SERVICES

The architect’s services for a typical project:

Step 1: Existing Conditions: document existing conditions as they appear; this work is in no way a complete determination of structural or any other qualitative conditions which may exist;

Step 2: Preliminary Design: determine your needs and desires for the Work, including, but not exclusively: budget, schedule, program of spaces and functions, and design “style” preferences;

Step 3: Schematic Design: determine layout options in plan and elevation; outline a specification for materials; develop a rough cost analysis; this step will conclude with your signing an agreed-upon design;

Step 4: Design Development: carry the design further in detail in drawings, specification and cost analysis; determine all materials, fixtures and finishes; Step 5: Contract Documents: incorporate all final design decisions into documents with which the builder will contract with you to construct the Work;

Step 6: Bidding and Awarding Construction Contract: guide you to determine the right builder for your project, if not contracted yet;

Step 7: Contract Administration: visit the project site to monitor progress and try to guard you against defects in the completed Work; administer any changes required in the Contract Documents if any are necessary.

FEES
Because the precise scope of the project is not determined until the completion of Step 3, I am typically compensated for Steps 1 through 3 on a time and material basis. My fee for the remaining Steps is determined based upon the scope of the project: its budget and size, level of detail required, schedule and idiosyncrasies that may arise during Schematic Design. (The typical range for total architect fees is between 6% (new construction) and 20% (small renovation) of the construction budget.)