OUR PROCESS
architectural fees
Hiring methods include:
Monthly: An overall fixed fee to be paid in equal portions on the 1st day of each month over a set number of months*.
Hourly: Billed via weekly invoice at the end of each working week, rounding up to the nearest full hour.
On retainer: Billed at our hourly rate (disclosed within each project proposal) per a contracted timeframe.
*Note: You do have the option to pay the design fee in full at the start of a project.
Initial consultation: $500 per project / This non-refundable fee is rolled into the overall amount for fixed fee projects billed on a monthly basis.
why hire an architect?
When you hire an Architect, you are investing in low risk, high success. Architects are highly trained, nationally licensed pros with maximum style who will design in a way that solves problems for you before they even arise. A great Architect will ensure your project doesn’t just look great on paper. You should choose an Architect who speaks your language - someone you mesh with - because the best projects are close collaborations.
Hiring POWERHOUSS buys you:
Vital construction knowledge of what to do and - maybe more importantly - what not to do in design and construction
Advanced construction techniques for maximum style, enhanced comfort, and better expected building performance
Building science knowledge that properly prepares your home for strength and stability in your climate
Deeper building material knowledge, awareness of alternative materials, and advanced styling ability
Architectural history that allows us to introduce time-tested styles with modern solutions
the DESIGN / build PROCESS
Schematic Design / First meeting. Analysis and layout of the site. Decision on initial building placement. First sketches are drawn.
Design Development / Initial drawings are turned into drafted plans. Building takes 3D form. Most design decisions are made.
Construction Documents / ‘Permit Set’ drawings submitted to you for final review. Final design decisions are made.
Structural Engineering / POWERHOUSS delivers stamped ‘Permit Set’ to you and your selected engineer. Structural design created. Architecture is coordinated with structural design. Stamped structural drawings are delivered to you.
Building Permit Application / You (or your builder) submit digital architectural and structural drawings to your city’s building department with a building permit application and any fees required by the city.
City Review Process and Award / Building department reviews all drawings within approx. 2 - 4 weeks. If your city requires, either POWERHOUSS or your structural engineer will perform any necessary revisions to our drawings to appease city comments. Building permit acquired from your city.
Construction / With your building permit in hand you are clear to build. Your local building department will visit your project and perform milestone inspections to ensure all construction is meeting current building codes and safety standards. POWERHOUSS will perform construction administration services (if hired to do so) to monitor the progress, flag any issues that need addressing, and host regular construction meetings throughout construction.
Completion / Kick back, crank the music, and enjoy your new space.