Do you charge for your time for us to interview you?
No. We are happy to meet with you to become acquainted and learn about your plans for your project.

Do we have to come to your office to interview you?
No. We prefer to come to your home or office.

Do you work in just one design style?
While many architects work in just one style, Robert R. Larsen, A.I.A. takes great pride in our ability to work in a wide range of design styles, as a tour through our “Gallery” can attest. It is our goal to help create a physical manifestation of the project you have been dreaming of.

Are you able to work on a budget?
We have found that everyone has a budget of some degree. It is for this reason that we recommend that we have a contractor prepare a preliminary estimate once we have finished schematic drawings. Adjustments can then be made at this early stage to avoid wasting design fees on a project which may otherwise be over your budget.

How do you charge for your services?
We will work with you to come up with a fee structure which will work with your budget. But first we need to discuss the project with you in detail to determine what work needs to be done. There are too many variables to predict what the fees might be until then.

What is the best time of year to begin designing a project?
It is never too early to start the design process. Don’t wait until spring if you want to start building in the summer. Also, we recommend against making the year-end holidays the deadline for the completion of construction since this can create a lot of unnecessary stress.

What information do you need from your client in order to start designing?
The more information you can give us the better. Find a pad and pencil and start writing down all the rooms or spaces you need. Then add all the features, furniture, or other requirements you have for each of those rooms or spaces. Cut out photographs from magazines which show the kind of look you like, both interior and exterior.

We will eventually need a survey of your property showing the property lines and, if this is to be a remodeling project, the location of your house on the property. An “Improvement Location Certificate” which may be filed with your deed might suffice.

How long does it take to design a construction project?
For a small remodeling project, allow two to three months through completion of the construction documents. For a new home, it may take considerably longer, depending upon how complex your project is.

Do you specify interior furnishings?
No. While we normally specify interior finishes which are a permanent part of the building, we recommend that you contract with an interior design firm for selecting and specifying the furniture and window coverings, etc.

Can you recommend consultants like interior designers and landscape architects?
Yes. We have working relationships with many such consultants.

How long does it take to construct a construction project?
For a small remodeling project, allow at least three months. Even small jobs require that many different trades be involved which need to be scheduled one after another. This requires more time than many would assume.

For a new home, allow at least a year from breaking ground to occupancy.

Do you do the construction?
No. We provide only design services. We believe it is a conflict of interests to be both designer and builder. Traditionally, the Architect serves as an impartial mediator between the client and the builder, and serves as the client’s representative.

Can you recommend contractors to build our project?
Yes. We are happy to recommend qualified contractors appropriate for your project.