Schematic Design
This phase of your project includes establishing size and scope, environmental setting or factors, basic design, materials, and type of construction.
All work is computer-based, which provides a 3D design for clients to better visualize their project, and the opportunity to make design changes in real time in their presence. Upon written approval of the client, this phase is complete.
Zoom meetings provide flexibility for our clients when we cannot meet in person.
Services
Consultation
We offer free two-hour consultations to meet with you and review your project.
Design Development
During this phase, the schematic design gets refined and developed to complete the goals established in the schematic phase. After written approval from the client, this phase moves to construction documents.
Construction Documents
In this phase, the design development moves to construction documents to fix and describe the design with plans, elevations, sections and details required for permitting and bidding purposes. We complete this phase and release it to the client and contractors for their use.
Architectural Fees
A good estimate of design fees is based upon five to twelve percent of what the client plans to spend on their project, the scope of the project, the type of project, and engineering fees.
Some architects will charge based on the percentage of construction costs. Sometimes people view this as a means for the architect to overdesign and run up their fees. Therefore, Mackensen Architecture has never charged on a percentage of construction costs.
Mackensen Architecture charges based on the number of hours estimated to complete the design services you request and your project requires. The hourly rate is competitive with what other architects might charge in the area for the same level of service and experience.
If the client prefers, we can also provide a fixed fee based upon projected hours and the services covered. We determine a fixed fee after the schematic design is complete and approved.
Engineering fees are separate and not included in a fixed fee or hourly rate. The client is directly responsible for engineering fees.
Construction Observation
This is an optional phase, if requested, that covers as much as the owner desires. It may include construction site visits, materials verification, payment request verifications, etc. We bill Construction Observation only on an hourly basis.