FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



Our clients focus on green or energy efficient projects - homeowners who want to save money and think long term. They subscribe to the thought that bigger is not necessarily better that quality wins over quantity every time. And our clients plan on staying in their home for a long time, with low maintenance, durability, and one level living integrated into every design.


Every project is different, but every project is a puzzle. My job is to figure out what is needed, what is wanted, and the best possible way to get there. We like to listen to the clients, weigh all the options, and bring out the best ideas. If we figure things out carefully at each step, the end product will go together more smoothly, and seem to be the best and only solution to the problem.



ARE YOU AN ARCHITECT?





Yes. Cathy Svercl is licensed as an Architect in 2 states, Florida & Virginia. In both states, her license allows her to offer architectural services on all types of structures for human habitation, including homes, multi-family buildings, offices, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, etc. A licensed architect can offer services including planning, preliminary study designs, drawings and specifications, job-site inspections, and administration of construction contracts. Our license information is at the bottom of each page. To verify our licenses, go to (Florida: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/) or (Virginia: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup/).



IS A RESIDENTIAL DESIGNER OR DRAFTER THE SAME AS AN ARCHITECT?





Architects are trained in design as well as building science - balanced between art and engineering. We are licensed professionals who are bound by a code of ethics and carry professional liability insurance (errors & omissions) on projects. There are 4 phases to our services: the Pre-Design (research) Phase, the Design, the Permit Drawings, and Construction Review. Make sure to compare both our fees and our services when getting quotes.


There is no required education, licensure, or professional liability insurance for Residential Designers or Drafters. Certified Building Designers are certified by a private organization to members who have 6+ years of residential experience.



WHAT ARE THE COSTS?





We provide a Design Fee Menu up front which describes our services and fees (see our "about" page). A full Proposal, consisting of text description of the work and the fees & services involved, is sent after the initial meeting at your home, which allows us to review the existing conditions and requirements of the project. You are not obligated to sign a Contract until we are all in agreement with the Proposal.


An architect's fee usually starts at $2,500 for smaller projects. Typical fees range from $8 per square foot for very large projects to $20 per square foot for very small projects, or around 5-10% of the construction cost. Our Proposal for Architectural Services will be based on the Design Fee Menu, the complexity of the project, estimated hours for unusual conditions, and include or exclude additional Consultants.



WHEN SHOULD I CALL AN ARCHITECT?





You don't have to figure everything out before you call us. Let us do what we're good at so you can enjoy your home sooner.



HOW DO WE START?





A phone call or email introduces us to your life and project. We explain the design process and answer any questions you have about us. Then we send you our Design Fees Menu and other pertinent information to help you make the right decision for you. After reviewing these, most prospective clients call to schedule a paid Initial Consultation at their home. We walk and talk, and follow up with a formal Architectural Proposal.



WHAT KINDS OF PROJECTS do you dESIGN?





We mostly work with families on their own homes: Remodels and additions, porches, bath remodels, new detached garage/workshops, and new houses. In-law-suite additions are becoming popular.


We also design the occasional commercial project: tenant space renovations and multi-family projects.



HAVE MOST OF YOUR CLIENTS ALREADY WORKED WITH AN ARCHITECT?





Most of our Clients are average, everyday people. Some are handy around the house, most have watched design shows on TV. A special few have read more about architects, architecture, and the design process. Almost none of our Clients have worked with an Architect before, although some have remodeled their home in the past. So we are happy to educate as we go, whether about design, structural, energy efficiency, construction, etc.




WHAT MAKES A GOOD CLIENT?





Before we work with a Client, we want to make sure we will be the best fit for that person and project. A good Client will be honest and up-front about their wants and needs, their budget, and their timeline. Although, of course, those things may change during the design & construction process. A good Client is open to a new idea or thought, will listen to our advice, and then make the best decision for themselves. A good Client is just as excited about the project as we are!



HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ARCHITECT?





Cathy graduated college with a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Classes included design studios, structural engineering, geology, urban planning, architectural history, environmental building systems, building assembly and computer aided design. One semester was spent at the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center in Virginia, and one semester was spent at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia.


After graduation, she worked at 4 architecture firms in South Carolina, Maryland, and Florida. The firms worked on a mix of residential, multi-family, retail and office projects. Then she took and passed all 9 sections of the Architectural Registration Exam.



DO YOU TAKE CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES?





Architects are required to take courses on Health, Safety, and Welfare, including Advanced Building Code courses. We learn about new products and techniques, and review good design and building practices. We also take courses, attend seminars, and go to conferences to keep up with green products and techniques.





DESIGN FREEDOM, INC.



CLEARWATER, FL
Phone/Voicemail (Seven 2 Seven) Seven 35 - Nine 223
FL#AR93491 (formerly AA26001283) VA#0407 005832