An architect helps you turn an idea into a buildable reality. We listen to your goals, translate them into thoughtful designs, prepare detailed drawings, and guide the project through approvals and construction.

We balance creativity, technical expertise, and coordination so you don’t have to manage a complex process on your own.

Learn more about our services

As early as possible — even before you finalize a property, scope, or budget. Early conversations help avoid costly surprises and ensure the project is set up for success from the beginning.

Contact Adam Mayer Architect

We see the design process as a collaboration. You bring your vision, needs, and preferences; we bring design expertise and technical know-how.

We check in at key milestones, share drawings and 3D visuals, gather your feedback, and refine the design until it feels right.

Learn more about our process

An architect designs the project — the space, layout, materials, and overall experience — and prepares drawings that show how it should be built. We also coordinate engineers and consultants, and help ensure the design is feasible and code-compliant.

A contractor builds the project. They estimate costs, manage subcontractors, schedule the work, and construct what’s shown in the drawings.

We each play different roles, but we work together throughout the process to bring the project to life.

There are two common ways to structure a project team:

Design–Bid–Build (Traditional)

You hire the architect first.
The architect completes the design and drawings.
Contractors bid on the project, and you select one.
The contractor builds what the architect designed.
Pros: transparent pricing, competitive bids, clear designer/contractor separation.
Cons: can take longer; changes during construction may cost more.

Design–Build (Combined Team)

You hire a single team that includes both the designer and contractor.
The design and construction planning happen together.
Pros: faster timeline, streamlined communication, early cost input.
Cons: fewer competitive bids; less separation between design and construction, which some clients prefer to keep distinct.

We can help you determine which project structure best supports your goals, timeline, and decision-making style. If you’re interested in a design–build approach, we work closely with several trusted contractors we can recommend. We’re also happy to collaborate with a contractor you’ve already selected.

Yes. Early in the design phase, we discuss your budget and align the scope accordingly.

We can help you get preliminary cost input from contractors or estimators, and throughout the process we make recommendations that keep the project realistic and buildable.

Soft costs are the non-construction expenses required to design, permit, and prepare your project before any building begins. These typically include architectural and engineering fees, surveys, permitting fees, energy/code consultants, and sometimes specialty reports such as geotechnical or drainage studies.

Because these costs are essential to getting a project approved and built, it’s important to factor them in from the start. While every project is unique, here are general ranges to help with early budgeting:

Home Remodel:
Soft costs typically range from 15–25% of construction costs.
Home Addition:
Usually 18–28% of construction costs.
New Residential Construction:
Generally 20–30% of construction costs.

(Actual amounts vary based on existing conditions and required investigations. Sites with complex terrain or permitting needs may fall higher.)

We review these categories with clients early in the process so you have a clear, full picture of project costs—not just construction—before making decisions. Our goal is to keep budgeting transparent and manageable from day one.

Absolutely. We prepare all drawings needed for permitting and submit them on your behalf.

We also coordinate with structural, civil, mechanical, and other required engineers so everything works together as one complete project.

Learn more about our process

Yes. We offer interior design as an add-on to our architectural services. This can include material and finish selections, cabinetry design, lighting, furniture layouts, and other details that create a cohesive, well-resolved interior. If you’d like a more comprehensive, integrated design experience, we’re happy to include this service in your project.

If you already have an interior designer you’d like to work with, we’re equally happy to collaborate with them to ensure the architecture and interiors align seamlessly.

Yes — that’s very common. Through conversations, sketches, and exploration, we help you uncover what you really want: how you want the space to feel, function, and support your daily life. Many of our best projects start with only a vague idea.

Every project is different, so our fees are based on the specific scope of work. Once we understand your goals and the level of detail your project requires, we put together a fixed-fee proposal for the design phases. This helps you know what to expect upfront and removes surprises during the early stages of the project.

When the project moves into construction, our services generally shift to an hourly rate. This is because the amount of support needed during construction—answering contractor questions, reviewing site conditions, or helping with decisions—can vary from project to project.

During the design process, we send monthly invoices that reflect the work completed to date. We find this keeps billing predictable and easy to follow.

If you’re wondering what your specific project might cost, please feel free to reach out—I'm always happy to provide a custom quote once we’ve had a chance to talk through your vision and needs