frequently asked questions

top 10 questions to ask yourself before getting started...           

• What qualities am I looking for in an architect and what am I expecting to get out of hiring one?
  
  
•  What do I like about my current home, what don’t I like, and what do I feel is missing?
  
  
• What is my lifestyle? Is it changing? Am I at home a great deal? Do I work from home? Do I entertain often? Is there something I am passionate about, i.e. cooking, exercising, reading, gardening?
  
  
• Do I have strong ideas about design styles? What are my design preferences?
  
  
•  If adding on to an existing structure, what purpose will my new space serve?
  
  
• What do you see as the crucial issues or challenges in your project?
  
  
• How much can I realistically afford to spend?
  
  
• How soon would I like to be settled into my new home or addition? Are there rigid time constraints?
  
  
• If contemplating building a home, do I have a site selected?
  
  
• Who will be the primary contact with the architect, contractor, and others involved in designing and building your project?
  

what to ask an architect you are thinking about hiring...

• What is your design philosophy?
  At architect’s LOFT our objective is to listen to our clients needs and present creative options that help guide them to useful, efficient spaces, thus transforming their ideas into a final approachable vision. It is our intention to make each project unique, reflecting the individual values and honest personal expressions of each of our clients.

• What sets you apart from other firms?
  The talented team at architect’s LOFT can offer a unique, full-service approach to creating exciting, new spaces, from residential and commercial architecture to interior design to construction management. Optionally, we can provide only the amount of service that you require and coordinate with other talented team members you may already be working with.
  

• Do any of your completed projects have elements that relate to my project?
  With many years experience and a diverse array of projects that architect’s LOFT has designed, most likely. Please browse our portfolio of residential or commercial projects. 
  

• Do you maintain office space and how large is your staff?
  architect’s LOFT is located at 338 Glen head Road in Glen Head, Long Island, New York. Our current staff is comprised of a principal architect, three draftspersons, an interior designer, a construction estimator and a construction manager in addition to administrative support staff. 

• How soon can we get started and approximately how long will it take until we are ready to begin construction?
  architect’s LOFT can get started on your design as soon as within one week of the initial consultation. Many factors from decision-making to municipality restraints will determine the length of time prior to construction. 

• Who will I be dealing with? Is this the same person who will be designing my project?
  Along with the talented and attentive staff at architect’s LOFT the principal architect will be involved in every step of the process. 

• How do you establish fees?
  architect’s LOFT will provide a fixed sum fee for a project so you know in advance how much you will be paying, as compared to paying a percentage of the construction cost or hourly rate fee, which you will not know in advance.
  

• Can you provide an accurate project cost estimate?
  architect’s LOFT can provide an efficient and thorough budgetary analysis to arrive at an accurate estimated project cost at various stages of the project’s development.
  

• What will you show me along the way to explain the project, such as models, drawings or sketches?
  architect’s LOFT will provide a combination of color sketches, computer generated drawings and virtual 3-D model renderings that clearly illustrate the design process.
  

• Will you help me select the right finish materials for my project?
  Absolutely. architect’s LOFT will help you navigate through the latest options to choose materials that best suit your project, design style and budget.
  

• Can you help me find a reputable contractor?
  Yes. We work closely with and can highly recommend some very qualified and competent contractors.
  

• Can you provide interior design services?
  One of our staff interior designers can meet with you early in the process to begin coordinating the finish and style of your new space.

• How do you ensure that your clients are happy with your work?
  We measure the success of each stage of our work with routine discussions and requests for client feedback, allowing us to provide the very best service possible.
  
  
  

Some information presented in this FAQ section was extracted from literature published by the American Institute of Architects, Long Island Chapter.