FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We often use a cost per square foot methodology for simpler residential remodel and addition design projects. Often we will begin working on a custom home on an hourly bases in the early stages until a design scope has been established. Than we generally transition to a percentage of the construction costs based design fee. This is always influenced by the complexity of the design project and very much in the level of professional services sought by the client. We strongly prefer not to discuss fees until we have met and understand our potential client's project scope, needs, desires and design constraints. Typically, for larger custom homes, commercial, industrial and facility building designs, our fees are based on the defined project scope and an estimated percentage of the construction costs to complete.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We like to initiate the design relationship with our clients at a complilmentary, informal meeting on site. This way we get to experience the client's vision as they truely see it. It also allows us to view, explore and discuss site issues identified which may complicate the design and those we would suggest celebrating, to further the design's uniqueness. Then if available, view all their design concepts, pictures of styles, finishes, colors, budget, etc. All the things that combine to paint the elements of their ideal, the dream. Schematic design then begins and the concept evolves with owner review and input. Construction documents then develop out of the schematic design and continually refine via client input and collaboration. The end resulting in sealed construction documents, ready for submittal and obtaining the building permit. Everyone can organize shapes into spaces, spaces into rooms, rooms into a building. It is the special qualities that a professional design firm bring, based on learning and invaluable experiences, good and bad gained over time that makes a building and it's spaces special. A great design team doesn't give you a design, they create it out of your thoughts, dreams, desires and most importantly needs and limitations. Our job simply is to take your general idea and make it special.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All our design professionals have at the minimum a design based bachelors degree, architectural or structural. Our structural/civil Partner also has an MBA.