It’s OK. We don’t understand your job either.
Do I even need you?
Certain smaller projects, such as bathroom remodels and interior facelifts, do not require an architect and may be best handled with an interior designer or direct coordination with a contractor. Projects that involve large renovations, additions, and new construction typically require an architect. We’ll be glad to determine your specific needs.
What are typical architectural fees?
Fees range depending on the scope, scale, and consultants needed to complete a project. We do this by multiplying our hourly rates by the estimated time needed to complete the work. We’ll present this to you as a fixed fee, divided between our four project phases: Conceptual Design; Permit Documents; Construction Documents; and Construction Administration. We bill as we go to protect our client’s investment in the process. As a very rough rule of thumb, Analogue’s fees typically range from 8%-13% of the actual construction budget. Depending upon the job, Structural, Civil, and Mechanical engineering may be required. This is additional to our scope, but we’re adept at coordinating the process for clients.
I just need the basics. Can you give me the bare minimum?
Unfortunately, no. We find a comprehensive set of fully designed documents is the best way to serve clients. Minimal or incomplete design work tends to backfire during the construction process, causing delays and adding unanticipated expenses. We understand there is a wide range of design services to consider, and our comprehensive process is not the perfect fit for every scenario.
What’s your availability?
We can typically begin new projects within 1-2 weeks or contract signature. We’re a small practice; not a “volume business”. We take on a few projects at a time and direct our full attention to those clients. Expedited and “emergency” schedules aren’t we'll suited to our model.
What are construction costs?
Detailed explanations of construction costs are best left to the building experts and vary greatly depending on project criteria. Renovation and addition work is site-specific and must be evaluated on an individual basis. Be wary of information on the internet (we're aware of the irony in making this statement online). We find it’s not commensurate with the data we’ve seen from first-hand experience.
What’s your style? Does it match mine?
Our work is simple and rational. We tend to omit the word “style” from our discussions and focus on problem-solving. Each job is unique and requires solutions that are site and project-specific to solve the challenges. Therefore, we focus on solving problems and let the design work evolve naturally from our process. The result isn’t any one person’s design mission, but a solution that works best for the owner and the specific project.
What’s a typical project timeline?
Timelines are dependent on many factors, including project complexity, local permit review procedures, contractor cost estimating, lenders, and client decision making. We’ll give you a timeline for delivering sets of drawings, which we can control, and assist in estimating the external forces we can’t. For a single family home addition, “a few months to permit submission” is a good rule of thumb.
When should i talk to a contractor?
The sooner, the better. Like, now. A quality general contractor will bring invaluable cost-estimating and construction knowledge to the early stages of design. If you’re local, we have a few we can recommend. The number one reason projects stall is an inability to meet the client’s anticipated budget. Having a qualified builder on board will allow our team to assign budget ranges to early design work. Knowing you can afford your design will give you the confidence to further invest in the process.
I have drawings, can you stamp them?
No. Architects are bound both ethically and legally to only sign and seal their own work. Everything must be drawn by our team. If someone tells you otherwise, don’t do it.