Services Overview

We work beside clients to assist and educate them to make the best design decisions for their current situation while considering their future aspirations and increasing their return on investment.

In working with our small firm, you will receive a boutique style architectural experience where we offer very high quality custom designs and flexible one on one service from the principal architect.

Examples of our services include:

Single family Residential, Planning & Space Planning, Sustainable Design, Historic Renovation, Interiors, Zoning Analysis for Site Potential, Zoning Board testimony, Planning Board testimony, among others. 

Please send us an email!

 
 
Consultation.jpg

consultations

Complimentary 30-45 minute consultation at your home or project location to discuss the nature of your project, your needs, desires, and goals.  A copy of the current property survey at the time of the consultation is imperative for zoning review for any exterior additions or alterations to the existing structure.  In many cases your property survey is required not only when adding on to your home with an addition or deck but also when adding a second structure on the property such as a shed, pool, pergola patio, etc. Property surveys can be found with your mortgage papers which you received at your home’s closing. It’s even better if it can be emailed in advance. It is helpful to have any photos or ideas you have complied available as well. This information will allow us to have all the information we need to provide you with a written proposal by email which will state the exact scope of the project, describes the services you will receive, timeline, and outlines the charges and payment schedule.

 
Measuring.jpg

preliminary measuring

Once the proposal has been accepted and retainer paid, we will call to schedule a time to measure your existing home or building.  The time it takes to document and measure varies depending on the scope of the project. At that time, we will need access to the entire project area, as well as the floors above and below.  Sometimes this means getting in a crawl space or attic when available. It is important to gather the most information available for the existing home in order to provide an accurate set of construction documents for the proposed work.  Once all the information has been gathered, it takes about 7-10 days to draft this information into the computer into an existing set of drawings.

 
Design Documents.jpg

design documents

Using the existing set of drawings and information from our initial consultation, we will draft up a design in the computer or by hand which shows the proposed addition and what it will look like in relation to the existing house.  We will also take into account any local zoning limitations to avoid the potential of variances. Variance procedures are not included in the proposal fee. Depending on the size of the project, in most cases, we will have an initial design meeting to review this “SK1” which stands for “Schematic Design 1.”  Most subsequent revisions will be sent via email and reviewed by phone or email depending on the complexity of the project and design. The proposed designs are 2 dimensional and computer drawn. Renderings and 3d images can be provided for a separate fee as we utilize an outside service for this.

 
 
 
Construction Estimate.jpeg

optional estimate

Once the design has been approved, you will have the option to utilize the design drawings to receive a rough construction estimate from a contractor to approximate the budget.  If you chose to get an estimate, we normally wait to proceed with construction documents until you feel comfortable with your initial pricing. In some cases we remove scope of work, in others, we have added additional scope of work.  It is different case by case.

 
Construction Drawings.jpg

construction documents

At this phase, no additional changes are permitted to the approved design without incurring additional charges.  The construction documents are the drawings you will need to submit for permits. Construction documentation consists of all dimensions, door schedules, window schedules, plumbing diagrams, labeled exterior elevations with materials specified, structural design, and electrical plans where applicable due to scope and project type.  Mechanical drawings and specifications shall be provided by your subcontractor directly to the township with his permits. For residential projects, a ResCheck will also be provided to accompany the final drawings.  You will receive signed and sealed documents to submit to the township in addition to unsealed copies as outlined by your proposal. A digital copy will be provided for your records upon final payment. The contractor is also able to make reproductions with this digital file.

 
Under Construction.jpg

permits, under construction, & post-construction

In most cases, a contractor with a contractor’s license is required to submit for permits.  We are available to answer any questions regarding the drawings or assist in getting information to help you or your contractor fill out your permits.  As your architect, we do not directly fill out, submit, or pay for any permits.

While your project is under construction, we are available by phone or email to answer any questions.  If a site visit is required, a fee will be charged in addition to your proposal fee.  Please see your proposal for more information.

Please feel free to email me any photos of your complete project for my records or to be featured on my website.  I would also be happy to stop by if I am in the area.