What is an architect?
What can an architect provide for me?
Why should you choose to use an architect?
What are the benefits of hiring an architect?
Why is architecture important?
Why are the aesthetics of a building or house important?
What services should an architecture firm provide?
What is BIM?
What are blueprints?
What do a typical set of construction documents contain or entail?
How does an architecture firm charge for the services they provide?
What are the different phases of the design process?
What is a building permit?
Why do you need a building permit?
What is zoning?
How does 3d modeling help the design process?
Why do detailed drawings help the design process?
Why does “good design doesn’t just happen”?
Why is site orientation important when building a new project?

What is an architect?

An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings.

What can an architect provide for me?

An architect works with you to help create a unique design or vision for your project. They provide creative ideas to help meet your needs, realize your dreams and satisfy the wishes you have for your home. They can inspire you to consider things about your home that you may never have looked at before and plan how to best achieve the results you desire.

Why should you choose to use an architect?

Architects offer a guiding hand through design, building codes, zoning laws, permits, contractors and the construction process. They have the education and training to help you visualize the entire project. They have the experience to help keep your project on track and by providing complete drawings offer a plan to help get the most for your construction dollar.

What are the benefits of hiring an architect?

Architects can save you money. A well-conceived and designed project can be built more efficiently and economically and increase your property value.

Architects can be an advocate on the construction site by assuring the project is being built to specifications. They will look out for your best interests and help make the construction process go smoothly by finding qualified and reputable contractors.

Why is architecture important?

Architecture impacts every aspect of life. It creates that homey feeling or that sense of grandeur. A building not only needs to fit into its surrounding environment, it should enhance it. Whether providing an unexpected surprise or blending seamlessly, a beautifully designed building inspires all who encounter it.

Why are the aesthetics of a building or house important?

The right architect has the ability to capture the experiences the client requires. The spaces we design impact our clients’ lives so we motivate them to imagine. And by helping our clients have beauty it will never disappoint.

What services should an architecture firm provide?

Architectural services include design, preparation of construction documents, and construction administration. Architects also provide a wide variety of services including feasibility studies, architectural programming and project management.

What is BIM?

“Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. “ Lee, Sacks & Eastman (2006)

BIM design tools allow for extracting different views from a building model for drawing production and other uses. It encompasses the building’s geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components. Using these components, a 3D image is produced which mimics the existing space. This method proves to be more efficient, as it eliminates any uncertainties that may arise during the construction phase. These uncertainties are anticipated and incorporated into the drawings. Any construction changes can be entered into the program, updating the design drawings.

What are blueprints?

Blueprints are your project’s detailed plans drawn out on paper.

What do a typical set of construction documents contain or entail?

Construction documents are the written and graphic instructions used for construction of the project. These documents must be accurate, consistent, complete, and understandable. Construction documents are typically used to obtain building permits, and are the basis of the contract between the client and the builder, therefore they must be accurate.

How does an architecture firm charge for the services they provide?

Typically there are three ways firms charge for services depending on how large a project may be. Usually there is a retainer asked for at the signing of the contract. This is a down payment to get work started. From there an architect may charge an hourly rate, a percentage of construction costs or a fixed fee.

What are the different phases of the design process?

Design Phase - The preliminary design phase is when we prepare drawings to illustrate the proposed design.  The floor plans show all the rooms in the correct size and shape.  Two or three exterior elevations will show the proposed outside look. 3d images of interior and exterior will be provided if applicable.

We will review the preliminary design with you and help you to imagine the actual end result.  We will refine and revise the solutions, if necessary, since it is much easier to make changes now, when your project is on paper, than later on during construction.

At this point, we or your contractor will also give you a rough preliminary estimate of construction cost.

Construction Document Phase - We prepare construction documents, the detailed drawings and written specifications, which the contractor will use to establish actual construction cost and to build the project.  These drawings and specifications become part of the contract.  When construction documents are finished, you are ready to hire the general contractor or separate subcontractors. (If you have retained us for a preliminary set of construction documents, drawings will not have written specifications and other details necessary for the bidding and negotiation phase, but will be appropriate for building permits).

Bidding & Negotiation Phase - We assist you in the hiring of the Contractor. The bidding documents, which consist of the drawings and specifications, will be sent to a contractor for a negotiated bid or to several contractors for a competitive bid.  After which time, we shall prepare a contract between you and the contractor.  If the lowest bid price is above budget, we can negotiate and discuss ways to reduce costs with the builder.

Administration of the Construction Phase - The construction phase will commence with the award of the contract for construction.

This final step is often the most anxiety producing part of the whole process.  Up until now your project has been confined to intense discussion, planning, and two-dimensional renderings.  When construction begins, your project moves from an abstraction to a physical reality.  Our administration services include making site visits, reviewing and approving the contractor’s applications for payments, and keeping you informed of the project's progress.
While the architect observes construction, the contractor is solely responsible for the construction methods, techniques, the schedules, and procedures.  The contractor supervises and directs the construction work on the project.

What is a building permit?

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

Why do you need a building permit?

You will protect the outcome and investment value of your construction project and guard against a lawsuit or injury by obtaining building permits. Building permits are very beneficial to you and your community by ensuring your project is built properly and safely.

What is zoning?

Zoning is a restriction on the way that land can be used. It allows local governments to control the development of communities and ensure they are functional and safe places. There are a number of classifications set up including residential, commercial, agricultural, etc. Each classification has specific laws as to what is allowed to be built in that zone.

How does 3d modeling help the design process?

It allows you and your architect to visualize your project’s construction and maximizes accuracy in the layout.

Why do detailed drawings help the design process?

The more detailed the plans, the less room there is for surprises in the construction phase.

Why does “good design doesn’t just happen”?

All too often people think if they get a builder and build the square footage it will be wonderful.  Most find this isn’t true at the end of construction.  It takes creativity, passion and technical ability to end up with good design.

Why is site orientation important when building a new project?

Site orientation is important in order to optimize the benefits of the existing surroundings. Orientation can affect a building’s light exposure, energy use, heating and cooling, weathering, etc. It must also take into consideration local zoning for road access, street lights, etc. The needs of the client and the building’s purpose are all factors in deciding site orientation.