General FAQs

We really want to design spaces to suit the needs of the people we design for! It is very much an exploratory and collaborative process and with our guidance you should end up with a space that suits your needs and desires.

It depends on each project and its scope of work. Design and engineering can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how involved your project is and how well you know what you want at the start of the project.

As each project and therefore everyone’s needs are different, our fees are based on the needs of your project. We provide a flexible pricing structure that lets you know what to expect at every stage of the project. You have the option to use us as little or as much as you need. Cost will depend on various factors, a detailed estimate is provided after consultation with your Designer.

Our Billing and Payment system varies depending on the service being provided. Generally speaking, for design clients, we follow a two-stage billing process. First, we request a deposit to cover the initial costs of the Pre-Design through Design Development phases. Once the work is completed, we bill the client for the final payment. It is important to note that the final payment is required in order to release the CAD files for delivery. All Clients are billed by email via Quickbooks Payments Processing.

Yes, we work with a number of teams locally, and can make referrals as needed.

If we are contracted for construction administration services, we offer a flexible service so it can be specific to the project. However, in most instances this will involve a visit every two weeks with additional visits as the project demands.

It depends on each project and its scope of work. Design and engineering can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how involved your project is and how well you know what you want at the start of the project.

We often help people that have struggled with their previous Designer. In this instance, we would want to understand where you are, establish liabilities and then consider how we can best support you.

We are based in Atlanta, Georgia and predominantly serve its metropolitan area. However, we have experience serving clients throughout the state of Georgia. We have also served clients in Alabama, Florida, and the District of Columbia. If we can support your project remotely we will!

A Change Order is a document used to alter the original agreement (Contract) on a design or construction project. It details the changes in the scope of work, cost, and schedule that are required. It can be initiated by either the project owner or the contractor. However, the client and designer (or client and contractor during construction phase) must agree on the terms and sign the agreement for a change order to be valid. This protects all parties and provides clarity on the effect of any changes. For more information on Change Orders, click here.

The design process involves several stages. We offer a flexible service and can support you from start to finish and all the stages in between. We can even start before you have purchased your home!

Yes, we are always happy to explore why someone may be struggling to get approval. Often, a fresh eye looking at things can offer solutions that your local Building Department can support!

Permitting (in most instances) considers the external aesthetic of the building whereas Building Department approvals involve the safety and structure. It also takes into account things like drainage, electrical and HVAC systems.

Yes, we can help with technical drawings. Keep in mind, if your builder can only provide an accurate estimate based on the details provided in technical drawings.

When it comes to architecture and construction, permits and other regulations are often the biggest source of stress for clients. We do offer services to help clients obtain Building Permits and address regulatory concerns.

We would advise getting some concept sketches before architectural plans are developed. Once you have some ideas in hand, we can then develop the plans.We also advise doing this before any builders are engaged.

Yes!

The first consultation is about exploring and understanding your requirements. We will spend about 20 minutes with you to get an understanding of what you are looking for and how we may help. For more information on your initial consultation, click here.

Of course! The first part of any project is to understand what you want and explore this with you to ensure that what you need is created at the design stage and is reflective of your budget.

We are always realistic about what is possible within your budget; this is discussed very early on in the process and we offer innovative solutions to see how you can get the space you need at a price that you can afford.

Yes! We have experience working in Historic Districts and their preservation departments with success. We seek to work with them to design schemes that they can support and approve.

Yes, our firm requires a deposit for design services. By paying the deposit, clients demonstrate their commitment to starting their project and allow us to allocate resources accordingly. We engage with new clients regularly and paid deposits secure a place in our workflow and help us create efficient time management for projects. It's important to note that this deposit is non-refundable and is applied to the work we complete during the first two phases of the design work.