FAQs

+ Why do I need an architect?

In general, there are two separate reasons for hiring an architect and two different kinds of architects. An architect is hired for their pragmatic expertise or their design expertise, or both.

The pragmatic needs for hiring an architect are drafting, building permitting, and coordination before and during construction. Permitting is the most basic legal reason for hiring an architect; local governments require certain projects to have a building permit, which requires drawings that are stamped by a licensed professional (i.e. the architect). In terms of coordination, the architect operates like a wedding planner. They are hired to guide you through the entire design and building process, help you make smart decisions, solve technical behind-the-scenes problems so you do not have to, and work with other professionals on your behalf. If your needs are mainly pragmatic, then any decent architect should be fine.

The above reasons are different from hiring an architect for their design, aesthetics, and style expertise. Proficiency in drafting, permitting, technical coordination is not the same thing as having the creative skillset and vision necessary for creating something beautiful. If design is a top priority for you, then choosing the right 'designer architect' is much more crucial.

+ Does my architect need to be licensed?

If your project requires a building permit, then yes, you need a licensed architect. Fun fact: There are no ‘unlicensed’ architects. In the United States, it is illegal for any designer or any other person to use the term ‘architect’ or 'architecture' anywhere in their business title if they are not licensed, though this happens often.

+ Do I need an architect, interior designer, and decorator?

If you work with us, no. Even though these trades are often distinguished from each other, they really should not be. These title distinctions are the result of the legalities of permitting and trends in the building industry more than anything else and have led to different professionals designing only ‘their portion’ of a single home. However, in medium-to-large-size projects, this piece-meal approach is a major loss for clients because it is not how a home is actually experienced. The architecture, interiors, furnishing, and decoration of a home are experienced together because they combine to define a common space. In this regard, we consider ourselves to be designers of experiences above all else, and architecture, interior design, and decor are merely the parts of a single approach. This is why our knowledge in all of these areas is important.

General advice: In general, most architects are actually more equipped to do interior design than many clients believe, just as interior designers are also often capable of decorating. However, decorators are usually not as equipped to do full interior design work and interior designers are not equipped to do architecture.

+ Can I just use an interior designer?

It depends. Legally speaking, interior designers are not permitted to make certain changes to buildings, so projects that are of a larger size usually require an architect. But beyond the legal differences, the average architect has a lot more education and training than the average interior designer. Architects also have the experience of coordinating the design and construction of buildings with the different consultants (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) throughout the entire process—from the beginning conceptual phase to the end of construction. Due to the scope of most interiors projects, interior designers often do not have this knowledge or foresight because their work does not require it. As a result, nearly all clients benefit greatly from having an architect on their project, even if their project does not require an architect’s stamp. The project tends to runs smoother.

+ Who else do I need for my project?

This depends on your project’s scope. Large homes may require professionals other than the architect and contractor, such as structural and mechanical engineers, landscape designers, lighting consultants, audio/video consultants, expediters, special fabricators, etc. Your project team really depends on what you are looking to do and this is something we can advise you on.

+ How do I know if you are for me?

Finding the right architect is very important and truthfully it may or may not be us. To help you determine if we are a good fit, we offer prospective clients Project Starter Services. These are short-term services designed to kick-start your project. Through them, you learn your project's potential and we get to know each other before signing on for the whole thing. Creating a home is a long process and you definitely want to pair with someone you feel comfortable with. Good vibes are necessary for good design!

+ Do you take on projects in my area or outside of California?

We work primarily in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but also love working in other places. We have designed projects literally around the world, are licensed in New York State and California, and have the capacity to design projects pretty much anywhere and in any timezone. Regardless of where you are, get in touch and we will see if we can make it happen.

+ How do I start my project?

The best way to start is by booking one of our Project Starter Services, which gets you the information needed to start the conceptual design of your project.

+ What is your design style?

Our design style is modern. However, modern design is a broad spectrum and we operate anywhere from the ultra-minimal and clean to the ultra-bold and eclectic, depending on the personality of the client. To get a sense of some of the specific aesthetics and moods we like, check out our visual design blog 'Treats' on our website and Instagram. Or, if you have a specific reference in mind, feel free to reach out to us. We love modern design because it gives us many possibilities for creating unique homes for people, which is our primary interest more than any particular aesthetic.

+ What is your process?

Our Genius-Build Track is our proprietary design and building process. The Genius-Build Track booklet is our extensive guide for clients. It explains each phase and step in detail with tips and advice. It also incorporates several special processes unique to our office and an overview map of your project’s journey. We give the Genius-Build Track to all of our clients at the beginning of a project and to our prospective clients who purchase a Project Starter Service.

+ Who will design my project?

The two partners, David and Marina, will be the people designing your project.

+ Do you work with 3D modeling?

Yes! We use a powerful Building Information Modeling program and a variety of other software to generate 2D drawings and 3D models simultaneously. Technology is only a tool and we use it to communicate more effectively with our clients, save time in the construction documentation process, and have efficient coordination with the builders and consultants.

+ What services do you provide?

Our main services are architecture, interior design, furnishing, site-planning, construction administration, and turnkey services. For all of these services, we do the designing, curating, and overseeing of the construction/installation. While we believe designing all of these together yields the best product, we are happy to work within a specific trade if a project requires it.

Turnkey services are for clients who would like their home to be made 'move-in -ready'. In these instances, we take care of the ordering, delivery, and installation of not only the furniture, but also the dishware, linens, fragrances, etc.—literally everything that is needed to prepare your home so all you have to do is turn your key! If there is another service you have in mind that is not listed here, reach out.

+ What type of projects do you have experience designing?

Many types. Our experience includes private residences (ranging from million-dollar condos to large waterfront estates), residential and office high-rises, healthcare facilities, university master-planning, schools, art galleries, art installations, cafes and restaurants, business incubators, luxury fashion stores, hair salons, and event spaces across five different continents.

+ Can you do a commercial project?

Yes! Even though our focus is single-family residences, we remain engaged with other types of projects. Our diverse experience and mindset allow us to approach all projects with equal investment and creativity.

+ I am looking at properties, can you help me?

Yes! Our Project Starter Services has a package for this. Our 'Property Discovery' service includes an on-site and in-person consultation, our Luxury Residence Starter Kit, a property development analysis, and a preliminary site observation report to help you decide if you should buy the land or building.

+ When should I plan to hire an architect?

For nearly all projects, the architect is probably the first person you should hire. While there is no standard time frame, the sooner you have them on board, the better because a significant part of the architect's role is coordinating and advising. Much like a wedding planner, it is our job to help you make the correct decisions and avoid the wrong ones from the beginning so future errors are avoided.

+ How long does it take to design a new home?

The average time is 4-10 months. This depends greatly on the scale of the project and its program, the complexity of the design, the constructibility of the site, and how much custom work there is. We advise not rushing the design process not only because mistakes are more likely to be made, but also because client decisions and approvals are then often made prematurely and then undone later. Everyone, including the client, needs enough time to be sure about the decisions they make. Regardless of how fast a designer works, the design schedule has to allow for reflection and design refinement.

By establishing a project schedule and working backward from when you need to move in, we make sure that the right amount of time is dedicated to the design phases and we stay on schedule. We can give a rough schedule estimation if you contact us or book a Project Starter Service.

+ How long does it take to build a new home?

The construction time of a custom single-family home varies but is typically somewhere between 1 to 3 years. This fluctuates with many factors such as the supply and demand of materials and labor. The construction schedule should have some slack to accommodate site-related discoveries after construction begins, delays in obtaining governmental approvals such as permits or special inspections, and other unforeseen conditions which arise in every project. If the scope of the work is mostly interior, non-structural, and does not require permitting, then construction happens much more quickly.

+ Can you fast-track my project?

Yes. If you have a really tight schedule we can fast-track your project by overlapping certain phases. We have done many projects this way, however, fast-tracking should only be done as a last resort as it increases costs, client stress, and the likeliness of errors. We do not recommend this for custom homes.

+ How much does it cost to build a new home?

The cost to build a new home varies greatly and depends on the project scope, detailing, quality of materials, schedule, and site location, soil conditions, zoning, etc. Building a high-end home in California can range from $700/SF at the low end to $2000/SF and higher. Architectural and engineering fees are not included in these numbers. We typically do not work on projects below a certain threshold. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

+ Do I need a building permit for my project?

This depends on the scale of your project and what you are looking to build, but any large home will very likely need a permit. This is one of the first issues we would look into to determine the best approach for your project as permitting can impact the project schedule.

+ Will you help me secure permits & other approvals?

Yes! We will prepare all the architectural drawings required by your local jurisdiction to get your building permit submitted and approved. If your property requires a Homeowner's Association or another community board approval, we will also help you get this done. For large projects or projects where the schedule is a priority, a professional expediter is the best way to get permitting done quickly.

+ What is an expediter?

Getting a building permit can be a finicky process and an expediter helps get it done more quickly. Having an expeditor is like having a friend who works in the Building Department. Hiring one is a good idea for projects on a complex site, for properties with particular zoning requirements, if the schedule is a priority, or if your local governmental agency is known for being difficult in the building permitting process. Expediters often operate in specific geographic areas, because they need to know the local codes and examiners at the Building Department. We will let you know if we think one is necessary for your project.

+ Do you have a general contractor?

We have contractors we can suggest, we can work with yours if you already have one, or we can help you find one. For high-end residential work, the most important quality that the contractor should have is that they prioritize design, because if they do, then the other desirable traits (being trustworthy, skilled, honest, a team player, etc.) are very likely to be there as well. We share our best tips for selecting a contractor in our Genius-Build Track project guide. Be sure to give it a read.

+ Can you help me select a contractor?

Yes! This is one of the important roles of the architect. We will prepare pricing drawings, send the project for bidding, organize walk-throughs and meetings with the bidders, conduct the interviews, and advise you on the bidders' proposals.

+ What is your role during construction?

During the construction phase, we act as your agent. Even though you contract with the contractor directly, we are the bridge between you and them; all communication between the contractor and client goes through the architect. Once construction starts, we work with the contractor to make sure the project is built according to the drawings and the design you have approved. We review and respond to any questions or concerns you or the contractor have, visit the site periodically to make sure things are moving along as planned, and provide you with updates. It is our job to maintain oversight with the 'final product' in mind, so you get the home you deserve. Having a clear team structure is necessary for this to happen. We explain our role during construction and the relationship between client, architect, and contractor in more detail in our Genius-Build Track project guide. Be sure to give it a read.

+ Do I communicate or work with the contractor directly?

No. The chain of communication is always client > architect > contractor and vice versa with the architect acting as a technical translator of sorts. Because constructing a building is a process with hundreds of design and technical decisions being made over several months, following this communication structure is actually really important and necessary for having a successful process and project. By structuring the team this way, the contractor only has to receive and send communication from and to one person (the architect), and most importantly, the architect is able to coordinate more successfully. When communication comes from multiple people, the process gets confusing really quickly, and our ability to make sure the home is to our standards diminishes.

+ I live far from my project site. How can I follow the construction progress?

For clients with busy schedules or who will have limited access to the site, we use our LX-ACE report system. LX-ACE is a series of mobile-friendly project status reports which list the items needing your attention, photos, and commentary. Each report has two parts: A concise at-a-glance section and a detailed document, so you can check your home’s progress from your phone.

+ Should I move out during a remodel?

Yes. We know it might seem easier or cost-effective to remain in your house during construction, but this is always way more stressful and challenging than clients anticipate. Construction is extremely loud and messy, can feel chaotic, and will likely conflict with your personal schedule. For most remodels, we strongly advise that you stay elsewhere during construction.