Frequently Asked Questions


§  Why do I need to hire an architect?

§  What does an architectural firm do and produce?

§  How is Fox Architectural Design different than other firms?

§  Why would I choose Fox Architectural Design over other firms?

§  I’ve heard a lot about green and sustainable building. Is that something Fox Architectural Design can help me with?

§  Are there any special requirements of clients? I’ve never done this before.

§  How long does an architectural project take to complete?

§  How much will the architectural plans cost me?

§  I’m on a tight construction budget. How does that factor into the project?

§  What steps are necessary before we can start working together on a project?

§  At what stage of a project should we get started?

§  Who will I be working with on my project?

§  How often do we meet? Where do we meet?

§  What am I responsible for during the project?

§  How does the invoicing and billing work? What kind of reimbursables and additional costs are possible?

§  After a project is completed, what else can Fox Architectural Design do for me?


Are there any additional questions that you have that were not answered here?
If so, please feel free to ask us. Click here to go to our ‘Contact Us’ page.





Why do I need to hire an architect?

Construction is a very intricate and detailed process. With so many different issues and conditions to address, it is beneficial to have an experienced professional assist during the entire process. Along with design, function, and aesthetics, issues pertaining to the health, safety, and welfare of the building occupants are a primary focus of the architect’s work. Also, sometimes as projects move forward, things can change – it is important to have an architect on board to react to those changes and make the adjustments necessary.

Prior to construction, municipalities required signed and sealed documents prepared by an architect for the acquisition of the necessary building permits. Depending on the project, sometimes state and county agencies will require additional specialized applications and submittals. Experienced architects are well versed in these requirements and can effectively guide you through what can seem like a daunting process.

In the big picture, your architect works as your agent and advocate in making your construction visions become reality.

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What does an architectural firm do and produce?

Once we begin a project with you, our first goal is to obtain all of the information necessary to begin the design. This may include collecting documents and drawings, measuring your existing building, or doing other types of related research. From there we can move forward with completing the phases that are outlined in the proposal we provide to you.

During different parts of the process, we will generate drawings or other documents for your review and approval. Once we have an approved design, the next step is to create the documents that satisfy the reviewing agencies and provide contractors with hard information that they can then quote prices upon. Also, during construction, sometimes reviews, site observations, reports, and changes to the documents are necessary.

The types of documents and information created will be specifically tailored to the type of project you are undertaking. They will reflect your desires and needs for the scope of the work.

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How is Fox Architectural Design different than other firms?

We are a firm that has experience with many different building types, and with many different scales of projects. We apply the same high level of care and dedication to a small residential project as we do to a large commercial or religious project.

We also have an extensive background in site planning and design which gives us the ability to coordinate the design of the site with the design of the building. Our unique experience gives us the perspective needed to think outside the box to create attractive, engaging, and highly functional sites. Working with our shortlist of engineers and other professionals, we can be your one-stop-shop for all of your project’s needs.

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Why would I choose Fox Architectural Design over other firms?

Our extensive experience along with our unique approaches to solving problems gives us the ability to look into your project in ways that other firms may not. Since all projects are different, each one we do teaches us something. The collective knowledge from over twenty years of experience provides a wide array of solutions that we can apply when working with you.

We also have a very good working relationship with contractors. This makes the construction process much smoother, and eliminates the miscommunications or needless errors that can arise on site. The drawings we create have the contractor in mind and address the items that are important in successfully executing the design intent. Also, if unforeseen conditions or problems arise on site during construction, we are very good at coming up with creative solutions to those problems.

We are always very approachable regarding your project and our ultimate goal is to make the project as designed with you on paper into a final product that you can enjoy.

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I’ve heard a lot about green and sustainable building. Is that something Fox Architectural Design can help me with?

Yes we can. If you are looking to obtain LEED certification, we have a LEED accredited professional (LEED AP) on staff that can work with you at all stages of the design and construction document process. Depending on the stage of the work, different options are possible and the necessary documentation and coordination can be provided.

If you are looking to incorporate some green and sustainable features into your project, but do not wish to pursue LEED certification, then we can work with you to explore the possibilities and see which ones could be beneficial for you. This type of pursuit is very different from trying to obtain certification, but it is not by any means less conscientious than getting full LEED certification.

To see a shortlist of some available strategies, Click here to go to our ‘Green and Sustainable page’.

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Are there any special requirements of clients? I’ve never done this before.

Most of our clients have never been through this process before. If this is you, we are careful to make sure that you are aware of exactly what is going on at all times during the project, and what implications that any of your decisions may have. We’ll walk you through the entire process making sure that you have the information that you need along the way. However, we are also very careful not to overburden you with details or technical issues that may seem foreign to you. But rest assured that you can be as involved in the process as you desire – we’re here to serve you.

If you are a seasoned developer that wants to have some control over the process and to give input at all stages, we can work with you to assess how all the responsibilities will be handled. If you have your own professionals that you would like to use in the project, we can certainly work with them as a member of your team.

No matter how experienced you are, we will always keep you in the loop and make you aware of any items that need your attention.

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How long does an architectural project take to complete?

This entirely depends on the type of project you are engaging in. Sometimes if the parameters and design ideas are very straightforward, the process can be relatively quick. If there are some significant issues to work out, then the process will take more time. Once the design is approved, preparation of the final construction drawings that will be used for bidding, permits, and construction is next. The amount of time these take will depend upon the complexity of the project.

Also keep in mind that if your project requires a variance from your town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment or approval from the Planning Board, a significant amount of time will be added to the project to go through that process. Reasons this may be required for residential projects include issues with deficient setback to property lines, the amount of building area on the site, or other town ordinance violations. For commercial projects, it depends on what is proposed and what exists. This process would be completed between the design and construction drawing phases of your project.

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How much will the architectural plans cost me?

Like the timeframe, the cost can vary widely depending on the project. Cost is not only related to the size of the project, but also to the level of complexity, and the types of municipal, county, and/or state approvals necessary. Once we understand your project better, we can provide a clear proposal that will outline our fees.

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I’m on a tight construction budget. How does that factor into the project?

The sooner we know your budget the better – this will be one of the first questions we ask you. Sometimes the design decisions that will be made will be very dependent upon what your resources are for the project. If necessary, we will tell you that you need to reconsider certain ideas or options to fit within your budget. We understand that you rely on us to tell you ‘no’ if necessary to keep the project affordable – we’re not shy in doing that.

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What steps are necessary before we can start working together on a project?

The very first thing we need to do is get together so we can discuss what you’re looking to do. From there we can give you a proposal that will outline the necessary process, timeframe, and fees that will be associated with the scope of your project.

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At what stage of a project should we get started?

Generally, with most projects, the sooner we can start working together the better. If you are currently working with an engineer on a site development project, getting us involved sooner will allow us to coordinate with the engineer and assist in developing the site to its full potential and making sure that there will be no avoidable conflict between the site and building design. If you are looking at an addition and renovation to your home or new home construction, getting us involved sooner will allow us to help you figure out if there are any conditions or limitations that may affect the ultimate design of the project.

Difficulties arise when we are brought in late in the game, or if a project that was on hold suddenly becomes a rush. We certainly can help you with these projects, but issues may arise that otherwise could have been avoided if we were brought in earlier.

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Who will I be working with on my project?

Every project is overseen and run by a licensed senior architect who can assist you on any aspect of the project. In addition, there is typically one, or more, designers and/or draftspersons that are also available to answer questions, or to relay those questions to the senior architect. With this team structure, you and/or your contractor are never far from getting the needed answers.

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How often do we meet? Where do we meet?

The frequency and locations of our meetings will be referred to in our proposal to you. Every project has different requirements and we’ll tailor our meeting schedule to be the most effective for your project.

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What am I responsible for during the project?

We’ll keep you informed of all the information that we’ll require at any stage to proceed. If you are missing some of that information, we can provide you with options for obtaining it. Also, timely answers to questions help to keep the process moving forward to try and hold to the predefined timeline.

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How does the invoicing and billing work? What kind of reimbursables and additional costs are possible?

There are distinctly different fee structures for projects depending upon their type and scope. The two most common methods we use are fixed fees and hourly billing. Often projects will have several phases, and each phase will have its own associated fees. All of this information will be clearly defined in the proposal that we provide to you.

Usually invoices are sent out on an interim basis during the progress of the project and are payable upon receipt. Also, at milestones in the project process, invoices will be generated to conclude the work in a phase. These invoices are also payable upon receipt and documents from that phase can not be released until paid in full.

Other reimbursables and additional costs may include: drawing reproduction costs, postage, delivery charges, and any other work completed that is outside the scope of the signed proposal. If there is a change to the scope of the proposal, we will always alert you and wait for your approval to proceed.

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After a project is completed, what else can Fox Architectural Design do for me?

Beyond the completion of the construction documents phase, we can assist you in the construction phase of the project. For a homeowner who may be new to the process, construction can be a very daunting process. We can be your ‘eyes and ears’ during construction to make sure that the plans are being followed and the end product will be in accordance with the intent of the design we worked on together. We can also help you decipher the bids you receive from your prospective contractors.

For an experienced or non-residential client, we can assist in administering the bids on a project, including compiling and analyzing the results. Once you move forward with a contactor, we can assist in construction administration with on-site observations, detailed reports, payment requisition reviews, change-order analysis, punchlist review, project close-out, and any other issues that come up during construction.

For all clients, during construction sometimes you or your contractor will want to alter the final construction documents for various reasons. Municipal building departments will often require us to review and certify that the changes are in accordance with the building life safety codes. We can do this once problems arise, though we prefer to be brought in as the changes are being contemplated to help make sure the changes avoid creating other problems.

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