Question 1

What does an architect do?

Accepted Answer

An architect organizes complex pieces of information to produce a design document that describes the building project. Those design documents are reviewed by the building department, and then used by the contractor to build.

In order to create a design that meets the owner's needs and tastes, the architect must analyze site surveys, local regulations, building codes, accessibility requirements, fire safety, and coordinate consultant engineers, to name a few things.

Question 2

Where do you work?

Accepted Answer

We are licensed in Texas and are based in Houston. We have access to meeting spaces in Austin and Dallas, and can provide architectural services throughout the state. We also have an NCARB Certificate which allows us flexible access to licensure across the USA, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. And yes, we are willing to travel to those places!

Question 3

Do I need an architect?

Accepted Answer

If you think you might need help with the maze of information & requirements in planning a building project, you might need an architect. Commercial projects and some residential projects are required by local jurisdictions or HOA's to have design documents produced by a licensed architect. An architect can help guide a project through the complex system, and take a project from conceptual idea through to permitting.

If you're thinking about building a new home or business and need guidance through the maze of requirements, an architect might be able to help you. We would be happy to discuss your project as early as possible to see if we can help you or point you in the right direction.

Question 4

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

Your building project is one of the largest investments you'll make in life! Shouldn't all the care and attention to detail be given to your project? An architect provides a valuable service that can save you time and money, and bring out the best use of the property you've invested in.

Architects use a variety of ways to determine fee structures for each project. We base our fees on the project type, complexity, size, location, and scope involved. For full service custom commercial projects, our fee ranges from 5% to 8% of the general construction budget. For full service custom residential projects, our fee ranges from 8% to 12% of the general construction budget.

The general construction budget is a good indicator of how much time and information the architect will need to analyze, design, draw, and document. In the end, the architect is solving a complex puzzle of information to produce a project that meets the owner's needs and tastes.

Question 5

What's included in your services & fees?

Accepted Answer

Our fees generally include the work we do in the production and development of design drawings and documents. Please see our Services page for details. Engineers, consultants, regulatory and permitting fees are additional items to consider in the overall fee.

The development of the design drawings and documents are provided through this general scope of work:
Pre-Design
Schematic Design & Interior Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Permitting Assistance
Construction Administration*

*Construction Administration is the observation phase of the project during construction. Not to be confused with Construction Management. See Services page for details.

Question 6

What information do you need?

Accepted Answer

If you're ready to involve an architect, certain items will be helpful in determining the project's potential and design direction. Some items might include site & topographic surveys, geotechnical soil report, existing building plans, construction budget, and images of design preferences.

Question 7

Why do you need my construction budget?

Accepted Answer

We understand this sounds like a personal question, but our work requires us to have a realistic understanding of your project. The realities of construction, labor, and material costs might not accommodate wishful thinking. The construction budget can help guide design decisions that affect project features or square footage, for example.

While we might have a general idea of construction costs, a professional estimator or contractor will provide the best numbers. Even then, construction costs are highly dynamic and fluctuations should be anticipated.

Question 8

Do you manage the construction?

Accepted Answer

We provide the design documentation for a project. Once your project is approved by the building department, the design documents are transferred to the contractor to build. The architect's role during construction is to visit and observe if the project is being built according to the design documents provided. This is known as the Construction Administration phase, not to be confused with Construction Management. The architect does not manage the contractor or their construction schedule.

Question 9

Have other questions?

Accepted Answer

If there's anything else we can answer for you that we haven't been able to answer throughout our website, please feel free to contact us!

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