FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
It is very difficult to give a price before an "office visit" and is akin to asking a doctor over the telephone how much it will cost to treat your stomach ache...that depends on whether the cause is indigestion or appendicitis! You will need to be personally examined and will require diagnostic tests. For architectural projects you may need a survey, as-built drawings, a design review board analysis, code research and other investigative services before you can even get to the fun part of designing what you want to build. Lump sum projects are usually based on project density and complexity and level of detail required. Likewise, as-built project pricing varies according to accuracy required. I will not be able to contact you about your project if the range of possible estimates is too large...is does no good to be told "somewhere between $500 and $15,000". You will need to provide enough information to make a preliminary estimate even possible. If you have a remodeling project, YOU MUST FIRST complete accurate as-built drawings and possibly a survey. If you have not reached this stage in your project you will need to start there by first requesting an estimate for as-built drawings only. If you already have these drawings then please post a picture of them in your request. I cannot respond without them, unless you are specifically asking for an estimate for as-builts drawn by me.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Almost all projects, with rare exceptions, begin with as-built drawings and code research. The rest depends on the actual type of project, need, wish or goal. A quick needs assessment must be conducted. For design projects, the steps usually include as-built drawings, preliminary pre-design research, schematic design, design development and construction documentation. I often conduct phone or in-person interviews, review product, drawing or model samples, conducts tests and then provide an oral and written report, including recommendations, budget, suggested scopes of work and schedule. However this platform cannot be used in that manner. To begin any work with my office on Thumbtack you must either request an estimate for as-built drawings from me or provide as-builts you already have to your job detail page for my review along with photographs of the site.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on Computer Science at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I also have an Associate of Arts Degree in Engineering from Cerritos Community College in Norwalk, CA. I have several Autodesk software certifications and have worked as an Adjunct Professor at the Community Junior College level, Authorized Autodesk Training Centers and have also taught at Autodesk University.