Design Freedom, inc. is a full-service small architectural firm promoting sustainable Florida-friendly residential designs including universal accessibility. We value quality materials, modern details, and vernacular design. Serving mainly Tampa Bay and Northern Virginia.


Current and past projects include an award-winning green certified home remodel, custom home, numerous mid-to-upper grade additions and remodels, in-law-suites, and accessible home and bathroom remodels.





Cathy Svercl, RA, is a registered architect licensed in Florida and Virginia with over 20 years of experience. In 6th Grade, her teacher gave her class a project to think about what they would do with their lives, including drawing up the house they wanted to live in. Cathy has been drawing homes ever since, and attended Virginia Tech, graduating with the 5-year professional degree of Bachelor of Architecture, with her single family home design thesis entitled "An Architectural Exploration of Privacy". After several internships with architects in South Carolina and Maryland (metro Washington, DC) working on all types of residential, multi family, and some commercial projects, she founded this company in 2003.



Architectural Services



Basic and Additional Services for typical custom residential additions, remodels, and new homes



CONSULTATION





  • 2 hour meeting at your home (up to 45 min from our office)
  • As-needed phone and/or email consulting, or site visits including Pre-Design and Design services listed below


PRE-DESIGN





  • Research building & zoning requirements & restrictions
  • ”Wish List” of functions/rooms, estimated budget, square footage
  • Measure & photograph existing building
  • Input survey, Elevation Certificate info, and measurements into CAD


DESIGN





  • Conceptual drawings show an overall look, sent to Owner for review
  • Development of one scheme or combination of several, per Owner’s decisions
  • Drawings include site plan, floor plan(s), sections, and elevation(s)
  • 3-D Computer images included as needed
  • Overall dimensions and materials for construction estimate by others


CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS





  • Also known as "Bid Sets", "Permit Drawings" or "Blueprints"
  • Detailed drawings with all pertinent information required for the contractor to price and build the project - these are more detailed and higher quality than “Code Minimum” drawing sets - final kitchen cabinetry design not included


CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION





  • 2 site visits during construction to review work
  • Respond to questions and clarifications about drawings


ADDITIONAL SERVICES





  • Zoning variances and HOA/Architectural Review Boards
  • Bidding services
  • Additional details
  • Additional site visits to review work and certify draws
  • Miscellaneous services


CONSTRUCTION COSTS





Currently, the average construction cost for a mid-grade addition or remodel in the Tampa Bay region falls around $200 PSF (per square foot). A typical Family Room is about 300-400 SF, as is a Master Bedroom Suite. This preliminary cost estimate varies based on the finishes you choose (countertops, tile, trim, etc), and does not include such things that may increase this price - kitchens, bathrooms, bay windows, raised pier foundations, window walls, vaulted ceilings, ceilings higher than 8'-0" (standard), and metal and tile roofs - or decrease this price - decks, patios, screened porches and lanais, and garages. Always use a Contractor, experienced in the type of Project to be constructed, to provide price information.



ARCHITECTURAL FEES





Our fees are based on the level of services we provide. Please ask for our Design Fees Menu which describes our fees and services in detail.


DESIGN FREEDOM, INC.


CLEARWATER, FL
FL#AA26001283 VA#0407 005832