Services and Rates
Agate Architecture, LLC provides a broad range of residential & commercial architectural services from project inception to completion. Architectural services are typically provided on an hourly rate of $125 dollars per hour. On large projects, fees are based upon a percentage of total construction cost. Economies of scale and types of services provided inform the compensation percentage rate. Regardless of project size and scope, clients are provided with an estimate for the cost of services which includes a not-to-exceed without client approval fee.
Services Provided
Pre-Design
Programming
Site Evaluation & Feasibility Studies
Creation of As-Built Drawings
Project Feasibility & Assessment reports that evaluate existing conditions and the capacity to meet the needs of the proposed future use.
Define the project scope, taking into account the owner’s program, financial, and time constraints. A broad overview of site-related limitations and general requirements for the project are established.
Schematic Design
After establishing the program for a project, the architectural design process focus shifts from existing problems to solutions . During schematic design, the focus is on the "scheme," or overall high-level design. Here, minor details should be ignored to instead focus on creating a coherent solution that encompasses the project as a whole.
A major focus of this phase is the relationship between rooms and spaces. Consideration of which rooms should be adjacent to one another along with gradients of public versus private spaces are taken into account when sketching room layouts.
Design Development
During the design development phase of the architectural design process, the scheme is refined into the final design. In previous phases, the focus has been on the project as a whole. During Design Development, it becomes important to give individual attention to each aspect, each space, and each detail of the project.
The size and character of the project are further refined and described, including architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, materials, and other elements as deemed appropriate. During this stage the owner is asked to approve the selections, included systems, and finishes.
Construction Documentation
Work and code related requirements for the project are set forth in detail. All aspects of the drawings are completed. The drawings are fully prepared and able to be submitted for bidding and permits. During this phase the quality control mechanisms are fully implemented; this ensures what is produced at the end is a fully completed set of drawings. At this stage of the architectural design process, the focus shifts from design to communicating the design and providing all information necessary for construction and obtaining a building permit.
Contract Administration
Bids or negotiated proposals are solicited, obtained, and contracts are awarded. Plans are submitted in order to receive building permits. Coordination is done with contractors to answer any design or construction queries; this debugs any issues that might arise. During construction, I verify completion of stages, while after construction punch lists are provided. Assistance is given in owner’s use and occupancy of the completed project.