Aric Gitomer Architect LLC

As soon as you decide it’s time to start thinking about creating more space for you and your family! Architects can ask the important questions that you may not have thought of or dig deeper into what is driving your decisions to create a more meaningful solution. This important pre-design services including site evaluation, can help you explore options you may not have considered. Involving an architect early in the process can help avoid costly missteps such as doing a small project now that may end up being a waste of money in the future.This will increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the end result. Many clients seek out a general contractor first only to discover the contractor really cannot give any input until you actually have drawings of what you would like to do. A quality general contractor is going to advise you to seek the guidance of an architect first.

I would say 75% of potential clients call and ask this. Every job is unique so it is impossible to quote a fee without seeing the property and meeting the client. It is important for an Architect to visit the physical property to acquire an idea of the scope of services required to complete the project. It is also an opportunity to discuss the project with the potential client and discover how focused they are on what they want. After this initial visit I can determine a fee. AGA’s fees are fixed fees and divided into three categories; survey/analysis, design and construction documents. Architects in general have multiple ways of charging for their services, some of the more popular methods are; Percentage of Construction Cost, Fixed Fee, Hourly Rates and Cost per Square Footage.

You, as the client, play a major role in the process with AGA. It is my goal to create the house you want and need. From our initial discovery consult, I depend upon the client to inform me of his/her needs. It is through my interpretation of those needs that starts the design process. As I develop the plans I send them to you for review. You will give your input into what works for you and what does not. If I disagree with something I will tell you and let you know why. However, I understand I will not be living in your home so the bottom line is that I want this to be a happy place for you! Our working together with mutual respect will give you a successful outcome. You can communicate your desires through verbal descriptions or photos of houses you have seen online or as you drive around. I will use my expertise to draw out the items of interest to you and incorporate them into the design. Of course if you don’t know what you want let me surprise you!

I am a sole practitioner so you will only be working with me throughout the process. You will be getting over 30 years of architectural experience in your project as opposed to a large firm where your project may just be handed down to an intern or young professional.

That is a very tricky question! Some people know right up front exactly what they want and do not waiver in their commitment to a design. In these rare instances the design process is very quick however this is generally not the case. Once we start to look at spaces and options new thoughts are generated and the plan evolves. This can take a week, weeks or months depending on how often you change your mind. Obviously my goal is not to take more than a few weeks by discussing your desires up front and getting a solid handle on what you expect. After the design has been finalized the Construction Documents generally take 3 to 6 weeks depending on the scope of the project.

The simple answer is yes! Whether it is as small as roof rafter damaged by a tree falling on it or a two foot addition to create a larger kitchen (I have done both of these), I have happily accepted these jobs. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them to solve their problems.

Aric Gitomer Architect prepares floor plans! AGA specializes in residential architecture and part of the process is preparing floor plans. What are floor plans? To AGA they are custom plans that conform to each individual clients needs. If you are adding on to your home there are unique problems for each individual home and client. Each person comes forth with their own desires to create a solution for their individualized problem. In preparing a floor plan the first thing AGA does is listen to the clients needs. If its new construction the only thing restraining what we do are building codes and zoning ordinance limitations. With an addition we are dealing with existing conditions and every change impacts a different area. Even if you are just do a house addition at the rear of your home we need to figure out what makes sense in terms of openings and circulation.