Benefits of a Bundle
A bundle is a great, risk- free way to better understand the scope of your project and to plan more efficiently. I have one bundle that covers most any residential project you may be undertaking: the $350 bundle.
The $350 Bundle
Looking for a preliminary discussion with an experienced architect about your project? A bundle can be an efficient first step.
Bundles for many projects
I offer bundles for residential ADUs, residential new construction, tear downs, and residential remodels including attics, basements, baths, kitchens, porches, and garages and more.
What the bundle includes
- An on-site assessment of the space and structure
- My $350 bundle includes a 1-1.5 hour meeting with you at your Twin Cities Metro Area site.
- During this meeting I can answer any questions you have about timelines, costs, permits, Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) rules and processes.
- We can discuss the general layout of your new structure, remodel, or ADU.
The benefit of a bundle
You’ll get ideas for how best to use the space; where to put the windows for the best light and views, how to situate the building given existing structures, trees, property lines, etc. We can also talk about what to NOT do given your specific location.
A bundle is a great way to get a good idea of what you’re going to need for your project. It’s designed to give you a general idea of what should go where, how long it might take, and how much it might cost —all before you begin. Schedule a bundle today to move forward with confidence.
Please note: Bundles are a fee-for-service consultation, charged the day of service, one flat $350 fee. Bundles do not include follow-up meetings, drawings that are requested after the meeting, or any type of construction drawings. These items are only done on retainer with a signed letter of agreement and typically charged at my hourly rate.
Each Site is Unique
Every site is unique. Unfortunately some builders use the same plan over and over. They ignore both the challenges and potential of the site. An architect will efficiently use the space and take full advantage of all that the site offers.
If you would like to know more about bundling or would like to discuss your project with an established residential architect, email me or call me at 651-210-7042 and we can talk about your project before you decide next steps.
Five Phases of Architectural Planning
Predesign Phase:
This includes our initial meeting at your home and the discussion of options, possibilities and budget. We can create a wish list of which spaces are important. Also, an overall bud-get should be put put together in this phase. From there I will collect information from the city such as: what site restrictions there are like, what the setbacks are, what is the height limit, and lot coverage, etc.
Schematic Design Phase:
I will develop conceptual designs. These are preliminary bubble diagram/ rough sketches that incorporate your design ideas and wish list. There might be several different design options for floor plans and location on the site. This process will go back and forth with you until we are happy with the design and have settled on a sketch.
Design Development Phase:
After choosing a design to move forward with, I will refine the floor plans and overall look based on your comments and the reality of building i.e. thinking about small details, light, flow, your lifestyle and any special accommodations (such as using universal design to allow for aging in place).
Construction Documents Phase:
This is the final step for drawing. The CDs will show all the information needed for the builder to construct your new home. Depending on the level of detail we decide to show, the CDs can show just the minimum required to get a building permit or can be more descriptive to show elements such as interior elevations, finish trim and window grids, electrical plan, lighting placement and other facets of design. Having more detailed drawings also enables the builder to give us more accurate pricing. So, instead of a ballpark number that has a span of tens of thousands of dollars, with detailed CDs the builder will know which materials he will need to use and the skill and time required to implement the design features shown. In my experience, the more detailed the drawings are, the less room there is for misunderstanding and error.
Construction Admin Phase:
In this phase, I ensure the home gets built the way the drawings show. I coordinate with the builder regarding timelines, materials and method of installation and finish carpentry. I do site visits as needed (typically once a week for one to two hours) but during the height of construction when things move at a faster rate it might be twice a week. In addition to onsite personal supervision and quality assurance, my presence on site is conducive to improved communication between the builder and me. This also allows me to answer your questions and immediately address any concerns. When builders are unsure of a design feature or misinterpret a plan they typically just move forward based on “the way we’ve always done it.” When I am on site I discuss with the foreman and team member show things should be done to achieve the look that is depicted in the drawings. I have over 40 years of construction experience and have personally built and remodeled 5 of my own homes. I know how a structure is put together, the tools needed and the steps required to do things right. I do not allow for cheaper material substitutions or cut corners. This onsite supervision, client advocacy and flow of communication prevents a loss of time and money and I have found is crucial for overall quality.
Before you sign up with any contractor, ensure your best interest are taken into account. I work as your advocate to get you the design you want in the budget you set — not the contractor’s bottom line.