Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 6/15/2007

Question
can you please give me an idea of what an architect's design fee will run?  

also, i'm building on atlantic oceanfront and wish to know the best type of
windows to put in - clad vs wood and any other recommendations you can
make. thank you.  pam

Answer
6/22/07 Hi Again Pam:
Thanks for the nice feedback. It's appreciated.  I just noticed that it looks like you might have a follow-up question or two.  Please email me directly:  here are the clues: use my last name, then @ then draws . com
- Paul

Hi Pam:
This sounds like a great adventure.
Generally, a good 'rule of thumb' for design fees for a custom residence, is about 12% of the cost of construction(excluding land costs).  Thus, if the cost to build your home is going to be $400,000; then you should add on about $48,000.00 for design fees.  If you select a 'boutique' architect, you can expect to pay more.  If you select a builder, and arrange for the builder to provide the design services, you might be able to pay a bit less.  (This is possible because the builder has relationships with professional designers and engineers, and uses the power of 'future work' to leverage some reductions on fees; plus the designer is insulated a bit from re-dos caused by mind-changing.)
Windows:  It really depends on the aesthetic which appeals to you, plus your tolerance for maintenance.  If you like wood, you can use a good quality window fabricated from a durable wood species, and expect to get long service with some expected maintenance.  If you prefer no maintenance, you might want to go with an aluminum clad wood window with a kynar-type finish, or perhaps one of the newer generation fiberglass windows.  Or even a full commercial-grade aluminum or steel window, again with a durable paint finish.  Be sure to select a window with either true brass (not fake brass), or 100% stainless steel operating mechanism.  The salt air will attack other metals.
Good luck!  I hope the project goes well for you.
- PB