AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question I in the starting phase of building a takeout restaurant. I have a civil engineer doing preliminary site plan as of right now. I want the building to be 30x30 (900 sq. ft.) with an 8 ft. overhang around 3 sides of the building to serve as a cover for weather and support the patio style atmosphere for customer who may want to sit and eat right then. The customers will be on the outside of the
business at all times.
In an effort to cut cost of this project I've been seeking different alternatives. I came across a website (nationaldrd.com) that offers layout and designs services for $1.25 sq. ft. I talked with a representative and he told me I may need little or no architectural involvement. He suggested I may be able to give their finished plan to a contractor and go from there. This company claim that their services will suffice for all city and county inspections. Please advise.
p.s. I live in Savannah, Ga
Answer Hi Arthur:
This sounds like an interesting project; good luck with your venture.
I checked the National RD website. If I were you, I would be skeptical of the claim that they can give you full permitable plans for this low cost. Were you talking to someone who really understood the fact that you are constructing a new building? Or, were you talking to a junior level account rep., who was thinking of this as a fit-out of an already existing space?
I am not an expert on the codes in Georgia, but my guess is that you will need a fully designed and engineered structure, with professional stamps from the architect, structural engineer, and M/E/P/FP engineers, as well as the Civil that you have already started.
You should ask NationalRD for samples of complete BUILDING plans that they have done, and if they have any, you should take that sample to your local Building Department, and ask them if plans similar to the sample, will be acceptable to them.
I hope this helps,
PB
