Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get a permit?

While it may seem transactional, design and permitting requires careful planning and thorough review by owners, users, contractors, and the municipality. Simple projects can take 2+ months and extensive projects can take a year +. This timeline varies based on: 

  • Project size and complexity-  Larger projects often require more detailed drawings and reviews, extending the timeline.
  • Building location: municipalities have varying timelines and requirements.

2. What can I do to help my permit go through quicker?

  • Owner responsiveness: Your quick feedback and decisions make the process quicker. 
  • Owner preparedness: Having a clear vision, realistic goals, a licensed general contractor and licensed subcontractors onboard early makes the overall timeline quicker. 

3. How much do you charge?

My fees vary depending on the project’s size, complexity, and your desired level of service. As an estimate, expect architectural services  to be  5%- 10% of your construction cost for basic design services. I require a retainer upfront before services begin and typically invoice at mutually agreed upon project milestones. I can provide a more accurate estimate once I understand your specific needs.

4. What do you need to provide a quote?

Please email the following:

  • Address
  • A plat of survey
  • Detailed description of the project you hope to build
  • Photos of the site (if available)
  • Desired timeline
  • Construction Budget
  • Information on whether you have a licensed contractor on board or need help finding one

5. What levels of service do you provide?

Permit Minimum Architectural Service: Includes basic drawings and documents necessary for permit approval, excluding finishes, millwork, furniture, and interior design. Meetings are kept to the minimum amount required.

Full Design Services : Includes Permit Minimum Architectural Services, and any or all of the following – comprehensive drawings for design and detailing, ceiling plans, elevations, 3D renderings, detailed millwork drawings, detailed finish and material specifications, assistance with furniture selection, and interior design recommendations. Meetings at your desired cadence.

Construction Administration (optional): Assistance with contractor selection and negotiation, review of bids and contracts, construction site visits, material approval, and change order management.

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing system design (optional): Provided for residential projects up to 3 stories and 3 units only.  I have trusted partners I can recommend for larger projects, I am also happy to work with any engineers owners prefer.

Basic Structural Design for residential projects up to 3 stories only (optional):  I have trusted partners I can recommend for larger projects, I am also happy to work with any engineers owners prefer.

6. Do you work in 3D?

While my primary focus is creating high-quality 2D drawings for construction documents, I understand the value of 3D visualization for clients. If you’re interested in 3D renderings, I can collaborate with trusted partners who specialize in that area and work with them to ensure the 3D models accurately reflect your design and vision. We should discuss this early on as this adds to the fee structure.

7. What is your process?

Regardless of whether you are making repairs, addressing violations, renovating / adding an addition to your home or business, or building a new construction building – the design process is the same. I’ll keep you informed and involved throughout each stage, fostering open communication and collaboration. My goal is to deliver a seamless experience that transforms your architectural dreams into reality. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps that works for most projects:

STEP 1: QUOTEPlease send me an email with project details as outlined above in FAQ 4 and level of service desired as detailed in FAQ 5, Once I have this information, I can respond with a estimated timeframe and cost for your project. If the cost works for you, we can then move forward with a formal proposal.
STEP 2: PROPOSALWith your approval of the quoted fee, I will provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, process, meeting and payment schedules for signature.
STEP 3: SIGNED PROPOSALOnce proposal is signed and retainer is paid, we can begin the design process.
STEP 4: DESIGNSite Visit: If it’s a renovation or addition, I’ll visit the property to measure and document existing conditions.  If new construction I will visit to get a lay of the land. 

Schematic Design: I input data acquired at site visit, conduct building and zoning code research, begin exploring design concepts, developing floor plans, and creating initial sketches to visualize your project.

Design Development: I refine the design, finalize materials, dimension plans and address any technical details. I layout or coordinate the layout of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Designs (if applicable). At the conclusions of this is where contractor input and any pricing exercises take place.

Permit and Construction Documents: I finalize detailed drawings once owner approves, there may be changes from the Design Development package due to contractor input and construction cost negotiations being finalized. These should reflect what is intended to be built. Owner is responsible for providing contractor licenses for permit applications, a fresh plat of survey (Less than 60 days old for any exterior scope of work), construction cost, and signatures.
STEP 5: PERMITTINGI submit the permit documents to the municipality and manage communications as well as any necessary corrections or resubmissions based on their feedback.
STEP 6: CONSTRUCTIONOnce the municipality approves the documents, you’ll receive the permit, marking the green light for construction to begin!  Depending on the level of service desired, this may be the end of our journey unless any questions or issues come up.