A Re-Introduction of My Architect Service Offerings

As an architect, I have the ability and experience to accomplish many types of services for clients. I am also qualified to do many different building types from residential to commercial to even industrial. Recently, I have made a shift to narrow down my services and only offer specific services to specific client types. I did this for several reasons.

First, I wanted to focus my firm so that I can spend my time working more on projects that interest me and that I love. This way I can do my work joyfully which hopefully translates into a better experience for clients and an overall better project. I also chose to narrow my services in an effort to both reduce my workload so that I can focus more on individual projects and to make it clearer to clients what they can expect from their selected service. Finally, I have made a shift in what I offer to specific clients. If you're interested in building a house for yourself, you can no longer choose what I call a Bare Bones Architectural Permit Set. You will have to get a Construction Set or the Full-Service Set. (All of these different document sets are detailed below). I believe clients should protect the investments they are making in their buildings, so I no longer allow you to choose a product that allows for excessive wiggle room on quality and pricing. I believe you deserve better. Without further ado, below are my services:

1. Feasibility Study

Included in every service that I offer is the feasibility study. This initial phase typically is a week long and explores what is allowed for your specific property type. I review what's required by the jurisdiction so there are fewer surprises and detail how much square footage you have the ability to build, to what height, as well as other characteristics. This is a crucial step for both clients and architects, and taking time to understand what is and isn't allowed will help other steps in the project go more smoothly.

2. Bare Bones Architectural Permit Set

The Bare Bones Architectural Permit Set is pretty much what it is called. It includes what is typically the bare minimum jurisdictional requirements for getting a building permit. It is sparse in details, selects no finishes, and does not include cabinet layouts. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing trades are also not included in the set but are laid out for convenience and reference. Energy calculations are provided for an additional fee. Due to the nature of this set, I only allow experienced builders who are building spec homes to select this service.

3. Construction Document Set

The Construction Document Set is an upgrade to the Bare Bones Permit Set. It includes all of the construction details you would need to build your building and can be used for bidding and permitting. Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing trades are included in the set and are coordinated which helps to enforce the quality of your build. This is the standard set that I recommend to my clients as it protects your investment by ensuring Owner, Architect, and Contractor are all on the same page, and that a standard of quality has been dictated.

4. Full-Service Design Set

The Full-Service Design Set is my premium service that I offer. This includes everything in the Construction Document Set plus Interior Design and coordination between Owner Consultants such as Low Voltage. This is for both commercial and residential clients that want something truly special and personalized. To ensure the quality, this is a more intensive set that requires more input from the client and takes longer than the average Construction Document Set. It is not for everyone. I recommend this to clients that have a one-off commercial space or that are building a luxury home and want everything selected for them.

If any of these services seem right for you, I encourage you to check out my qualification questions on my homepage and to send me a message if you think I am the right architect for you. If what you need doesn't quite fit what I offer but you still think I may be right for you, feel free to reach out also. I sometimes take projects that are outside of my typical services.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Your Fellow Architect,

Erika