Most firms make you call for a number. We publish ours. David's principal rate is $350 per hour. Typical projects begin at $25,000. Every phase of work is priced below so you can plan your budget with confidence.
These are ranges based on the last three years of billing. Your number will be in this band unless your program is unusually complex. We agree on a firm fee after the first conversation.
A full custom home project moves through six phases. You can stop after any phase and pay only for what has been completed. Every phase ends with a deliverable you own.
Most residential designers charge between 8 and 15 percent of construction cost and refuse to quote until they have closed you. We disagree with the model. Here is how we compare.
A percentage fee punishes you for building something expensive. It encourages the designer to spec premium materials. It also leaves the client in the dark about what they are paying for. Hourly billing ties every dollar to real work and gives the client the ability to stop if the budget shifts.
Yes. We collect a retainer equal to the first phase of work (typically $2,500 for programming) before drawing begins. This is applied against the first invoice. If you decide not to proceed after programming, you still own the program document.
We re estimate at every phase boundary. If you want to add a pool house, a second ADU, a studio above the garage, or a new site, we write a short addendum with a new fee. You approve before we proceed.
Yes, for well defined scopes. Once we complete programming and schematic design, we can quote the remaining phases as a fixed fee if you prefer budget certainty over pay as you go.
Structural engineering, Title 24 consulting, geotechnical, survey, and civil are billed at cost plus a 10 percent coordination fee. We select from a short list of trusted partners. You see every invoice.
Fire restoration clients with verified insurance claims receive a 15 percent reduction on all design fees. Repeat clients (second project or beyond) receive 10 percent off. First responders and veterans receive 10 percent off on their primary residence.
Submit your project online. David reviews every submission personally and calls within one business day to schedule a kickoff.