce.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like helping people put together their dream home or workplace. I let their desires and needs shape the perfect structure for them.

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

A. Customers typically ask how I am able to provide the services I do, and what is the scope of what I am capable of. I tell them I study vigorously on changing trends, building codes, and research new and better and more cost-efficient ways of doing things. I'm not the type to believe something can't be done. If I don't know how to do something, I will always find out how, so the client will always get everything they need.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I sort of fell into it after high school. I was always designing things when I was younger and actually started out as an amateur sketch artist, doing little portraits for couples, and designing little castles and such for fun in high school. Architecture and engineering sort of seemed a natural course to take.

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

A. I research industry codes, new technology and design software, and green building to stay on the cutting edge. If I don't know about it, I make it my business to learn about it.

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

A. We are currently working with a custom builder designing 13 large homes in Leander, TX. They chose the Complete Design Package, which includes any construction plans as well as the site plan for $0.50/sq ft. Average turnaround for design is about 2 weeks. We aim to have all 13 completed and built by the end of the year.

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

A. I wouldn't say it was complicated, just not as easy as $50/hour. It depends really on the scope of the project. The easiest way to explain it is this:

If the parameters are clear and defined, like someone wants a particular house drawn, no designing needed, where there's nothing that could change, we typically charge by the square foot at a rate of $0.50/sq ft. So a 2000 sq ft house would cost $1000 for a full set of architectural construction drawings.

If the scope is not so defined, we work by the hour at $50/hour, like if the project is a remodel or plan development, where there may be unexpected issues that take more time than anticipated.

Site plans and brochure drawings are drawn at a flat $150. Structural drawings pricing vary depending on the scope of the project and will be discussed with J. Johns Structural Engineers.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would suggest go to school for it, because it's a lot to learn and keep up with. No one in the trade has all the angles figured out. Along with school, I would suggest find a firm willing to give you an internship, either paid or unpaid, while going to college. That way you have the opportunity to get a real world understanding about the things you draw, which makes it much easier to understand and remember. Having someone experienced in the field to guide you and teach you the ropes is definitely a beneficial thing to have. They can usually help you if you get stuck on your coursework too.