Frequently Asked Questions
- Attentive listening, clear communications and teamwork by all parties
- The Architect gets to know the Owner(s) and understands how they function
- Owner approval of each phase of work prior to proceeding
- “Living” with the project’s design as it unfolds
- Taking time to process and understand the plans
Most do; however, we can adjust our services (and fees) to the Owners’ particular requirements.
The Owners, the Architect and a Contractor. Affiliated design professionals, such as an interior designer, engineers and a landscape architect, are also often involved in creating the project.
Our fees are negotiated according to our role and level of service. We can structure our fee as a fixed amount, percentage of construction cost, or hourly rates – based on the Owners’ needs. The project size, location, level of finish and other design factors affect our fees.
While in-person meetings are preferred. Due to the environment we live in now, video conferencing to share information and ideas is a viable alternative.
In short, architects help their clients by looking at their construction project in its entirety. Architects can be thought of as executive managers who lead the design of a project as a representative of the client. Here AIA Vermont describes this well:
“Architects are trained to solve problems creatively and within your budget. They know how to reduce building costs, decrease energy needs and increase future resale value through good design. They look beyond your immediate requirements to design flexible, efficient buildings that will adapt to your changing needs.” (AIA of Vermont)