Orion Watkins Architecture FAQ
Q: What services do you offer?
A: Orion Watkins Architecture provides a broad spectrum of services to our clients, catering to various types of architectural projects. Whether you need a design for a new residential or commercial building, an interior renovation, or an adaptive reuse of an existing building, we have the expertise to help you throughout the entire process.
Our design services include site analysis, programming, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. Our drafting services range from 2D drafting to 3D modeling and rendering, helping our clients to visualize their project before construction even begins.
Additionally, we offer project management services to oversee the project and ensure that it stays on schedule and within budget. Our team can also provide construction administration services, which includes site visits, reviewing contractor submittals, and addressing any issues that arise during construction.
Overall, we are committed to providing comprehensive architectural services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each of our clients.
Q: How much are your fees?
A: You can expect to spend between 5%-10% of the total construction cost for architectural services. Our fees depend on several factors such as the size and complexity of the project, the level of detail required, the timeline of the project, and the scope of services needed. Our team works closely with clients to understand their needs and budget constraints, and we provide a detailed estimate of our fees during our initial consultation. This estimate includes a breakdown of the services we will provide and the cost associated with each service. We strive to be transparent and fair in our pricing to ensure that our clients receive the best value for their investment.
Q: Why do you base your fees off of projected construction costs?
A: Architects base their fees off of the projected construction costs because the cost of building a project is closely related to the complexity and the design services that an architect is expected to provide. The more complex a project is, the more design services will be required to bring it to life. Furthermore, a higher budget for construction often implies a more complex design and greater attention to detail, resulting in a greater workload for the architect. Therefore, it is necessary to base the fees on projected construction costs to ensure that the architect is fairly compensated for their services.
Q: Why should we hire an architect and not a draftsmen?
A: Hiring an architect instead of a draftsman ensures that you are receiving a higher level of expertise and professionalism. Architects have gone through extensive education, training, and licensing requirements to become licensed professionals, while draftsmen do not typically have the same level of education and training. Additionally, architects have a broader range of knowledge and experience in design, building codes, and construction techniques, which allows them to create more sophisticated and innovative designs. Hiring an architect can also potentially save you money in the long run, as they can help prevent costly mistakes and ensure that the project runs smoothly from start to finish. Construction costs typically run 15%-20% higher when not using an architect. For more information see ‘Why Hire an Architect’.
Q: How long will it take to complete the documents?
A: The timeline for completing architectural documents can vary greatly depending on several factors. The size and complexity of the project are two major factors that can impact the timeline. For larger and more complex projects, there will likely be more design iterations and revisions required, which can add to the overall timeline. Another important factor is how quickly clients make decisions, as any delays in decision-making can have a ripple effect on the entire project timeline. Additionally, timelines for other consultants, such as surveyors and engineers, can also impact the timeline for architectural documents. After the initial meeting, the architect can provide a tentative timeline for completing the project documents based on these various factors.
Q: Do I have enough in my budget for what I want?
A: At Orion Watkins Architecture, we understand that budget is an important consideration for any project. We work closely with our clients to understand their project goals and budget constraints from the outset. During our initial consultation, we can provide a rough estimate of the construction costs based on the scope and program of your project. We can also suggest potential material choices and strategies to help you achieve your desired outcome within your budget. By being transparent about the costs associated with your project, we can work together to ensure that your project stays within your budget while still meeting your needs and aspirations.
Q: What kind of support do you offer during construction?
A: At Orion Watkins Architecture, we understand that construction can be a complex and daunting process, which is why we offer full construction administration services to our clients. These services include site visits, contractor meetings, review of submittals and shop drawings, and overall project management. While these services are not typically included in our fees, we are always happy to provide them at the request of our clients to ensure a successful and stress-free construction process. Our goal is to be there for our clients from the beginning of the design phase all the way through to the completion of construction.
Q: What are the steps of this process?
Step 1: Give us a call. We can discuss your vision and determine if our firm is a good fit for the project.
Step 2: We meet. We get to know you and your project a little better and we observe the site/building we are working with.
Step 3: The design process begins. Schematic Design is the first step in making your dream a reality. Schematic Design is the first step in the design process where we work with you to explore and establish the essential concepts and ideas that will shape the project. During this phase, we use sketches, diagrams, and models to create a rough visual representation of the design direction. This is an opportunity for the client to visualize and understand the design options presented and provide feedback to refine the design. The outcome of this phase is a preliminary design that includes the overall layout, scale, and relationship between different spaces of the building.
Step 4: Design Development. During the Design Development phase, we take the initial ideas from the Schematic Design and further develop them into a more refined and concrete visualization using our advanced computer software. This is a crucial step in the design process where we meticulously refine and finalize the design, ensuring that it aligns with your vision and meets all necessary requirements.
Step 5: Construction Documents. At this point we transform your finalized dream design from Step 4 into contract documents and building permit requirements. Our team also manages consultant coordination during this phase to ensure that all aspects of the project are properly integrated.
Step 6: Bidding and negotiations: We provide valuable assistance with the bidding and negotiation process, ensuring that you receive competitive and accurate bids from reputable contractors. Our team is committed to helping you make informed decisions and securing the best possible value for your project.
Step 7: After the design and planning stages are complete, it's time to turn your dream into a reality through construction! At Orion Watkins Architecture, we also offer comprehensive construction administration services to help ensure that the construction process runs smoothly and that the final product matches the design intent. We are committed to providing our clients with a stress-free building process and ensuring that the final result is everything they envisioned.