LOUIS DESIGN SOLUTIONS ARCHITECTURE, LLC
About
We work really hard at helping our clients realize their vision instead of imposing our vision on them. We get most of our work through referrals from previous clients - a testament to our client centered approach to design.
I love the design process, which is really all about a set of problems to be solved. It's that problem solving that gets me excited about the projects that we take on, no matter how big or small.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, I visit the customer's home and meet with them to gather as much information as I can about the project they have in mind. With this information in hand, I can prepare a comprehensive fee quote for my services.
Once the customer accepts the fee quote, we start by documenting the existing conditions of the areas of the house that will be affected by the renovations or addition and creating measured CAD drawings of these existing conditions. Starting with detailed and accurate base drawings eliminates a lot of problems down the road.
Next comes the design phase where we prepare design drawings based on the customer's expressed wants and needs for the project. Often we generate multiple options and work with the customer to refine these ideas into a final design.
Finally, we take the final design drawings and turn them in to the detailed construction documents that will be used to obtain building permits and contractor quotes and to be followed by the contractor in constructing the project.
We are always available during the construction process to answer contractor and owner questions. If the owner wishes, for an additional fee, we can visit the site during construction to ensure that the contractor is following our drawings and not cutting corners, etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Buffalo and have been practicing architecture for 38 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Our fees are based on the amount of time we expect to spend working on the project, so every project/fee is different in some regard. We do keep historical records of the time we spend on each completed project to guide us in determining fees.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Everyone has a budget, so obviously the fee will matter a great deal, but try to find a pro who you feel you can work with and who will listen to your wants/needs. Talk to some of their previous clients to see how responsive they were to their clients wishes.
You are hiring a professional, so you should listen to his advice, but you are the expert in how you live, so if your architect insists that there is only one design solution for your project, even if it doesn't fit your lifestyle, you are working with the wrong architect.
I tell my clients all the time that I may come up with an idea that I think would be great based on my interpretation of what theyv'e told me about their wants or needs, but if they don't think it will work for them, then it's time to go back to the drawing board.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Unless you are just purchasing your home, chances are you've lived in it for a while. You know what is working for you and what isn't. Make a detailed list of these issues as well as what your ideal conditions would be so that you can share it with your pro as a starting point. If they are good at what they do, your pro will ask a lot of questions about your list to further define it and gather additional information that can help guide the process.