Insist on Top Tier Couture Architecture

Most homeowners enter into a residential addition or renovation with the naïve belief that all architectural services are created equal. An architect just draws up the plans so that a contractor can do the work, right? Wrong!

It is important to pick an architect according to the design style of the firm and by how much service the firm provides. The latter is particularly important because the level of service provided is a primary reason for differences in the cost of architecture. Dissatisfaction occurs when you hire an architect expecting a level of service that exceeds what the firm delivers.

Firms that offer full architectural services go through the same phases of design including Pre-Design, Concept Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, and finally Construction Observation. But that is where the similarity ends.

To better understand the differences in architectural services, it is helpful to think in terms of three tiers of service.

Tier 1 is comparable to a three- to eight-page “builder set” of construction documents. It is the least expensive level of architectural service and consists of the minimum design information required for obtaining a building permit, with few structural details and specifications. The contractor and owner have to develop the finish material selections and specifications, and determine a good percentage of details for construction. The architect is not involved in the construction phase.

Tier 2 offers a lot more structural details and specifications, but minimal design and assistance with finish material selections and lighting plans. Although more than the bare bones service of Tier 1, this tier still requires the contractor and owner to work out a good amount of the details on their own. The architect is minimally involved in the construction phase.

The external housekeeper's quarters blends with the complete design of the property and reaps the beauty of a carefully landscaped garden as well.

Tier 3 is the highest level of service—what we call “Couture Architecture.” At this level, homeowners are assisted with interior finish material selections. They receive guidance on tiles, countertops, appliances, fixtures, faucets, flooring and other applications during the design process. The architect will select and/or design moldings, mantels, cabinetry detailing and hardware selections, and other millwork items. They also develop lighting plans and select light fixtures with specifications, as well as develop color selections and other finish specifications. The level of detail and service is evident by the lengthy construction document set, which may consist of approximately 35–50 pages (for whole houses) along with a notebook of specifications for the bidding process.

With Couture Architecture, the architect or client may make these selections, or they may accompany the homeowner to shop for them. For example, Couture Architecture clients of Lindsay Daniel Architecture are taken to the warehouse to approve and tag individual granite slabs to ensure they get the color and quality of stone they specified.

External attached garage

The service extends into the construction process, where the architect is heavily involved in plan interpretation and guidance to the builder or contractor.

Is Couture Architecture worth the investment? That is an individual decision that depends on your unique needs and requirements of the project.

However, builders and contractors agree that this level of service results in saving time and money in ways you would not normally expect. For example, when the job is so well specified with all items selected BEFORE signing a contract, everything can be ordered and delivered to the job site before their scheduled installation time. That keeps the project moving at a steady pace, reducing unproductive halts in construction and minimizing expensive change orders. (It is common to hear that a $650,000 project can run three to four months over schedule with over $100,000 in change orders when minimal specifications are given before construction commences.) The job is completed more quickly, with fewer interruptions, saving you time and money on your addition and renovation project.

A variety of material selections make up this beautiful side porch.

Couture Architecture takes pressure off of you to make rushed decisions and approvals during construction. Plus, having extra eyes on the project during construction prevents much of the confusion and mistakes that are common in large construction projects.

Adding larger focal point items, such as this window wall stovetop/oven, can enhance the interior beauty of fine architecture.

Ultimately, this level of service gives you a home of the highest quality design and construction that will endure for generations. But even more important, Couture Architecture results in the best possible fit with your family’s lifestyle in plan, function and style.