Project guide
A Useful Starting Point
A productive first conversation does not require a finished design. It does help to be direct about what you need, what you know about the property, what you can realistically spend, and who will make decisions for the project. The topics below bring the existing project guidance into one place so you can review the basics before reaching out.
Do I Need an Architect?
The real question is often not whether you need an architect, but what problem you are trying to solve. Some projects need an architect; others may need a contractor, civil engineer, another consultant, or a standard pre-designed solution. K Brown Architecture will help point you in the right direction.
What Should I Know Before We Talk?
A useful first conversation usually covers your program, scope, budget, and decision maker.
- Program: the spaces your project needs.
- Scope: the property, existing building, construction type, parking, and outdoor-space constraints.
- Budget: an honest discussion that informs design decisions.
- Entity / decision maker: who owns the project, communicates with the team, and has final authority.
What Will Architectural Design Cost?
Every project has a budget, and architectural services are one piece of the overall construction cost. Most design fees can be expected to fall within approximately 20–30% of the following figures depending on the project.
- Single Family Residence: $6,000 + $7/sf
- Detached ADU: $2,000 + $6/sf
- Attached ADU: $1,000 + $8/sf
- Garage Conversion ADU: $4,000
- Patio / Deck Addition: $1,000 + $3/sf
- New Commercial: $8,000 + $10/sf
- Business Tenant Improvement: $1,000 + $3/sf
- Restaurant Tenant Improvement: $3,000 + $4/sf
What Will It Cost to Build?
Architectural fees are only one part of the overall construction budget. Other costs can include consultants, agency and plan-check fees, permits, engineering, construction, and project-specific requirements. We can help estimate project costs, but construction pricing cannot be guaranteed; estimates become more accurate as design decisions are made.