What is the firm philosophy?

The firm's philosophy is to listen to the client and answer their needs with a high degree of professionalism and personal attention. We stress a thorough understanding of the client's goals and programmatic requirements. Budgets are respected and contract drawings and specifications are crafted with attention to detail to minimize construction problems and delays.

Our firm prides itself on offering a complete package of bundled services, known as "Full Services," which cover every aspect of the project from the initial meeting until completion of the punch list.

What services do you perform?

Architectural services include the basic steps of design and construction: Schematic Design, Design Development, Contract Documents Bidding/Negotiation and Contract Administration.

Other services for our commercial clients include: interiors (furniture and fixturing), signage design, land use studies, site layout and client representation to municipalities.

Engineering (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.) is performed out of house by our consultants and coordinated with our documents.

For what services are you best known?

Interiors: We see the "interiors" of all projects, both residential and commercial, as being an integral part of our responsibilities. Consequently, we design the interiors (cabinetry, trim, finishes, lighting and plumbing fixtures, etc.) for the majority of our jobs. On some projects we collaborate with the client's designers; on most others we work directly with the client, saving them time, effort and expense as well as assuring them seamless integration with the construction documents.

Contract Administration: The construction phase is a very critical step in the process. We visit all of our projects on a regular basis. We make ourselves accessible to the client and contractor during this phase for field clarifications, resolution of unexpected conditions and the (dreaded) change orders. Architect involvement in this stage includes certification of payments, to assure the quality and completeness of the work. In essence, we assure the design intent has been met and that the Owner is getting what he contracted for.

Is there a firm �Look?"

In terms of our designs, there is no firm "look": as our portfolio shows, we work in both the traditional and modern idiom. We respond to each project with a fresh perspective, though there are common threads which run throughout. A well-organized plan, a logical spatial flow, economy of form, thoughtfully chosen maintainable finishes, and clean elegant details are recurring elements. As a result, our designs tend to be classic and timeless.

How do you structure your fees?

For most of our projects, our fee is typically invoiced in two components: Hourly for Schematics and Zoning Studies and Percentage of Construction (or Fixed Fee) for the balance of our work (Design Development, Contract Documents, Bidding/Negotiation and Contract Administration). Percentages and Fixed Fees vary according to the complexity and scale of the work.

Do you consult hourly on a stand-alone basis?

We work hourly on many types of assignments; We help �fix� drawings or problem elevations that other architects or builders have produced. We do space planning. We do design consults prior to purchases of homes or commercial facilities. We have also helped in the scouting of land purchases.

What are some of the mistakes you�ve seen in hiring an Architect?

Hiring an architect that lacks certain base requirements such as professional liability insurance, a license to practice architecture, properly trained staff, an office, a track record, etc. Hiring an architect that is a mismatch for the project, lacking design skills in a particular building type, relevant experience, people skills, etc.

Also, when interviewing firms, put fees in perspective. Clients will sometimes focus on fees to the exclusion of other important issues. This is unfortunate since a fair comparison should be premised not only on fees, but also on the range, depth and quality of services being offered, and intangibles, like professionalism, design skills and the personal attention of the principals and staff involved. Remember that the very wide range of fees you pay corresponds to the very wide range of services you will get.

The Architect is the design professional whose plans literally lay the groundwork for the future success or failure of the project. Selecting the right architect is pivotal not only in the Owner's future enjoyment of their home or business, but in maintaining the value of what may be their largest asset.

Any other tips for hiring an Architect ?

Interview at least two or three architects. Find out if they have done the type of project you want to do. Visit a project that the firm has designed. Look at a set of drawings they have produced. Speak to recent references, both clients and contractors. Speak to local, reputable contractors. Check the Better Business Bureau for problem architects.

How do I work with an Architect? And what exactly do Architects do? What are the Phases of Service that Architects offer ? How do I get names of Architects?

For an excellent discussion on these and other issues, view the You and Your Architect section on the AIA website.