Do I need an Architect?

Hiring an architect improves the process and outcome of a building project. For this reason, even small projects can benefit from the help of an architect.

Architects are experts in building sciences (building methods for protecting health, safety, and the life-span of materials). We also have a rich and nuanced understanding of how humans work, live, and move. We understand how colors, light, and sound impact mood. We understand the craft of how things are built, and how materials can come together to create a variety of decorative effects. We wear a lot of hats and are able to take a lot of disparate information and transform it into a building that looks good, works well, and lasts for a long time.

An architect can help to solve spatial problems in an elegant way. Because architects are experienced at synthesizing large amounts of information (technical and experiential) we can offer creative solutions you may not have thought of, and we can anticipate the outcomes of various options, eliminating scenarios that aren’t practical.

Our documentation process creates a record of the design intent that is essential for obtaining permit documents and for communicating spatial ideas effectively to a builder. The documents also serve as legal documents that protect the integrity of the project during construction.

During construction, it is our responsibility to advocate for the design intent and thereby the client’s goals. We use our expertise to track the project process against contractor requests for payment, serving as a check on usurious practices. We are also a resource for dealing with unforeseen circumstances that arise “in the field” and making sure that hiccups during construction don’t derail the design goals you want to achieve.

What are Basic Design Services?

An architectural project is broken into several phases. Each phase is essential to the successful realization of the design intent. The phases listed out below constitute Basic Design Services — that is, these are the steps necessary to have a full and complete architecturally designed project. Additional services are those that are not included in Basic Services but that may be desired, and can be obtained at an hourly rate.

Pre-Design. In this phase we examine the big-picture goals and constraints of the project. This includes:

  • Kickoff Meeting (a first meeting to get to know you and discuss visions for the project — often we will follow this with a friendly dinner or drinks)

  • Zoning Code Study

  • Site Analysis (sun studies, topography, site survey (by others), drainage, natural features, key trees, access, utilities)

  • As-Built Survey — If a remodel or addition, we dimension relevant areas of the project to produce plans of the existing conditions.

Schematic Design. In Schematic Design (SD) we use the constraints & opportunities discovered in Pre-Design to form a design strategy. The goal of this design process is to craft a vision that will meet your project goals and that we are all excited about. During this phase we will develop:

  • Programming

  • Conceptual Plans

  • Building Massing Studies (Preliminary 3D model)

Design Development. In Design Development (DD) we will refine the choices made in Schematic Design. Focusing on materials, assemblies, and interiors, we will have a solid understanding of the building design by the end of this phase. By the end of the phase we will have:

  • More Detailed Floor, Roof & Site Plans

  • Exterior Elevations & Sections

  • 3D Model

  • Preliminary Interior Elevations

  • Preliminary Material Palette

  • Preliminary Electrical Switching/Reflected Ceiling Plans

  • Draft Material & Product Specifications

  • Coordinated Plans with Consultants (Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, etc)

  • Interview Contractors & Request Ballpark Pricing

Construction Documents. After we have reached a point of mutual satisfaction during the Design Development phase, drawings are refined & detail added during the Construction Document (CD) phase. The contractor will use these documents to build the project. Contractors require drawings at this level of detail before providing their final pricing estimate/bid. This drawing set is a contractual document that captures the design intent of the project. Included in the Construction Document set are:

  • Detailed Floor, Roof & Site plans

  • Detailed Exterior Elevations & Building Sections

  • Interior Elevations

  • Electrical Switching/Reflected Ceiling Plans

  • Interior & Exterior Detail Sheets

  • Project Specifications

  • Coordinated Consultant Drawings

Permitting & Cost Refinement. Permit documents differ from both Design Development Documents & Construction Documents. They are created to specifically address the requirements put forth by regional permitting departments. We will develop and submit permit documents for your project. While permitting is in process, we will work with your contractor to refine their pricing estimate. We use our knowledge of building practice, current costs, and phasing to work collaboratively with the contractor to manage cost and keep the project on budget.

Construction Administration/Observation. An architect represents the design intent on behalf of their client during Construction Observation (CA or CO). Our goal is to facilitate the execution of the design concept as closely to its conception as possible by, for example:

  • Meet regularly on-site with relevant parties

  • Review contractor product submittals

  • Conduct walk-throughs at critical project intervals

  • Respond to questions/clarification from contractor/client

  • Provide updated/modified/new details, drawings, or documents

  • Review contractor payment requests

Project Close Out. At the end of construction we set you up for the future by providing you with documentation regarding your project. This includes:

  • Manuals and Warranties binder for installed products

  • Touch-Up Paint in matching colors

  • Updated Document Set

Additional Services. These services are not included in the Basic Services listed above but are available at an hourly rate.

  • Interior Design

  • Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Selection

  • Landscape (Hardscape) Design

  • Custom Furniture Design

  • Renderings or Additional Visualizations

  • Cabinetry Design

Fees and Costs

Architectural design for a full-service, single family residential project costs between 10-16% of the cost of construction. The percentage is determined by the scale and complexity of the project. This is a reflection of the hours it takes to complete the project from concept through construction.

New construction has fewer unknowns and is therefore less complex, so design fees fall between 10-14% of the construction budget. Large projects ($1.5 million+)have an efficiency of scale and typically fall at the lower end of that range. Small projects ($500,000 or less) are at the high end of the range.

Remodels deal with considerable unknowns, and are therefore more complex. Depending on scale, the design fee falls between 12-16% of the cost of construction.

Additional services beyond Basic Design Services listed above are charged at an hourly rate when requested by the client. Hourly rates are adjusted annually for inflation.