What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We take pride in offering highly competitive pricing that suits your needs perfectly. Our architectural fees are divided into various phases, which can be tailored based on the project’s complexity. For those extra services like planning board approval and permitting assistance, we follow an hourly billing approach to ensure transparency and fairness.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The process can vary a bit based on the unique aspects of each project, but generally, it begins with an initial phone conversation. This is often followed by a site visit to better understand the client’s needs. When the client is ready to move forward, we create an Agreement for their approval. Afterward, we schedule a site visit for measurements, signing the Agreement, and processing a retainer payment. From there, we start by sketching out the existing conditions and moving on to the first draft of the proposed design. After getting the client’s green light on these initial drawings, we move forward with more detailed working drawings. These will be vital for the contractor to secure permits and carry out the construction phase. Throughout the process, clear communication and collaboration are key to ensuring a successful outcome.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
It’s truly rewarding to share the success of a recent project – an addition to a split-level home that was accomplished within a span of about 4 months. This timeline allowed us ample time to deeply understand the family’s needs and wishes. By meticulously translating these insights into detailed architectural drawings, we ensured a smooth and stress-free construction phase. This collaborative approach, rooted in attentive listening and effective communication, not only leads to outstanding results but also adds an element of comfort and ease for the families we work with.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
When searching for an architect, it’s crucial to find a professional who will not only navigate you through various design phases but also genuinely listen and respect your ideas and desires within your budget. A reliable architect understands the construction process inside out, and that’s exactly what you need. The last thing you’d want is to invest time in the entire design process, reach the bidding stage, and discover that the proposed design isn’t financially feasible. This can result in additional expenses to backtrack. At JRDA Studio, we prioritize your home investment, ensuring that you’re well-informed and have realistic expectations from the beginning. Your trust matters to us, and we’re committed to providing guidance, support, and a clear path forward..
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
We encourage our clients to reflect on how they envision using their space and how they’d like their ideal home to function. Every family’s needs are unique, and it’s not solely about conforming to trends or pursuing a “bigger is better” approach. Sometimes, the most impactful designs arise from a thoughtful consideration of functionality and purpose. It’s not about flashy additions; rather, it’s about creating a space that aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and preferences. We’re here to help you craft a home that’s not just spacious but also meaningful and tailored to your individual needs.
I have started construction and need drawings for a building permit. Can you help?
This is my first time doing a project and not sure what my construction budget would be. Can I begin to get a construction estimate with preliminary sketches?
We would never advise for you to start construction without architectural drawings and a building permit. First of all a building permit is used to protect the safety and compliance to the latest building codes and municipal requirements. It is kind of going into a fight blind and without training, why would you gamble on such a big investment on your home?
But nonetheless, we are here to help. We can provide a permit set tailored to your situation, and we are aware of budget and time constraints. Please give us a call.
We understand this process can be overwhelming, there are so many factors in play that it can feel very uncertain. At JRDA Studio we want to help you understand your construction budget from the beginning of the design process. During the schematic design phase, we can provide a budget range based on the design options. Typically contractors prefer to receive construction drawings to provide an accurate proposal. If you have a contractor in mind, we do recommend working with them from the beginning of the design process to keep it within budget. Or we can recommend a contractor to kick start the preconstruction stage of the project.
JRDA studio | Residential Architecture 