Your guide to working with
hi-fi architecture
What problem can we help you solve?
Do you have an idea you're having trouble visualizing? Have land but not sure what you can build on it? An old house that needs some love?
Or maybe you've done your due diligence and you're ready to design and build your house.
Our goal is to meet you where you are.
1Project Team
Three players work together to make projects a reality. You will play an active role as the owner, but the reason you hire an architect is for their expertise – let us do the work behind the scenes so you can focus on what matters to you.
as the owner
- Set your budget and pay fees
- Collaborate with the architect on design and program
- Review and approve finishes, fixtures, etc.
- Choose and hire your contractor
as the architect
- Collaborate with the client on design, program, finishes, etc.
- Create 3d models and drawing sets for permitting and construction
- Coordinate with consultants – engineers, interior designers, etc.
- Catch problems before they reach you
- Review the contractor's work
- Keep the project on budget and on time
as the builder
- Build the project to the approved drawings
- Provide cost estimates
- Pull permits and manage inspections
- Run the job site and coordinate subcontractors
Curious exactly how the process works? Check out The Design Process section at the bottom of this page.
2Our Services
Discovery Phase
Discover what's possible before you commit to full architectural services. We analyze zoning and code restrictions, site conditions, flag risks, and identify opportunities to give you a clear understanding of what can or cannot be built. We then start the design process – collaborating with you to create one or more high-level concepts.
Feasibility + Zoning Study, Initial Site Visit(s), Initial Design Concept(s), Zoning Board Meeting Preparation.
Documentation + Oversight
Once we have completed the discovery phase, the path forward will be clear. The chosen design concept will be further developed and detailed by us, supported by your approvals. We work behind the scenes to prepare drawings for pricing, permitting, board approvals, and construction. Once construction begins, we monitor progress and help to keep things on time and within budget.
Design Development Set, Construction Documents Sets, Permitting Coordination, Construction Administration
Interior Design, Rendering + Video Package, Energy + Carbon Modeling, Contractor Procurement, Contractor Pricing Review
Customize your services to meet your specific needs. Targeted support and consulting for unique situations, unusual sites, limited scope, owner-led decisions that need architectural guidance, etc.
3Next steps
- Once you have an idea of which services you'll need and completed the questionnaire, we will provide you with a summary proposal – an overview of scope, cost, and timeline which we will review together before moving forward with a long-form owner-architect agreement.
- Once we have our agreement in place, the fun can begin!
This survey takes about 15 minutes— your answers help us prepare a proposal that actually fits your project.
Tell us what's on your mind. We're here for any questions you might have and happy to talk through the process together.
4A guide to working with an Architect
For those who have not worked with an architect before, or if you'd like a refresher - our guides below provide useful information for new clients.
The value an architect brings to the project
An architect is a strategic partner — someone working at the intersection of design, budget, timeline, building science, and the construction process. We organize your ideas, your site, and your resources into a coherent whole, then guide that vision through one of the most complex processes most people will ever undertake.
Read the full article+
An architect is a strategic partner — someone working at the intersection of design, budget, timeline, building science, and the construction process. We organize your ideas, your site, and your resources into a coherent whole, then guide that vision through one of the most complex processes most people will ever undertake.
The tangible value is real and measurable: flagging problems before they become expensive surprises, designing efficient systems that reduce energy costs, selecting and managing contractors who work with you rather than against you, negotiating change orders, and leveraging trade relationships that save money on materials. These aren't soft benefits — they're dollars back in your pocket.
But the deeper value is harder to put a number on. A well-designed home changes how you live. It shapes how your family spends time together, how you feel when you walk through the door, how the space functions on an ordinary Tuesday. At its best, it becomes a legacy — something that outlasts the project and compounds in meaning over time.
There's a conversation happening right now that most architects are avoiding: clients taking drawings and running them through AI. Let's be direct about what that is. AI can remix a design. It cannot take responsibility for one. The moment you separate the look from the know-how, you no longer have architecture — you have decoration.
The drawings are the receipt, not the product. The product is every decision made before the first nail goes in — the coordination of ten trades, the navigation of codes and zoning, the problems solved on a jobsite that doesn't match the plan. That's what you're hiring.
You're not paying for a file. You're paying for decisions you'll never have to make yourself.
The Design Process
See below for a description of each step in the design process. Note not every step is necessary for all projects.
01Discovery Phase+
Feasibility + Zoning Study+
- Architect to review existing survey, architectural and/or engineering drawings, and local zoning code to determine if the Client's goals are feasible.
- Owner to furnish to Architect recent and clear site survey and/or architectural drawings from licensed professionals. Digital copies are required for this exercise.
- Architect to review existing conditions and proposed design for compliance with state and local codes, subdivision by-laws and covenants, environmental issues and flood zones, permitting procedures, i.e special site plan review.
- Architect will seek guidance from and coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction on local zoning and code specificities as required.
- PDF deck with site plan drawings and written report
Initial Site Visit(s)+
- Architect to conduct one or more site visits with the Client and/or relevant engineers to review and document existing conditions.
- Owner to coordinate access to the site and notify Architect of any known conditions, restrictions, or concerns in advance of the visit.
- Architect to observe and assess existing site conditions including but not limited to topography, vegetation, access, orientation, and any flagged environmental considerations such as wetlands, flood zones, or soil conditions.
- Architect will coordinate with geotechnical, civil, or environmental engineers as required to inform subsequent design work.
- PDF deck with site plan drawings, photographic documentation, and written summary of existing conditions and design implications
- Coordination notes with engineer(s) as applicable
Concept Design+
Services and deliverables include:
- Create preliminary 3D model and drawings
- Present conceptual design options to Client for review and approval.
- To include a PDF document with drawings, shots of 3D model, floor plans, materiality inspiration images.
- A 3D model walkthrough to explore both options.
- Review permit application processes (for example if a variance is required)
- Contractor Procurement — Architect assists client with selection of contractor as needed. Join calls, review work, seek referrals.
The Client shall select one (1) proposed solution and discuss any changes required to better meet their goals. Once this is approved, the design will move to the next phase.
It is recommended at this stage that the client select one-two general contractors to begin discussions regarding timeline and initial cost estimating.
02Documentation and Construction Phase+
Design Development+
Services and deliverables include:
- Architect to onboard consultant team - structural engineer (contracted thru Owner)
- Refine and develop drawings and 3D model
- Prepare preliminary construction drawings and specifications for pricing
- Select and specify materials, finishes, and fixtures (Architectural)
- Coordinate with consultants
- Present the design development package to the client for review and approval
- To include a PDF document with developed drawings, renderings, floor plans, specifications
- A 3D model walkthrough
- Contractor Pricing Review — Architect reviews DD level contractor pricing estimates for potential errors or red flags. PDF mark-up file.
- Interior Design — Document at DD level - interior spaces, specify materials, finishes, fixtures. Incorporated into DD drawing set.
- Rendering + Video package — Initial realistic 3D images and walkthroughs for exterior and/or interior spaces. PDF deck and video files.
At this stage, the contractor(s) will receive Design Development drawings and specifications to get started on detailed pricing.
Once we have this initial pricing, we can review this against the design before proceeding with the Construction drawings and permit.
Construction Documents+
Services and deliverables include:
- Prepare comprehensive and detailed construction drawings and specifications
- Develop interior and exterior construction details
- Coordinate with consultants
- Assist with obtaining necessary permits and approvals
- Reviewing questions from the Contractor
- Contractor Pricing Review — Architect reviews CD level contractor pricing estimates for potential errors or red flags. PDF mark-up file.
- Interior Design — Document at CD level - interior spaces, specify materials, finishes, fixtures. Incorporated into CD drawing set.
- Rendering + Video package — Update 3D images and walkthroughs for exterior and/or interior spaces. PDF deck and video files.
- Energy Modeling + Carbon Footprint tracking — Testing of 3D model for building envelope performance and analysis of building materials for overall carbon footprint of the building. PDF Deck and report.
At this stage, the contractor(s) will receive Construction Document drawings and specifications to fine-tune and finalize their pricing for the client.
Contractor will apply for permit using the Architect's drawings and documents. Contractor will finalize pricing and construction schedule with the Client.
Permitting+
The Architect will assist the Contractor and/or Expediter with securing the necessary building permits required for the project and act as the Client's representative at any hearings or proceedings required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Construction Administration+
The deliverables for the Construction Administration phase are focused on monitoring the construction process, ensuring compliance with design intent, resolving issues, and overseeing the project's successful completion. The specific deliverables and level of involvement may vary based on the project's complexity, duration, and the agreed-upon scope of services.
Services and deliverables generally include:
- Review and respond to contractor's requests for information (RFIs)
- Facilitate communication between the client, contractor, and consultants
- Review and approve shop drawings and samples
- Review and approve Change Orders
- Review and certify Contractor's Requests for Payment
- Perform final inspections and punch lists
- Assist with the project closeout
The most successful projects include site visits from the Architect to review progress and make sure the contractor is building to the standards of the design. For this project, we recommend the following site visits:
- Initial site visit to take measurements and meet with clients
- After excavation to review building staking before the foundation is poured
- After framing, doors + windows, and electrical + plumbing rough-ins, to confirm proper installation
- During and after interior finishes, to confirm proper installation and to generate punch list