FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why the name CRAFT DESIGN | WORKSHOP llc?
I believe that craftsmanship is the responsibility of every person involved with the design and construction of a custom home. Naming the company as I did is a tribute to that belief. The bolded “RA” acknowledges both that I am both a Registered Architect and Residential Architecture is the service being provided. Finally, the sketched guidelines behind the letter “C” are a nod to the pld in the companies prior name…PLDesign Studio, Inc.
Is there a difference between a commercial architect and a residential architect?
From an educational and licensing standpoint, there is no difference. Both require the same professional exam and continuing education. However, the experience of each is generally very different. We work from different codes. The commercial code addresses many use categories, occupant loads, fire separation between uses, etc. This results in many commercial firms specializing in a limited number of uses. Being a residential firm, CRAFT DESIGN | WORKSHOP llc specializes in custom homes focusing on residential code and assembly standards.
Can you explain the process that we will go through for designing our new home with you?
With over thirty years of experience in the industry, the process used for designing your home has been refined to become very detailed over the years. An outline of that process can be reviewed here.
Can you explain the difference between the bid process and a negotiated contract?
The bid process involves the architect creating a highly detailed set of construction drawings and specifications for distribution to a number of builders that review the documents and provide a cost to build. I believe this process encourages contention and corner cutting and I generally try to avoid it. In a negotiated contract arrangement, the builder joins the architect/interior designer early on as a design-build teammate. This is a much more collaborative environment, generally resulting in an open exchange of information with a higher quality outcome.
How much will it cost to design my home?
The most accurate response that I have ever heard for that question is “how much does a red car cost?” There are a number of variables involved in a custom home design and build. Several questions need to be answered before a fee range can be established. Fortunately, the process at CRAFT DESIGN | WORKSHOP llc incorporates a separate contract for gathering and documenting the required information prior to committing to the full design process.
How long will it take to design my home?
The process can be completed in as little as 6-8 months. However, it commonly takes a little over a year from the time we get started until the builder is prepared to dig. The amount of time is dependent on your material selection decisiveness, the amount of time the builder requires to prepare estimates, and the availability of needed consultants. There are occasions when the process does take longer. The build usually takes another 10-14 months.
How much will I be involved in the design of my home?
Depending on the project phase, you will be as involved in the design as much as you choose to be. This is especially true in the earlier phases. Once we get to the construction document phase, the majority of necessary decisions will have been made, and CRAFT DESIGN | WORKSHOP llc will be deeply involved in assembling all of that information into a set of documents that communicates to the builder and permitting agencies what it is that is going to be built.
We don’t have land yet. Is it too early to involve an architect?
Absolutely not. I appreciate the opportunity to walk a site with a client prior to them making a final commitment. This gives me the opportunity to review some of the things that need to be considered in regards to the buildability of a particular piece of land. However, about half of the Pre-Design contract involves site discovery. Therefore, home design will not start until land is secured.
We are not familiar with any of the builders in the area, can you provide any guidance in the selection?
I am not affiliated with any particular builders and I am happy to work through the selection process with you. It is good to identify a builder that is willing to work with you in a design-build capacity.
We don’t want to have a home designed that we can’t afford to build. How do you keep the project on budget?
By working in a design-build arrangement in a negotiated contract, the builder is involved during the design process and provides estimates and suggestions along the way to help keep the project on budget. This results in fewer surprises at the time you are ready to build. When using the bid process, the builder has not been providing guidance and there is a higher risk that bid numbers will provide unexpected surprises.
How do we get started?
The easiest way to get started is by completing and submitting the no obligation form located on the Contact page. The information provided will be reviewed and I will provide a response as soon as possible.
Still have questions, but don’t need an architect. Please ask your question in the form below. I will either respond directly or I will add the answer here on the FAQ page.