Davenport Architects
About
Please visit our website to learn more about our unique services. Very few architects offer the level of service we provide for home additions and new homes, at least for the reasonable fees we charge.
Good architecture can increase happiness and decrease stress. I also know that we're helping our clients make good decisions about what to do, and what not to do. I truly enjoy my work.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We meet for an initial consultation. I make recommendations regarding project viability (including sometimes suggesting against the project. If hired, we document existing conditions and propose design solutions only after listening to client desires. Nearly everything we have ever drawn has been built because we do our best not to draw things our clients can't afford.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Both Shelly and I hold a professional degree in architecture as 1989 graduates of Illinois Institute of Technology. We regular attend continuing education events. I am the chairman of the Village of Downers Grove Architectural Review Board. I am also a member of the District 99 School Board, having been first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
We charge $150/hour for our services and give our clients an expectation up front regarding an overall cost for our services. We never tie our fees to project size or cost. Initial consultations cost $200.
How did you get started in this business?
I wanted to be an Architect when I was in grade school.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We've had clients every type imaginable, but most tend to be middle class of modest means...like we are. All have a budget.
Describe a recent project you are fond of.
Our website is a nice showcase of recent projects. Out of resepct for past and current clients, I don't like to single out any one project that I'm particulary fond of. I will say that the most rewarding projects are those in which I've had an opportunity to work with truly exceptional people.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Your architect should provide professional services from start to finish, not simply prepare the simplest drawings possible and leave you to navigate the bidding, permit, and construction process on your own.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Are there other homes I could purchase without needing to build new?
How much debt can I afford?
How good are the schools in the neighborhood I want to build?
Remember that an Architect is a professional. You should expect professional advice, which may not always align with what you want to hear.