FAQ
Questions we hear on every first call.
If yours isn't here, ask us directly — we reply to every message within one business day.
Do I need an architect for my project?
New York and New Jersey both require a licensed architect on most new construction, additions, and structural alterations. Even where it isn't required, an architect protects your budget by catching issues before they're built.
How much does architectural design cost?
Fees typically run 8–15% of construction cost depending on scope and complexity. We'll quote a fixed fee or percentage during your free consultation — and we design to your construction budget, not past it.
How long does the design process take?
A custom home usually takes 4–8 months from first meeting to permit set. Renovations and interiors can move faster. We'll build a realistic timeline with you upfront.
Do you handle permits and municipal filings?
Yes. We prepare and file drawings with your local building department (including NYC DOB), respond to plan-review comments, navigate zoning requirements, and provide planning services for variance approvals.
Will you work with a contractor I've already chosen?
Absolutely. We often join projects where the client already has a GC they trust and coordinate directly with them. If you don't have one, we prepare bid packages and help you compare proposals apples-to-apples.
What does 'free consultation' actually include?
A real conversation about your project: what you want, what your site or building can support, rough budget and timeline expectations, and what we'd recommend as next steps. No obligation, no hard sell.
Do you only do modern design?
No. Our signature is fit — to you, your site, and your life. Some clients want warm modernism, others want a traditional or regional style like our Adirondack work. Both are welcome.
Can you make my project sustainable on a normal budget?
Yes — sustainability scales. Envelope-first design, smart orientation, and right-sized systems often cost little or nothing extra, and we'll map incentives (NYSERDA, NJ Clean Energy, IRA credits) that offset the rest.
Do you design interiors as well?
Yes — interiors are half the practice. We design power and lighting, finishes, plumbing and light fixtures alongside the architecture, so the finished product is cohesive rather than assembled.
How do payments and contracts work?
We use a standard written agreement with fees tied to project phases. You'll always know what's been completed, what's next, and what it costs before we proceed.
Do you work outside New York and New Jersey?
Our home turf is the NY & NJ metro, but Eric is NCARB-certified with reciprocal licensure across the U.S. — for the right project, we travel. Recent work spans New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
What if I only need drawings or a rendering?
That's fine. Partial-service engagements — plans and renderings only, or design through permit set without construction administration — are available when they fit the project.
Still have questions?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Eric Davenport, AIA, NCARB. We'll listen first, ask the right questions, and show you exactly what's possible for your home, your budget, and your site.