A curious architecture firm
We are intrigued by the complexities of your project; we love imagining what’s possible – both aesthetically and practically – and making it happen. We ask the big questions and the small questions, we dig into the requirements to find alternative solutions, we assemble great teams that have you at the center. We work on projects from beginning to end – from visioning to paint colors, and from ideas to nuts and bolts. And all of our projects have one thing in common: great work for great clients.
We generally work on architectural projects in the greater Boston, MA area and the greater Lancaster, PA/Philadelphia area, and nationwide for consulting.
Learn MoreLegally speaking, you may or may not need one—many residential projects don’t require an Architect’s involvement by law. Any project over a certain size, or that includes any zoning analysis, does require one. But we encourage people to think of this question differently. Your house is likely the most valuable thing you own, and you and your family spend your life there. Or for business owners—your space is a critical piece of infrastructure, and deserves proper consideration to maximize output, profits, and employee retention.
Rather than ask what the bare minimum by law you can get away with, we encourage clients to ask a different question: “Do I need help thinking about how to use my space better?” If the answer is “yes,” then you can use an Architect!
We focus on three types of projects:
We are also active in our local Architecture schools teaching and sitting on reviews, have done in-house research related to building science and climate resilience, and consult on all kinds of topics. If you’re thinking we might be a good fit for you, just reach out and we’ll go from there!
First, ask your friends, family, colleagues, neighborhood groups, etc. Chances are, people you know and trust have worked with Architects or know people who have. Ask them who they worked with, whether they would recommend them, how the project went [both during design and construction phases], and what services the Architect provided. Think about when you need a new dentist or accountant – you ask your friends! Most of our work is through referrals like these – it works well for everyone, as the conversation starts out with a mutual, trusted referral.
Next – Google them! Do you like their work? Do they have a blog or Instagram, so you can see how they talk about their work, and where you can get a sense of their personality, values, and priorities? If you like what you see, then ask for an interview, and ask them about their process. They should include you in their process, and should have a proven track record with other clients—ask for references! [We have a document posted on our website under “Resources” that provides a list of questions you can ask potential architects, to make sure you’re covering your bases!]
And finally, you should choose someone you think you’ll be able to work well with. The Architect-Client relationship is intense during the project—think about your energy and theirs, about their demeanor and yours. You want to work with someone you’ll get along with, who’s good at helping you make decisions [there will be LOTS!], and who makes you feel confident, reassured, and inspired. It’s not enough that they know their stuff – they should be a good fit for you personality-wise as well!
We focus on three types of projects:
We are also active in our local Architecture schools teaching and sitting on reviews, have done in-house research related to building science and climate resilience, and consult on all kinds of topics. If you’re thinking we might be a good fit for you, just reach out and we’ll go from there!
Short answer, no. We want to be involved from day one of the project through the final day of construction because we know from years of experience that that’s the way to deliver the best product. We want our clients to be thrilled with the results; we want things to run smoothly, and we know how to make sure that happens. If you’re looking for less than full services, we’re not going to be a good fit!
We break the project down into phases:
Existing Conditions: We measure out the existing space, and create digital drawings [2D and sometimes 3D], mapping out everything we can see—including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing locations, structure, windows, doors, fixtures, etc. We do this ourselves, to learn about the building and get our heads into the project; not everyone does, but it’s integral to our process, and cuts down on surprises later.
Schematic Design: We work through several iterations of the project, figuring out the layout of all spaces, including kitchens and bathrooms, and create a set of schematic drawings that are detailed enough to get some “ballpark” pricing from contractors.
Bid Coordination: We provide a walkthrough for contractors to see the space and ask us questions, and then we help you review the bids that contractors submit. Our prior experience in contracting and as construction estimators really help here!
Construction Documents and Interior Design: Now that we know the basic layout of the project and we have assurance that we’re in your budget ballpark, we create in-depth construction documents [plans, sections, interior and exterior elevations, electrical/HVAC plans, fixture schedules, etc] which also include all fixture and finish selections—everything from paint colors, kitchen cabinets, tile, grout, sinks, faucets, floor materials, and everything in between! We’ll even help you with furniture selections and arranging your new space. These drawings are called the “construction set”, and they are also what we’ll use to apply for building permits, zoning variances if needed, and the like.
Depending on the size and type of project, engineers may be engaged to help with structure, mechanical, plumbing, facade, etc.; generally, residential projects don’t require much engineering, while commercial and industrial projects do require an engineering team.
Construction Administration: During construction, we’re there through every phase, from demo through finishes. We attend meetings with the contractor, answer questions that come up along the way, and deal with all the surprises that come up.
We also review the contractor’s invoices, suggest substitutions for materials and fixtures if needed, and help resolve all issues that come up during construction. Contractor calls you saying the tile we chose is suddenly not available and they need a new selection right now? We’re on it. Contractor opens a wall and discovers a bunch of pipes that can’t be moved, and the design needs to change, but the cabinets have already been ordered? Been there, done that – we’ve got it!
At the end of the project, we prepare a punchlist of items for the contractor to correct before they receive their final payment. In short, we’re your agent onsite, answering 95% of the questions that come up day-to-day, while only bringing you the ones we know you’ll want to weigh in on. And then, the building is yours!
