Please reach us at mike@lynnarch.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Michael Lynn is both a licensed real estate agent and a licensed architect so this question comes up often. It depends on several factors and Lynn Architects can try to help guide you through the options.
In addition to architectural drawings and depending on the project, a village or governing authority may require engineering drawings (civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.). We try to note the additional engineering drawings and services your project requires on our proposals in hopes to minimize surprises later.
In addition to engineering and consultant drawings, a village will also require a completed building permit application. This application often includes a list of tradesman / contractors involved in the project to ensure they are licensed and bonded in the village. Villages often determine the building permit fee based on the scope of work and the number of inspections required.
Though Michael Lynn of Lynn Architects has built homes in the past, Lynn Architects does not currently act as a design-build company. This is great for clients who want to develop a design and still be able to bid out the drawings / shop around for multiple builders once the drawings are complete.
While a property owner can sometimes serve as the builder, we do not recommend it unless they have extensive experience doing so. Being a builder requires time, coordination with tradesmen, quick decision making, scheduling, and it can be stressful. Though, from a distance, it can seem advantageous to be your own builder to save some money, an experienced contractor already has the tools, contacts, and receives trade and supplier discounts that may not be available to a one-off owner-builder.
As noted above, Michael Lynn of Lynn Architects is a licensed architect, a licensed real estate agent, and a former builder. Jaquelin Lynn of Lynn Architects is also a licensed architect that specializes in commercial properties. Together and with their team, they bring a fresh, unique perspective to each project that benefits clients. Lynn Architects now operates as the boutique architectural firm of Chicago's west suburbs.
Like all professions, architects bring a unique style and skill set to the table. Ensure that an architect matches the type (residential, commercial), scale (single occupant or multi-unit), and location of the project.
Beyond that, you can view an architect's testimonials and portfolio to see if they match your personal style. When it comes to cost, bear in mind that an architect's fee is a fraction of the cost of construction yet, the drawings greatly impact the cost of construction. So while a person may pick an low-priced architect to save them $1,000's on drawings, those same drawings may ultimately cost them $10,000's more in construction costs. That is why it helps hire an architect that is experienced in design, knowledgeable in construction, and aligns with your personal style.
Lynn Architects does have predrawn / 'stock' plans available but we primarily produce custom, unique designs for our unique clients. While it may seem advantageous to purchase a 'stock' plan in hopes to save costs in drawings, we find that stock plans inherently come with design elements and spaces that may be irrelevant / unnecessary to the client. At a time when construction costs can exceed $250 / SF, even a mere 100 SF of irrelevant floor area can amount to $25,000+ in unnecessary construction cost - reducing any savings in architectural fees.
Lynn Architects routinely produces both residential and commercial designs. Using these links, you can see examples of our residential work and our commercial work.