We want to __________, why would we use an architect?
(Fill in the blank: remodel our home, add to our home, build a new home)
Using an architect, allows you (rather than your builder) to make important decisions. Because you will end up with a specification and complete set of construction documents, you will be able to choose cabinets and finishes from anything available versus the small number of choices the builder gives. Because the documents have details drawn, there should be no questions about how the project should be built.
Why would we use ADM?
ADM's mission is to develop "magical" relationships that allow us to unwrap the surprise that lies hidden in each project that will exceed the Owner's practical and aesthetic expectations. We feel that this "magical" relationship will develop when we have:
Fully listened,
thoroughly involved the Owner in the design process,
incorporated the Owner's vision,
encouraged the Owner to make choices,
guided the Owner in the wise use of their resources,
unwrapped the surprise,
and found deep joy in each other's company.
How does an architect charge?
Architects normally charge a percentage of the construction cost. Usually the larger the project, the lower the percentage charged.
What kind of investment will we make in ADM's services?
To understand your investment in ADM, it is helpful to understand the process ADM uses. An ADM project has four phases: Exploration, Resolution, Development, and Technical Documents. In all the phases, ADM and the Owner are working as partners to end up with the best possible project within the Owner's budget.
In the exploration phase, ADM takes the Owner's wish list and develops two to six potential solutions made up of space diagrams and exterior and/or interior illustrations.
The Owners select one Exploration (or parts from several explorations) and in Resolution ADM assembles and defines the acceptable solution to the home owners wish list. In Development ADM answers 90% of design questions. This includes things like sizes of rooms and cabinet layouts.
With the Owner's approval of the Development drawings, ADM begins Technical Documents (what you may know as "blueprints" or "working drawings" or "construction plans"). These documents will become part of the contract between the Owner and the builder. ADM believes that the Owner, not the builder, should make choices on the quality level of the construction. Normally the Documents will have eight to twelve pages of drawings, specification, details, sections, and elevations to give the builder a full understanding of the project.
The investment for these services is based on an estimate of the potential building costs. Like many architects, ADM has a schedule that includes a lower percentage fee as the total construction cost increases. The investment for complete services for projects under $75,000 is 16% of potential construction costs; for project between $75,000 and$150,000, 12%; between $150,000 and $300,000, 10%; and over $300,000, 9% (divided into equal amounts for the four phases).]
In addition to these phases, ADM provides bidding and construction observation as lump sum fees, and other services at an hourly rate.
We bought house plans for $500 but we need ________, can ADM make changes for us? (Fill in the blank: a bigger family room, another bedroom, another garage bay.)
Some architects or designers will provide this service, but ADM has chosen not to provide this service for several reasons. The first is that our mission statement focuses our attention on the design of a project. When we start with someone else's plan, we have lost that focus before we even begin. The second is that your investment in our services would be four to five times as much as your initial investment in your plans.
Why would you charge so much to change our plans?
ADM spends a considerable amount of time preparing comprehensive plans. Even what might seem like small changes still take ten to twenty hours.
What many people who buy house plans don't consider is that, although your investment is fairly low, the companies that provide house plans sell hundreds (if not thousands) of those same plans. Those plans have resulted in $50,000 - $500,000 to the company. How then can we make changes to those plans and not get compensated to a similar extent?
We know exactly what we want (in fact we have floor plans we have drawn); will ADM draw plans for us?
Unfortunately, no. Once again, our passion is design, unwrapping the surprise that lies in every project. If an Owner is not open to letting ADM help them unwrap the surprise; the joy is gone for us. However, we do know several companies that provide this kind of service.
How will we know that we will be happy using ADM for our project?
Check out our portfolio for before and after photos of recent projects, take the 30-minute tour, talk to Owners of ADM projects (call ADM to discuss your project and we'll provide references), schedule a meeting to get to know us.
(Fill in the blank: remodel our home, add to our home, build a new home)
Using an architect, allows you (rather than your builder) to make important decisions. Because you will end up with a specification and complete set of construction documents, you will be able to choose cabinets and finishes from anything available versus the small number of choices the builder gives. Because the documents have details drawn, there should be no questions about how the project should be built.
Why would we use ADM?
ADM's mission is to develop "magical" relationships that allow us to unwrap the surprise that lies hidden in each project that will exceed the Owner's practical and aesthetic expectations. We feel that this "magical" relationship will develop when we have:
Fully listened,
thoroughly involved the Owner in the design process,
incorporated the Owner's vision,
encouraged the Owner to make choices,
guided the Owner in the wise use of their resources,
unwrapped the surprise,
and found deep joy in each other's company.
How does an architect charge?
Architects normally charge a percentage of the construction cost. Usually the larger the project, the lower the percentage charged.
What kind of investment will we make in ADM's services?
To understand your investment in ADM, it is helpful to understand the process ADM uses. An ADM project has four phases: Exploration, Resolution, Development, and Technical Documents. In all the phases, ADM and the Owner are working as partners to end up with the best possible project within the Owner's budget.
In the exploration phase, ADM takes the Owner's wish list and develops two to six potential solutions made up of space diagrams and exterior and/or interior illustrations.
The Owners select one Exploration (or parts from several explorations) and in Resolution ADM assembles and defines the acceptable solution to the home owners wish list. In Development ADM answers 90% of design questions. This includes things like sizes of rooms and cabinet layouts.
With the Owner's approval of the Development drawings, ADM begins Technical Documents (what you may know as "blueprints" or "working drawings" or "construction plans"). These documents will become part of the contract between the Owner and the builder. ADM believes that the Owner, not the builder, should make choices on the quality level of the construction. Normally the Documents will have eight to twelve pages of drawings, specification, details, sections, and elevations to give the builder a full understanding of the project.
The investment for these services is based on an estimate of the potential building costs. Like many architects, ADM has a schedule that includes a lower percentage fee as the total construction cost increases. The investment for complete services for projects under $75,000 is 16% of potential construction costs; for project between $75,000 and$150,000, 12%; between $150,000 and $300,000, 10%; and over $300,000, 9% (divided into equal amounts for the four phases).]
In addition to these phases, ADM provides bidding and construction observation as lump sum fees, and other services at an hourly rate.
We bought house plans for $500 but we need ________, can ADM make changes for us? (Fill in the blank: a bigger family room, another bedroom, another garage bay.)
Some architects or designers will provide this service, but ADM has chosen not to provide this service for several reasons. The first is that our mission statement focuses our attention on the design of a project. When we start with someone else's plan, we have lost that focus before we even begin. The second is that your investment in our services would be four to five times as much as your initial investment in your plans.
Why would you charge so much to change our plans?
ADM spends a considerable amount of time preparing comprehensive plans. Even what might seem like small changes still take ten to twenty hours.
What many people who buy house plans don't consider is that, although your investment is fairly low, the companies that provide house plans sell hundreds (if not thousands) of those same plans. Those plans have resulted in $50,000 - $500,000 to the company. How then can we make changes to those plans and not get compensated to a similar extent?
We know exactly what we want (in fact we have floor plans we have drawn); will ADM draw plans for us?
Unfortunately, no. Once again, our passion is design, unwrapping the surprise that lies in every project. If an Owner is not open to letting ADM help them unwrap the surprise; the joy is gone for us. However, we do know several companies that provide this kind of service.
How will we know that we will be happy using ADM for our project?
Check out our portfolio for before and after photos of recent projects, take the 30-minute tour, talk to Owners of ADM projects (call ADM to discuss your project and we'll provide references), schedule a meeting to get to know us.