Frequently Asked Questions

Over the past decade we have completed more than 150 projects spanning a wide range of scales and styles, building a well-rounded portfolio that includes everything from private retreats to corporate offices and vibrant entertainment spaces.

Our expertise covers:

• Custom private residences – new construction, renovations, and thoughtful additions
• Historic homes – restorations, reconstructions, relocations, and sensitive updates such as roof and window replacements
• Outdoor living environments – pool houses, patios, outdoor kitchens, and entertainment areas
• Hospitality spaces – restaurants, bars, and event venues, including both ground-up design and adaptive reuse
• Workplace design – offices, conference centers, and collaborative environments, new and repurposed
• Multi-family housing – innovative new developments and adaptive reuse of existing structures

From restoring historic landmarks to shaping modern living and working environments, we approach every project with creativity, technical expertise, and respect for context.

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Our design fees depend on two key factors:

1. Your project size
2. Your level of expectation

Because every project is unique, fees vary based on scope, complexity, and the specific needs of each client.

• Residential Projects
  Design fees can range widely. Smaller renovations or additions may cost just a few thousand dollars, while full-service design for large, custom homes can extend into the tens of thousands. Even modest projects often require 100+ hours of design work to ensure quality results.
• Commercial Projects
  Fees typically range from 5% to 10% of total construction costs. This includes comprehensive services such as design, permitting, bidding, and construction-phase oversight.
  • Bidding services help secure competitive pricing.
  • Construction-phase services provide confidence that the project is executed as intended—on time and within budget.

Ultimately, our fees are tied to the time and expertise required to deliver a design that meets your vision and expectations.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your project and provide a tailored estimate.

Our full-service design process brings together all the expertise your project requires under one coordinated team. In addition to providing comprehensive architectural design, we engage and manage the necessary design consultants—such as structural, mechanical, electrical, and site specialists—forming a unified “design team.”

From the first concept through the completion of construction, we oversee and coordinate every detail so you don’t have to. This approach is especially valuable for clients who prefer not to take on the day-to-day management of multiple consultants.

When owners bring in their own specialists—such as interior designers, landscape designers, or brand consultants—we seamlessly integrate them into our process. By fostering collaboration across all disciplines, we ensure the final design reflects your vision and achieves your goals, whether practical, expressive, or both.

Construction costs can vary widely depending on project type, size, and the level of quality desired.

• Residential Construction
  In the Midwest, residential projects typically range from $175 per square foot for a conventional wood-framed home to $350 per square foot or more for a high-end custom residence. The biggest factors driving cost are the quality of fixtures, finishes, and other custom design features.
• Commercial Construction
  Commercial costs vary significantly based on building size, construction type, and use.
  • Pre-manufactured metal buildings can be as low as $50 per square foot.
  • High-end facilities such as medical or government buildings may exceed $500 per square foot.
  • Most office, restaurant, and retail projects fall in the range of $150–$300 per square foot for new construction.

Important Note: “Building construction cost” refers only to the structure itself. It does not include the cost of land, site development, public utility connections, or design fees.

Building is a significant investment, and understanding these ranges early helps set realistic expectations and guide informed decisions.