Q. What kind of services do you perform?
A. We will perform architectural and interior programming, design and construction administration services.

Q. What are the programming services you offer?
A. Programming is the interpretation of the clients needs into spatial areas, size, adjacencies and access requirements. For example, a client wants a 3 bedroom house - how large are the bedrooms, what are the requirements relative to the location of the bedrooms, should the bathroom be next to the bedroom? etc.

Q.  Can you help a prospective homeowner choose between different homes they are looking at?                                                                               A.  Absolutely.  One of the unique services we offer is to go with a prospective homeowner, look at the different homes they are contemplating and give them a good idea of which ones are more suitable for their needs and what modifications can be made easily or not so easily  to satisfy their needs.  We charge by the hour for this service.

Q. What design services do you offer?
A. We will conceptualize basic design ideas and determine: the best location of that building on its site, the building massing, its access and circulation, and its style. Physical and budgetary restraints and contextual considerations will be considered. We will also review energy and building code considerations and select the proper structural, mechanical electrical and lighting systems. At each step alternate schemes, if necessary, will be presented for selection.

Q. What are the products of the design services?
A. First schematic drawings showing floor plans, elevations, and sketches of what the building will look like are prepared. On complicated buildings a model is often built. After client approval of the schematic drawings, design development and construction documents and specifications, if warranted, are completed. These depict exactly how the building will be built.

Q. What construction services do you offer?
A. Periodic visits to the site to answer construction questions and insure that the contractor is constructing the building according to the plans. We also review the contractor’s requisition for payments to insure that the client is not being over billed for the work performed.

Q. How do you charge for your services?
A. Usually a fixed fee. Once the basic program and design intent are understood we can determine a fixed fee.

Q. How do you figure out that fee?
A. We first visit with a client to determine the basic program and design intent. We then work up a proposal which will indicate the design fee. The fee is based on how much time we estimate we will spend on that project. This proposal, also outlines, in plain language, the scope of work, the fee, payment schedule and how we will proceed with our work.

Q. Is there a consultation fee for this?
A. No, We need to understand what needs to be done before we can determine a fee. There is no charge for this.

Q. What if the program and design intent is unclear?
A. In that instance, we would propose a fee based on hourly charges.

Q. Do you charge by a percentage of the construction cost?
A. No, although many architects do charge a fee based on a percentage of the construction cost, we believe each project stands alone in its scope, difficulty, and how the clients needs must be met. For example, a client shouldn’t have to pay extra design fees for using intricately detailed workmanship and unique or special materials, which might increase the construction cost.

Q. Do you get involved during the construction phase?
A. We recommend that we do, however every client and project is different. We always recommend a minimum of three construction site visits.

Q. Do you have contractors that you can recommend?
A. Yes, there are several contractors we trust and can recommend who we know will show up, finish a project and actually do quality work!

Q. When are you available for the initial consultation?
A. We are available anytime for commercial projects, including weekday nights or Saturdays, especially for