A: No. I am more than happy to work with you on the payment process. Usually I break the total amount by key deliverables that I provide and then you just pay that portion before I start that deliverable.

A: Given the advanced software in the market today for architectural drafting, I try to leverage that as much as possible. Unless specifically requested, I do all of my drawings/plans using CAD software. Additionally that also allows me to then take those drawings and create a PDF file so that I can send the plans/drawing electronically to my clients. This in turn can be helpful since the client can send those files to contractors when requesting estimates.

A: Earlier in my career I did a wide variety of projects in California but I moved back to the Seattle area about six years ago. Since then, I have done projects all over the Puget Sound from Tacoma to Everett and from Seattle to Issaquah. Generally speaking my focus is in the Greater Seattle/Eastside area but I regularly serve clients in Pierce, King and Snohomish counties and in California.

A: Communication is important for any project or business but especially important for architectural projects. I believe strongly in pro-active, consistent and regular communication. I am accessible both via email and phone and I am usually able to return your call/email within 24 yours. I also provide regular updates to my clients on their projects. Additionally, I also believe it is important to regularly meet face-to-face and I make a concerted effort to do that.

A: Certainly. I have never declined a job because of the size of the project. There are times when I have too many projects and I am booked too far in advance and have to decline a project but I never decline based on project size. I have done projects from small remodels to large residential and commercial projects and everything in the middle.

A: This goes back to the flexibility that I have as a small firm. In addition to the standard designing and drafting services, I also provide layout arrangement, interior design, lighting placement, graphic design, construction consultation, bidding and permit oversight and construction observation.

A: Actually I have done both. I have worked on a wide variety of architectural projects from buildings to stores to new houses to remodels/additions. My true passion is on the residential side but given my experience I can handle a wide variety of projects.

A: Absolutely. I have listed some testimonials on this website from satisfied customers with their contact information. Additionally, I am more than happy to provide you with additional references and their contact information. I take great pride in my work and the majority of my business is from word-of-mouth so I am more than happy to introduce you to people who have used my services.

A: Either one is possible. Overall more clients choose the fixed price since it is more definable and there are no surprises at the end but some clients like the flexibility of the hourly pricing. It just comes down to preference.

A: Every project is different so it difficult to make a blanket statement like that. However the general rule of thumb is that if you are adding square footage or changing the external footprint of your house (i.e. raising the roof, adding square footage, etc.) you most likely need to consult with a structural engineer. And for those occasions, I have structural engineers that I have worked with that I can recommend.

A: The main advantages are flexibility and cost. I don’t have unnecessary overhead at my company and I am able to truly tailor my services to the specific project. For example, for one of my customers I actually helped him open up a ceiling corner of a room he was building on top of so we could check the framing. Bigger firms have more employees and hence more administrative costs and overhead. They also have more structure and internal rules which in turn makes it more difficult for them to customize their services based on the project.