FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I will always give a free 15 min consultation. Many times clients are just looking for some general advice on how to even go about a project. It's just the right thing to do to uncover as many unknowns early in the process.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I'd like to start with a 30 min-60 min project briefing to understand my client's scope, agenda, and objectives. If it makes sense to engage an architect, I'll propose a comprehensive timeline and budget. We try to be as transparent as possible to outline all the risks, misc. fees from the city, other consultants, etc... so the client understands as much as possible before committing further to a project. From there I typically suggest a "feasibility study" which is an in depth analysis of the client's program/needs/wants/wishes and how possible it is from a legal compliance standpoint. This involves drawing up a site plan and maybe a few floor plans to show the city's planning department to get feedback. We also internally circulate to general contractors and our engineering team to identify key risks and potential cost savings.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I went to Carnegie Mellon and Sci-Arc for my undergraduate studies, and Harvard for grad school. My emphasis was on how architects can design with a more financial/investment/development mindset. I then worked in real estate finance consulting which brings a whole new level of financial analysis to architectural projects that I can pretty much guarantee no other architect can provide. If you're dealing with an ADU or an investment property project, we should totally talk. I'm licensed in California and Massachusetts with over 10+ years of experience. California Architect License C-38556 Massachusetts Architect License 951833