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Design Can Be a
Winding Path
We deliver exceptional value.
We are dedicated to offering top-tier architectural services with a focus on quality design and constructability. We are passionate about designing innovative, cost-effective, beautiful solutions that bring your vision to life.
We Operate Locally and Nationally
We are currently located in Annapolis, MD, though Sarah is licensed to practice architecture in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Our work has brought us to many states around America. In-person meetings are as common as virtual meetings.
Getting started is simple.
All you need is an idea. Big or small. Let our creativity and expertise guide your project forward to perfection. direction for your ideas. Give us a call or send us a message to get the discussion started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confused? We have answers!
Every firm has a unique path to success. Although fruitful, this can be stressful and confusing for homeowners. Below is a list of commonly asked questions that we hope to answer right off the bat. Feel free to give us a call or send us a message if we haven't covered your question.
"What is your fee structure?"
Our fees vary based on the size and description of your desired project and scope of services. Design agreements are typically structured on a fixed-fee basis, but are occasionally negotiated as an hourly agreement.
"Can we start with an online floor plan?"
Absolutely! Online floor plans can be a great inspiration.
Online plans can give us immediate insight into your preferences and vision. They can also give homeowners a sense of how large of a house they would consider appropriate. That said, we advise our clients to approach online plans with caution, as they often come with significant drawbacks. Some of which include:
> Not every house design will suit your particular site and its constraints, such as zoning setbacks and other building regulations specific to your local ordinance. A home truly feels custom when its design fits your lot and makes the most of its unique views.
> Regrettably, many providers of online floor plans often misrepresent the size and spatial details of the house designs. It can be disappointing when the reality doesn't match the promise. A "cozy bedroom" can easily turn out to be a glorified closet, and narrow hallways can make homes feel cramped, reducing effective usable space.
> Always ensure that the square footage matches your expectations and budget by verifying the dimensions. It would be unfortunate to buy plans for a house that exceeds your affordable range or is unbuildable on your site.
> With online floorplans, there's always room for improvement, and you may find yourself wanting to make adjustments, tailoring it to your specific needs or tastes. We can help with this!
"When should I find a builder?"
Adding a reliable and trustworthy builder to your team is essential. If found early in the design process, a builder can provide valuable insights regarding construction preferences, construction costs, and start/finish dates well before the design is finalized.
​Securing a builder early on brings peace of mind and allows them to assist with cost analysis, programmatic support, and obtaining permits. I recommend selecting a preferred builder before we complete your permit drawings to ensure clarity and aid in setting a reasonable budget.
"What is included in your fee?"
Our primary service includes a comprehensive set of digital drawings (in PDF format) necessary for obtaining a building permit for your project. These drawings encompass any floor plans, elevations, sections and detailed required by your local jurisdiction to satisfy permitting requirements. Any revisions formally requested by your local jurisdiction to complete the permitting process will be handed free of charge.
For custom homes, we provide conceptual layouts, 3D renderings, and an analysis of how much the project will cost to clearly describe the scope of work and the design intent.
Our next level of service elevates the drawings to a greater level of detail beyond standard permitting requirements. This includes interior elevations for kitchen cabinetry and bathroom details, as well as any interior millwork and built-ins.
"What should bring to our first meeting?"
All you need to have is a good description of your project's goals. This is commonly done with items like a wish list, inspiration photos of houses or rooms you love, or simply a vision of what you'd like to achieve.
If you'd like to go above and beyond, also bringing a plat (or surveyed site plan) and a target construction budget will ensure we can quickly move in the right direction. For renovation projects, it's valuable to have plan sketches of existing floor plans and photos of existing conditions. No matter where you are in your journey, we can meet you there and help bridge any gaps to realize your vision.
"What is a common timeline?"
HGTV does a very good job of expediting their projects and completing them in days. The reality is quite different.
Building a new home typically takes ten to twelve months to complete. Before the construction phase can begin, we need to first design the house and then gain permits. Design phases range between one month and four months, while permitting typically takes two or three months. Put it all together and the quickest a project can be completed from design through construction is commonly over a year.
A main hurdle to a completion date is getting on a contractor's schedule. A great builder can be backed-up for a year, maybe longer. If you find a builder you trust, one of your first questions should be timeline and how to get on their schedule.
"How do I get a building permit?"
Leave it up to us to apply for the building permits. These days, many jurisdictions have an online application process with a portal for submitting drawings, forms, and payments. Each county and city has specific drawing requirements to ensure compliance with local building and zoning codes. As architects, we have expertise in identifying and producing the drawings that your jurisdiction needs to review and approve. If you already have a contractor in mind, they are also experienced in permitting.
"Do I need a grading permit?"
A grading permit is a formal approval issued by a local government authority, such as city engineers or building departments, allowing certain land-disturbing activities. They ensures that large projects comply with local regulations to prevent issues like soil erosion and ensure proper rainwater run-off and drainage.
Not all jurisdictions require grading permits, so you may not need one. Requirements can vary widely based on local regulations, the size and scope of the project, and environmental considerations. If you are unsure about your local requirement, send us a message and we'll help you discover what permits are mandatory.
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