service questions

CAN YOU DESIGN ARCHITECTURE? Yes, I can for residential and small commercial projects. I am a Certified Professional Building Designer. Please see this article for details on my qualifications, and the laws regarding Residential Design. CLICK HERE

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE? The preferred method for ALL communication is EMAIL. I require all files and project information, questions, requests, notes etc to be shared via email or an on line file share platform like Google Drive.  If your company uses Asana, Trello or similar, I’m happy to be added there. You will receive and sign my Letter of Agreement in HelloSign, and billing will be sent via QuickBooks Online.  All meetings are done in Zoom.  Meetings and phone calls must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Beyond the initial contact, I do not accept text messages or DM’s on Social Media unless there is an emergency.

 HOW ARE DOCUMENTS & IMAGES DELIVERED? All plans and documents are delivered digitally via email or Google Drive.  If prints are requested, I can send the file to a printer near you for you pick up locally.

HOW DO YOU WORK? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?  Click here for Details

WHAT GOES INTO CUSTOM HOME DESIGN PRICING? Click here for Details

DO YOU HAVE CONTRACTORS? No, I don’t refer contractors. I can coordinate with the contractors & builders you hire, if needed. I have found that this is the best way for me to work as your advocate, and create the design that you want.  AWDS does not provide or manage contractor services; so independent contractors hired by the client are an integral part of the process. I suggest you ask your neighbors, friends and family for referrals for contractors that are currently working in your area and have done a good job.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?  

  1. Email me with your project inquiry

  2. Zoom “meet and greet” 

  3. Letter of Agreement

  4. Deposit Payment

  5. Initial Design, Plan or Renderings

  6. Revisions & Edits

  7. Final documents & images

WHAT IF I DECIDE MID-PROJECT I WANT TO ADD MORE TO THE SCOPE? Since I work hourly, increasing the scope is not a problem.  You can add more services any time.

CAN I SHOP ON MY OWN? Yes, I do not offer procurement services.  My plans will give a style direction for you to shop on your own.

WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS CAN I EXPECT? I do my best to give you an accurate estimate for the design time required.  This estimate could increase after we start, if there are unforeseen circumstances that arise, or a major redesign is requested. You should expect to have additional costs for structural engineering, landscape design, audio/visual design, or any other specialist your design may require.  All construction costs are decided between you and your contractor. I do not price for labor, materials, permits, or any construction, those costs will come from your contractors.  

HOW LONG DO PROJECTS NORMALLY LAST? This totally depends on the scope of the project. The more time you can allow for design, the less stressful it will be for you. Occasionally there are delays caused by weather, vendor vacations, factory errors, and other unpredictable influences, that are out of my or your control. The client, as well as all professionals hired to work on the project, are expected to not cause unreasonable delays.

WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE? The initial deposit payment is required to start services. After that, you will receive a bill monthly for time spent on your project.  Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due on receipt. Invoices more than 30 days past due will accrue a 10% late fee per month and all work will cease until invoice is paid.

WHAT IF I HAVE CONCERNS? Please bring these to my attention immediately and we will discuss your concerns and if necessary, find a more desirable solution.  

WHAT ABOUT BUDGET?  Understanding your investment is very important for the project to run smoothly and for your expectations to be met. After you send me your project information, I will give you an estimated minimum cost for design services.  This does not include any costs for purchasing, implementation, construction, etc.   If you have limited funds, we can typically find a smaller scope of work to fit your budget.