A GUIDE TO WORKING WITH METHENY ARCHITECTS
Initial Meeting
- We will discuss your project, and what you want to achieve at any level of detail you wish to share.
- Answers to any questions you may have describing our process in greater detail than what is outlined here will be provided.
- Some details for the client to consider during this meeting are:
· Function
· Aesthetic
· Material
· Quality
· Budget
· Schedule
0 If you chose to work with Metheny Architects a contract will be written. Upon this signed contract, a $1,000 retainer as minimum fee will schedule the project to begin as follows:
1. Schematic Design
- When possible, a site visit is required to know exactly what constraints the project will have.
- An analysis of all local codes, and municipality restrictions will be done.
- Site surveys, Plat plans or other client information will need to be shared with the architect.
- We can begin a program (list) of rooms and a square footage cost associated with them (cost analysis).
- Discussions will begin to explore design solutions through rough sketches or other media.
o Fee based on an hourly rate until a concept is accepted by the Owner.
2. Design Development
- Site plan sketches will be presented to show possibilities and promote additional questions from you.
- Your feedback is essential here, and I ask that all major decision makers be present.
- At the end of this phase, the following will begin to develop:
· Site Plan
· Floor Plans
· Elevations or a 3D Model
- Client approval is required in writing to establish the design. Very few changes should occur beyond this point.
o A flat fee as defined in the contract will cover up to 50 hours of work by the Architect. Additional design time, meetings, revisions, etc., will continue at an hourly rate.
3. Bid Set
- Building form and materials inside and out will begin.
- Structural, mechanical, heating, lighting, and specialty controls also take shape.
- Other consultants such as landscape, lighting or mechanical engineers can be brought in as necessary at this time.
- We’ll consider possible contractors at this point.
- At the completion of this phase you will have a set of drawings for preliminary cost estimate, typically consisting of:
· Site / Grading Plan
· Floor Plans
· Exterior Elevations
· Building Sections
· Interior Elevations (as required at this stage)
· Outline Specification
· Structural Concept
· Lighting Concept
· Mechanical Systems Concept
o The Bid Set will be based on a fixed amount as defined in our contract per aggregate square feet area of the approved design, typically within $1-$3/ s.f.
4. Construction Documents –
- With all decisions and revisions made at this point the final details and information for construction, permits and final bid pricing are done here.
- We submit the project to local permitting near the beginning of this phase to ensure any necessary changes are incorporated before finalizing.
- At the completion of this phase you will have a set of construction drawings, typically consisting of:
· Site Plan
· Floor Plan(s)
· Foundation Plan
· Exterior Elevations
· Building Sections/Wall Sections
· Door + Window Details
· Interior Elevations
· Details (interior/exterior)
· Electrical / Lighting plans
· Building Specifications
· Schedules (Door/Window/Hardware/Plumbing/Lighting/Finish/Appliance, etc.)
· Structural Details (by a licensed engineer).
Depending on the level of completion required by governing entities, it’s typical (and advised) to have Detailed drawings, Finish Schedules and an Outline Specification of all materials and fixtures completed here.
o Projects 1,800 and under (ground flr.) = $3-$6/ s.f.
o Projects greater than 1,800 s.f. (ground flr.) = $2-$4/ s.f.
-OPTIONAL-
6. Contractor Selection and Construction Administration
- Aid in contract award / negotiation with GC
- Oversee construction + administration of the contract build (shop drawings, resolve on-site questions, etc.
o Fee based on an hourly rate of $80
- Although a full scope of architectural services is recommended for the best possible outcome of your custom home, phases 1-4 above are required to be in the same contract at a minimum.
- With the full range of architectural services for a custom design, you can expect the design fee to be 2-5% of final construction cost.
- Hourly rate is $80