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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with a project?
Call us! The earlier in the process of thinking about a project, the better.
We will need to understand your project goals, timeframe, and budget. Based on that information, we can give you a sense of the best way to move forward.
However, the mistake many clients make is to make key decisions before talking to an architect, which can impact their project. Talking to an architect early can often save you time, money, and frustration.
Why does Studio Z charge for an initial consultation?
It’s simple: Value. As architects, our time and expertise are the primary assets we have to offer. Typically, our initial consultation takes place at your home or property and lasts about two hours, excluding travel. We come prepared with research on your property and relevant issues that may impact your project.
Whether you hire us or not, you retain all of the value of our consultation, including design and construction details, costs, feasibility, zoning issues, and any concerns or insights we have shared.
Read more about the costs of remodeling or building a new home.
How long will it take to design my project?
It can take several months to take a project from initial idea to construction documents.
Despite what you may see on HGTV and other programs, the home design process is extremely complex — whether you’re doing a major home remodel or designing and building a new home.
It takes the thorough research, design exploration and considerations, careful planning, coordination of many different team members and skill sets, and from site feasibility and zoning, to structural and mechanical issues, to layout and finishes, every detail must be considered.
During this process, you will need to make thousands of decisions, ranging from choosing design options to what tile you’d like for your shower walls.
Our role is to present the best options and to advise and guide you through this process. But the project schedule, and how quickly some steps happen, will ultimately depend on the flow of information and your ability to take quick and decisive action, when needed.
Does Studio Z provide construction services as well?
Studio Z does not provide construction services. However, we are happy to provide you with names and contact information for contractors who have worked successfully with our clients in the past.
However, we will work very closely with your chosen contractor throughout the entire design and build process, and do our best to ensure that your construction process is as smooth as possible.
Can Studio Z help me design and build a project over several years?
We often work with clients who, for various reasons, choose to build their project in phases. The best way to start thinking about a phased project is to imagine how you’d like your home to be in 5 or 10 years, for example:
If you have children, how old will they be?
Will you entertain frequently?
Do you plan to work from home?
We’ll take these ideas and come up with a master plan – a set of plans for your future home.
Once the master plan is designed, we work with you to determine the best sequence for constructing the various phases based on your needs and budget, and according to construction best practices.
Read more about the pros and cons of phasing your major home remodel.
What interior design services does Studio Z offer for their architecture clients?
Interior design services include fixture and finish selections, such as lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, tile, cabinetry, appliances, etc.
Our designers can help you in making any – or all – of these selections.
Studio Z does not provide interior decorating services for items like window treatments, artwork, and furnishings, but we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
On recent projects, some clients have requested that we accompany them on shopping trips, others have asked for our opinion on items they have already chosen.
However you choose to involve us in design selections, we will provide you with our expertise and honesty.
Learn more about how Studio Z’s architects and designers work together from the start to make your home design project a beautiful reality!