Get In Touch
Client FAQ
What is your design philosophy?
Thank you for this important question.
My design philosophy is based in providing the most apropos design for a client’s particular design problem at hand. A good design should always “fit” within the language of its surroundings and most importantly accomplish the programmatic goals. I will first work with each client to establish the language and aesthetic style that is most appropriate for their project.
What sets your firm apart from other architects with similar experience?
We are a new firm with a fresh perspective and a diverse knowledge base. Many other firms will be more focused on one “style/aesthetic” or building typology. Liv Arch has experience with an unusually diverse range of projects, which gives us a wider range of knowledge to draw on to deliver our services.
Do you have experience with the building type and size of my project?
Let’s discuss what your exact project needs and goals are. We are sure that Liv Arch has done, or is working on, something similar to what you need.
Can you share a portfolio of similar projects and provide a list of client references?
Absolutely. Liv Arch has a diverse portfolio and client base, and we can show you/put you in touch with precedents/references that will make you feel comfortable.
Use the Contact form above to get in touch and we can set up an initial meeting.
Who will be my primary contact at Liv Arch? Is this the same person who will design my project?
Liv Arch is a small firm and our president, Olivia M Holub, is involved in the day to day of every job.
What are the steps in the design process, and how are they organized?
Liv Arch will tailor the design and construction process to fulfill the needs of each individual project. At a high level, the phases of design/construction are as follows:
- Concept design
- Schematic design
- Design development
- Construction documents
- Construction administration
Phases that are not required per scope will be omitted and some phases are optional.
Contact us to review your scope and discuss the process further.
What criteria will be used to establish priorities and make design decisions?
To start a project, there are a few crucial elements Liv Arch requires from the client, the most important being the program.
The program is a basic description of the goals and needs of the project. What spaces are you trying to add/renovate? What are the basic needs that drove you to seek architectural representation?
After an initial meeting, Liv Arch will lay out the next steps and make clear to the client what we need to proceed.
What do you expect me to provide?
At first consultation, it is important to have a program (goals), along with initial budget and schedule. None of these things need to be “set in stone,” but it helps the process if Liv Arch has a full understanding of the scope ASAP.
How disruptive will construction be?
This will depend entirely on the scope of the project. Refinishing a secondary bathroom, for example, is likely less invasive than redoing the kitchen, which most people need to use daily.
The initial consultation process will allow us to define these concerns and let you know what to expect. For commercial jobs, the space is usually vacant until substantial completion, so disruptions are unlikely to occur outside of those caused by landlords and/or local laws.
What role do you have during construction? Am I expected to work with the contractor directly?
Liv Arch offers optional Construction Administration Services. This is a benefit in hiring Liv Arch over some other firms.
We have extensive knowledge and experience during this phase of design/construction, and often this is where things can get off track. We can explore what this means to your specific project and build this into the overall fee, for full CA services for larger jobs, or add it on as an hourly “on demand” service for projects only requiring small management.
Do you have experience with “green” or sustainable design?
Our president has been LEED (Green Building Institute) certified for building design and construction since 2009. She has been part of the process of getting many buildings certified “green” through this program.
Liv Arch also has an extensive background in selecting and specifying materials. With safety and code compliance as the first goal, sustainability is a close second.
Considering the many areas that may be affected by sustainable design, how will you determine which options to pursue?
This is a client driven issue that Liv Arch will work to guide you through. If “green” is the way you want to go, we will prioritize and provide options and budgets for you along the way to make the tradeoffs and goals clear to all parties involved.
If sustainable design technologies are implemented, do upfront costs exist that may affect the construction budget? What are the expected pay back times?
Unfortunately, the payback for green building is something that is often overlooked because it is a “life-cycle” issue.
If you are investing in a project that you will own/represent for a long time (10-20 years), you might more directly see the monetary benefits of the upfront cost. On the other hand, even if you are not expecting to reap the fruits of the upfront cost long term, it is certainly an attractive and trending benefit to tenants/potential buyers.
Fees FAQ
How do you establish fees?
Liv Arch has a range of fee structures, which are dependent upon the size and type of project.
There is never a cost for an initial meeting or consultation to discuss project scope.
We usually require a small retainer upfront upon contract execution and will work with each client to develop a fee that is in-line with the project budget and schedule.
In anticipation of a formal proposal with costs, what would you expect your fee to be for [this project]?
For a residential project, you can expect the architectural fee to range from 10-20% of the total final construction cost.
For a commercial job, the fee is more complicated but will be in a range closer to 10%.
What is included in your basic services and what services would incur additional fees?
This is something that can be negotiated upfront and depends on your goals.
If you only want Liv Arch to give you some options to consider, that is great, we are up for it!
If you want Liv Arch to be there everyday onsite to make sure things are going to plan, that is great too!
Contact us to discuss your general scope and we can give you the best feedback and fee breakdown.