FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We have three ways we propose our fees: 1. Percent Basis: It is based on the project cost (estimated and agreed with client to start). Percent varies depending on size and scope of work between 15-20%. 2. Hourly Basis for each team member on project. Usually used at clients request or on smaller projects. 3. Fixed Fee can be used on very detailed and specific scope of work. Schedule, duration, process and tasks are clearly outlined. Typically not used on full service projects.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our typical process is done in Project Phasing: Schematic Design: - We will meet with the client as required in order to understand the design objectives of the project with respect to character, quality, ambiance, image and appearance of the new space - We will interview project consultants as may be required, including engineers, lighting, acoustical, graphics, security, audio visual, etc. We shall make correspondent recommendations to the client for the clients review, comment and approval. The client shall enter separate contractual arrangements with the necessary consultants and shall make the final decision - We shall conduct a field survey of the proposed premises which shall be translated into an existing conditions plan. The designer shall become familiar with applicable architectural features of the proposed location as well as building systems such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hvac), plumbing, sprinkler, electrical, telecommunications systems, and fire alarm suppression systems. - Preliminary Design Meetings Design Development: - Using the information gathered above we will prepare a fully coordinated design presentation for the client’s review, comments and approval. Our presentation shall illustrate the general design and decorative character of the space and shall represent both construction aspects of the project as well as furniture, furnishing, equipment and special fabrications. The presentation shall be in the form of drawings. Floor plans and elevations, as well as samples of actual materials, colors and finishes. - Reviews with client Construction Documents: - Based upon approved project budget and design presentation, we shall prepare, for approval by the client, a complete set of construction documentation (working drawings and specifications) that fully describes the construction program. The contract documents shall include a demolition plan, construction plan, reflected ceiling plan, elevations (as necessary), sections, furniture plan, electrical power plan, telecommunication plan, millwork plan, finish plan, all necessary details, schedules, and specifications required to describe the construction work. - Documents Meetings Biding / Permit: - Upon the approval of the construction documents we shall prepare invitations to bid documents and instructions to bidders, and shall solicit bids or negotiated proposals from reputable contractors or from any contractors or suppliers that the client recommends. We will evaluate and analyze the proposals and made recommendations as to the award and preparations of contractor for the construction and furnishing. All bidding and negotiating, and value engineering activities shall be coordinated by this office and shall be subject to the specific approval of the client. - We will prepare DOB’s package to be filed by expeditor if required. - Stamp and sign of the documents by Architect is included. - Review proposals with client. Construction Administration: - We shall be representative of the client and shall be responsible for forwarding all instructions to the contractors, consultants, vendors and suppliers. We shall consult with the client and shall keep the client informed as to progress in the project, and shall at all times be subject to instructions from the client. - We shall monitor the schedules for delivery and installations for the contractor’s work, but shall not be responsible for neglect or failure of any contractor, consultant or supplier to meet their schedules for completion or perform their respective duties and responsibilities - At intervals appropriate to the stage of construction, we shall make site visits (one per week) to become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work and to determinate if the work is developing according to the contract documents. We shall not be required to make exhaustive or continuous inspections at the project premises in order to check progress and quality of the work if additional site visits are required they will constitute additional services. - We shall determinate the amounts owing to the contractor and supplier based on observations at the project premises and on evaluations of the contractor’s applications and certificates for payment and their respective contracts.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We are licensed architects and interior designers.