Your project is unique and your specific proposal will clearly note which are included for your scope.

The earlier, the better. Involving us before hiring a builder ensures  programmatic, budget, and sustainability goals are aligned, preventing costly rework. 

Timelines vary, but generally, Design takes 8-10 months and Permitting takes 2–3 months.

YES! We are happy to discuss goals and past examples during a discovery call.  The Initial Consult provides on-site evaluation, discussion and feedback. Detailed design concepts are professional services provided once under contract. 

Builders are construction experts, but architects ensure your home is designed for your specific lifestyle, budget, and long-term functionality while remaining code-compliant and aesthetically cohesive. 

We are an award-winning, women-owned firm grounded in sustainable design and community impact. Our process blends creativity, practicality, and empathy to ensure your family and you’re your community thrives. 

Absolutely. Sustainability is the foundation of everything we do. With LEED-Accredited professionals and as an NCARB-Certified firm, we integrate environmentally responsible strategies into every project. 

We believe in integrated collaboration makes the most successful projects. You provide key decisions on priorities and important input on our aesthetic responses to them –  that we then integrate into the technical requirements and code compliance that address health, safety and welfare. 

Yes, our services often include architectural interiors, lighting, and finish selections. 

Through email, virtual and in-person meetings that suit your schedule/s and preferences. We use 3D modeling for design visualization and professional platforms for scheduling and billing. 

Construction budgets and costs can fluctuate throughout the life of a project. Percentage based fees are the most dynamic and adjust based on the progression of the project.  This minimize administrative time for the firm and in turn cost for the homeowner.  

A Retainer is required at contract signing to fully execute the contract.  It secures your place in our project schedule and is applied to your account upon project completion.   

Invoices are typically issued monthly via email for work completed the previous month. Payment can be made by check, or by ACH transfer or credit card on our website. 

It is not uncommon for a project scope to evolve.  The next steps depend on the language in the original contract.  One option is for an Addendum to be created and signed that alters the scope of work.  Another option is for us to create a phase for the specific ‘Additional Service’ such as if you decide to add a bathroom when one was not planned originally.  This would be invoiced at our hourly rates.  We will do our best to provide an estimate for that work.   

Once all contracted services are fulfilled and final deliverables are provided.  This can vary per project.  Most projects are typically complete after there has been a final inspection approved by the jurisdiction holding authority, (JHA) so after Construction Administration is complete. 

They are preliminary based on square foot costs for remodel and new construction.  We typically provide estimates for Schematic Design and Design Development phases.  Once there are potential general contractors we step back and let them create the estimates.  Ultimately, the General Contractor will know more about product availability and cost volatility.  It is also important to remember that the costs cannot be guaranteed several months prior to construction and the purchase of certain materials.

Yes, this does happen.  At that point, we collaborate with you and your contractor to adjust materials or scope (value engineering) as best as possible without compromising design intent.  We also can assist in phasing some of the work to be performed at a later date.   

This refers specifically to the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and is a state-designated buffer zone protecting Maryland’s tidal waters and wetlands.   it is 1000 feet from the Mean High Water Line and was created to protect water quality through the management of development and land within that area.  The primary focus is on the 100-foot buffer within this Critical Area.

It can impact the design as it limits the amount of lot coverage and  impervious surface on your property.  There is special attention paid to vegetation as root systems are instrumental in filtering stormwater before it runs into the tidal waters.  Any tree / plant removal or increase in impervious surface will require mitigation. The location of your  addition can also be restricted in the Critical Area. These projects require additional review by the Critical Area Team within OPZ. 

Yes, frequently with our additions and renovations, there are existing conditions that cannot be avoided that will need relief from certain codes.  We always work with our clients and the county planning department to try and minimize the need for a variance, as this can add months to the design process and therefore increases the fees.   In Anne Arundel County specifically, this process starts with the ‘Pre-File’ submission. 

For waterfront properties (effectively in the Critical Area) or projects requiring zoning exceptions, this officially opens a file with the County for review before the formal Variance application is started.  Prior to this phase, however, we meet with the staff at the AACo Office of Planning and Zoning (OPZ) and strategize minimizing or eliminating the need for a variance. If a Variance cannot be avoided, we prepare the Site Plan and Letter of Explanation for your approval before submitting to OPZ). At that point, the OPZ staff can officially review our proposal and go on record with an assessment of the variance requirement.  

Regulations prevent runoff from new impervious surfaces like roofs or driveways from entering a neighbor’s property or a body of water. Any increase in impervious square footage triggers mitigation requirements that includes a planting plan showing native Maryland trees and shrubs will be planted to make up for the vegetation lost due to construction as well as for the increased impervious surface.  A a refundable bond will be required and held by the County for two years to ensure that the plantings take root and are healthy.