DeMotte Architects
About
DeMotte Architects has been established since 1990 & specializes in residential design, with projects throughout Fairfield County, CT (Connecticut) & Westchester County, NY (New York). We provide outstanding design & construction drawings, along with excellent customer service.
I love what I do because I get to design & be creative every day, but my biggest satisfaction comes from working with people & making their dreams come true through the houses we design together.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After the initial phone call or email conversation, the next step is a meeting at the client's house (especially if we're planning an addition or remodeling). The purpose is for us to meet & discuss the project in more detail & for me to see the house & property. I'd also explain the process & services to be offered. After that, I'd have enough information to be able to write a proposal.
Once we got started, we'd have weekly meetings as the design progresses & again as the construction drawings are being completed.
Once the construction drawings are done, I'd complete & submit the building permit applications to ensure the plans get approved & the permits are issued.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I went to college for 6 years solely with a focus on architecture, resulting in a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
Upon graduation, I worked for an architectural firm for 4 years to complete the required 3 year internship. Once able to take the licensing exam, I passed & became a licensed architect in 1990 & founded my practice.
I've primarily been designing houses for the past 30 years, which is my niche.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
The fees for each project are different, based on many variables such as the scope of work & what services are being requested.
How did you get started in this business?
When in high school I took drafting classes, with the senior year having a focus on architecture. That peaked my interest....after 1 semester in college, I was hooked. When it comes to architecture, school will quickly help you decide whether you love it or hate it due to it's grueling workload.
What types of customers have you worked with?
My typical clients are homeowners, but I also work with builders & developers when designing spec houses.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Clients shopping for architects should really do their homework to understand what they're getting, as the quality can vary greatly between architects. This applies to both the design & the construction drawings.
The architectural phase is the most important part of what you're about to do. Spending less on this phase will usually result in costing you more during construction.
You will absolutely get what you pay for, and investing in the right architect is money well spent.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Homeowners should be clear about what their budget for construction is, as this is usually the biggest factor we're working around. They should also makes 2 lists....1 of "wants" & another of "needs," with these lists being prioritized.
Many times, what clients want to spend is not in sync with what they want to do. The budget typically drives the decisions, so the wants & needs really need to be prioritized.