In addition to our stream-lined internet-based custom design services described
elsewhere, we also offer full service architectural services. While there is
little doubt that a local architect with passive solar design experience should
be your first choice in designing a home. There is no substitution for a site
visit and the personal attention that you will receive in all stages of the
design and construction process. We too offer this full architectural service.
All levels of our process consider the energy and passive solar implications.
Please note that the rough fees below do NOT include travel time and expenses
which are an extra cost and can become quite high if you live more than 30 minutes
from us.
Like most architects, we can provide the traditional full services of architect
which can include:
Schematic Design
exploring various options for
your site and home
Design Development
further developing one
of the options
Construction Documents
detailed construction
drawings that also include plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural design
by engineers
Bidding & Negotiation
assisting with the selection
of a builder
Construction Administration
working with you & your builder to create a low energy home
The fee for our Full Service Custom Design (excluding engineer's fees) averages
6% -10% of construction costs; about the same as the realtor's fee that you
pay for finding an existing home. We'd like to think that the custom design
services that we provide exceed the custom services you get in buying a new
home, but we are sure that some realtors would take exception to that! The engineer's
(structural, electrical, mechanical) fee, which is often also code-required
or desired by the contractor as it makes construction easier, might add another
4%. The savings we can provide in minimizing your square footage and energy
bills often offsets the design fee. If we can save you 10% in construction costs
through design, then our fee has paid for itself. If you are interested in full
service architectural design, please contact us.
