FAQ

Why Do I Need an Architect?

When embarking on any journey one needs a blueprint or plan of action to get them successfully to their destination. When you are not feeling well you turn to a doctor to advise you, and you would seek an insurance broker to navigate your complex insurance needs. When you are building your dream house, renovating or building any structure you want an expert Architect to plan the proper design and guide you through the construction process.

We are trained to provide the services required to produce a design that suits all your needs and then the set of documents a contractor needs to build that building.

When Should I Hire the Architect?

The earlier in the process the better; the value that we provide is a broad knowledge base of all the disciplines involved in the construction process, from large scale site issues, and city/county code items, down to the small scale detail issues of a door handle and a window sill.

We can then navigate you through all of the upcoming decisions that will need to be made about your project.

Do You do 3D Modeling?

Yes. We find that in order to truly communicate what we're thinking as designers and your wishes for your building, creating it virtually with our 3D walk through simulations is essential. We also use 3D physical models; depending on the best way to convey information so that everyone involved understands.

What is 'Green' Design?

The core of our mission is to create Architecture that can enhance the built environment, and an Architecture that touches lightly on the earth.  Environmental stewardship is fundamental to any design process.

Recognizing that good design is an informed response to the climate, culture and context of the project and region, any architectural project should be designed to take advantage of good daylighting practices, building orientation, natural ventilation, local materials, and efficient detailing of the exterior envelope. It is through these fundamental building and site planning concepts that a facility is born that is both beautiful and responsible.

We seek design solutions that imitate natural systems.  We strive to make manifest the environmental control systems and how they work.  We believe that 'sustainable' or ‘green’ design is multi-faceted approach, taking into account a range of thinking about materials, energy, resources and use that we employ for all projects no matter the size or scope.  We also believe that “Green” design is a new way of describing the way cultures all over the world have been building for thousands of years…

Does it Cost More to Build Green?

Not necessarily. It really depends on when in the process you decide to ‘go green’. If ‘Green’ design is a goal from the beginning we can approach the project more comprehensively and through that approach we can avoid cost increases. (Sometimes green strategies will actually decrease your construction costs.) When you incorporate green strategies later in the process you can incur more costly product alternatives and add-ons rather than first looking at more wholistic design solutions.

It is important to remember that there are also many cost effective environmentally sound improvements that can be made to your renovation or building upgrade. These specific appliances, lighting, insulation, windows and shading options all serve to 'Green' a structure.