Yes, I am a licensed architect

Start designing and planning your project with an ARCHITECT who has the knowledge, vision, creativity, and technical expertise required for your project.

Do NOT let a contractor, civil engineer, or structural engineer handle the architectural design phase.

Yes, I am a licensed architect in the State of California.

Make sure your architect is LICENSED, not just a designer or drafter. Unfortunately, we take over too many projects that designers or drafters are unable to properly complete or coordinate.

READ THIS: California Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Section 5536:

"It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for any person who is not licensed to practice architecture..."

Yes, this is my full-time profession.

Make sure your architect or engineer is working in this field full-time — not moonlighting or treating it as a side job.

Otherwise, they may not be available during normal business hours when you or your contractor need prompt responses or urgent answers during construction. Fast communication can save significant time and money.

Also, make sure to review applicable California labor laws before engaging with someone who is employed full-time by another governmental or private agency while moonlighting on your project.

Yes, we have many excellent references and are well known in many cities and counties throughout California.

Before hiring anyone, make sure to ask about their reputation, project experience, deliverables, communication, and whether their design approach aligns with your expectations.

Architecture involves far more than drafting plans.

This profession requires expertise in:

Design and creativity

Structural coordination

Construction methods and constructability

Budget and cost efficiency

Building codes and regulations

City and county requirements

Product approvals and specifications

Energy efficiency and sustainability

Continuous education and licensing requirements

New technologies, products, and construction methods

Every client is different.

Every property is different.

Every budget and project goal is different.

When you hire an architect, you are not simply paying for drawings. You are paying for professional experience, industry knowledge, guidance, problem-solving, coordination, creativity, and technical expertise throughout the entire design and construction process.

A good architect helps protect your investment, reduce costly mistakes, improve construction efficiency, and turn your vision into reality.

Our goal is not simply to produce drawings — our goal is to help control your actual construction cost and guide your project successfully from start to finish.

Our services include:

Fully coordinated and detailed plans

Faster turnaround times. Prompt responses to questions and revisions

Quick responses to contractor RFIs to avoid construction delays. Coordination between multiple disciplines. Assistance fitting your wish list within your budget

Communication with inspectors when needed. Addendums and corrections when required. Assistance with applications and permit processing

Guidance throughout the entire project process. The value we provide far outweighs the difference in price.

We sincerely wish you the best of luck with the other architect or designer.

However, pricing alone should never be the only factor when selecting a professional for your project.

In many cases, the person was likely not a licensed professional.

Unfortunately, we cannot assist with legal matters related to that situation, but we strongly recommend verifying licenses before hiring anyone.

If your previous architect is licensed, then yes — we may be able to assist.

You will first need to obtain a signed release letter from the original architect. After reviewing the plans and city comments, we can evaluate the project and provide you with a proposal.

However, if the plans were prepared by an unlicensed drafter or designer, we generally do not revise or assume responsibility for their work. In those situations, we typically redraw and coordinate the project from scratch.

A thoughtfully designed, fully coordinated set of construction documents may require a larger upfront investment, but it can often save you significantly in construction costs by reducing material waste, minimizing change orders, avoiding permit delays, and preventing costly field corrections.

While choosing the lowest-priced option may seem appealing, poorly coordinated plans or inexperienced design services can lead to construction delays, additional Engineering, unexpected costs, and frustration throughout the permitting and building process.

Ultimately, it is your project, your investment, and your decision. We simply encourage every client to compare qualifications, experience, and long-term value—not just the initial fee.

You generally get what you pay for.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." — commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin

Choose Your Design Professional Carefully

When selecting a design professional, don't base your decision solely on online reviews or the lowest price. Take the time to verify who will actually be designing your project and who will be responsible for it throughout the permitting process.

Ask whether the person you are meeting with is the licensed architect who will oversee your project, review the drawings, and remain involved through plan check and permit approval. In California, licensed architects are held to professional standards and are responsible for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Some companies advertise architectural services when they primarily provide drafting services and outsource the architectural review or permit documents. Others may have a licensed architect involved only at limited stages of the project.

It is important for clients to understand who is responsible for the design and who will be available to respond to plan check comments, revise drawings, and coordinate with the building department when questions arise.

Before hiring anyone, consider asking:

Is the person I'm meeting with a licensed California architect?

Who will prepare and review my plans?

Who will respond to city corrections and plan check comments?

Will the same professional remain involved until my permit is approved?

Can I verify the architect's California license?

A building permit is more than a set of drawings—it's an ongoing process that often requires revisions, coordination with engineers, and communication with the local building department. Choosing a qualified professional who remains involved from the initial design through permit approval can help reduce delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary frustration.

Do your homework before making a decision. The right design professional should be transparent about their qualifications, their role in your project, and their commitment to seeing your project through to completion.

• How long have you been in business?
• How have you kept current in your practice?
• Do you have a valid California architect's license?

If so, what is your license number?

• Will you use consultants for this project? If so, who do you propose to use, and what are their qualifications? What has been your experience with them?

• What percentage of your practice involves the type of structure I intend to build, and have you recently designed this type of structure?

• May I see examples of your previous projects that are similar to my project (sketches, photos, plans)?

• May I have the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the clients for these previous similar projects?

• What was the actual construction cost versus budgeted cost for these projects?

• What services will you provide for my project?

Which are "basic" and which are "extra?"

• Will you or your employees provide the services?

• What services will you not provide or are provided by others?

• What does construction observation services entail?

How often will you be on site? What is your role during site visits during construction?

• How will your fees for my project be determined and what services do the fees cover?

We're Happy to Answer Your Questions

Don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you need before hiring a design professional. An informed client is better equipped to make the right decision for their project.

Whether you ultimately choose to work with us or another firm, we're always happy to provide guidance, explain the architectural process, and help you understand what to expect. We believe that educating property owners leads to better projects and a stronger, more transparent design and construction industry throughout California.

Our goal is not simply to earn your business—it's to help raise the standard of professional practice by encouraging transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making for every property owner.

Every project is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all architectural fee. The cost of architectural services depends on several factors, including the size of the project, complexity, location, existing site conditions, required Engineering, permit requirements, and the level of service you need.

Whether you're planning a room addition, ADU, custom home, commercial building, tenant improvement, or a major renovation, we provide customized proposals based on your specific project—not generic pricing.

Typical Architectural Fees

In California, architectural fees are commonly structured in one of the following ways:

Cost Per Square Foot

For projects where a square-foot pricing model is appropriate, architectural fees generally range between:

These ranges are general estimates only. Actual fees vary depending on project scope, site conditions, Engineering requirements, and local jurisdiction.

Percentage of Construction Cost

For larger or more complex projects, architects often charge a percentage of the total construction cost. In California, this typically ranges from:

Approximately 10% to 18% of the total construction cost.

This pricing method is common for custom homes, commercial projects, mixed-use developments, and projects requiring extensive design coordination and construction administration.

Hourly Architectural Services

For consultations, feasibility studies, code research, existing building evaluations, or projects with an undefined scope, architects may charge an hourly rate.

Typical hourly rates in California generally range from:

$200 to $300+ per hour, depending on the experience of the architect and the complexity of the project.

Flat-Fee Services

Many residential projects can be completed under a fixed-fee agreement when the scope is clearly defined. Examples include:

Room additions

ADUs

Tenant improvements

Interior remodels

Permit revisions

As-built drawings

Feasibility studies

A fixed fee provides cost certainty and helps clients budget their projects more effectively.

What Factors Affect Architectural Fees?

Several factors influence the overall cost of architectural services, including:

Project size and square footage

New construction vs. remodeling

Residential or commercial use

Structural complexity

Hillside or difficult site conditions

Local building department requirements

Historic or HOA approvals

Level of design customization

Construction administration services

Required consultants and Engineering

Because no two projects are exactly alike, the most accurate way to determine architectural fees is through an initial consultation.

Additional Costs to Consider

Architectural fees typically cover architectural design services only. Depending on your project, additional professional services may be required, such as:

Structural Engineering

Civil Engineering

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) Engineering

Soils or geotechnical reports

Land surveying

Energy compliance (Title 24)

CALGreen documentation

City permit and plan check fees

School district or utility agency fees

We clearly identify what is included in our proposal so you know exactly what to expect before work begins.

Get a Personalized Quote

Because every project is different, we provide customized proposals based on your goals, budget, and local jurisdiction. Whether you're planning a home addition, ADU, custom home, commercial building, or renovation, we'll help you understand the process and recommend the services that best fit your project.

Contact us today for a phone consultation and personalized architectural fee proposal. Consultations are fee-based, with the fee determined by your project location.