FAQ

frequently asked questions

Why do fees change from hourly, lump sum, and hourly?

During Phase 1 (Predesign + Schematic Design) It’s hourly because the scope is still being defined.

After Schematic Design

Once the project scope is fully understood, we will prepare a fixed fee proposal for Phase 2 (Design Development and Construction Documents.)

During Construction Administration we return to hourly because construction duration and contractor performance vary.

I heard architects charge 10-12% of the construction cost. Is that how you charge?

We don’t set our fees based on construction cost. However, we do use percentages to give Clients a ballpark idea of how much architectural services cost based on our current projects.

Currently, we are seeing 4,000 sf luxury homes with full services (we are there to support from beginning to end) at the about 10%.

We have other projects that have lower percentages because we are more hands-off, while other projects are in the 18-20% range because some additions and renovations require more coordination.

What is the timeline of my project?

Every project is unique, but a typical custom renovation or new home takes 18–30 months from our first meeting to move-in.

Our design process is intentionally broken into phases, allowing us to make thoughtful decisions at the right time rather than rushing to complete drawings. The design and permitting process typically takes 10–12 months, followed by 12–18 months of construction, depending on the complexity of the project and contractor availability.

While every project moves at its own pace, our role is to keep the process organized, maintain momentum, and help you make informed decisions at each milestone.

How involved will I need to be in the project?

We view every project as a collaboration. Your involvement is essential, but you don't need to become an expert in construction or architecture—that's our job.

During the design phases, we'll meet regularly to review options, discuss priorities, and make key decisions together. Between meetings, our team coordinates the drawings, consultants, and project details behind the scenes so you can focus on the decisions that matter most.

As construction begins, we continue to serve as your advocate by answering questions, reviewing shop drawings, visiting the site, and helping resolve issues as they arise.

Why does TAMA work in phases?

Great homes aren't designed all at once—they evolve through a series of thoughtful decisions.

Each phase builds on the previous one, allowing us to explore ideas, test them against your budget, gather input from the project team, and refine the design before moving forward. This phased approach creates better outcomes, minimizes costly changes during construction, and gives you confidence that each major decision is made with the right information at the right time.

I think this question reinforces the value of your process and helps clients understand that the phased structure isn't just how you bill—it's how you produce better architecture.

How do we manage the project budget?

Budget is part of every conversation—not something we wait until the end to discuss. Because well-built and healthy architecture is our standard, we speak in terms of a project’s investment.

Early in the process, we'll establish a realistic construction budget and design with that target in mind. As the design develops, we'll work closely with your builder and consultants to review pricing, identify opportunities for value, and make adjustments before construction begins.

We believe good value engineering isn't about sacrificing good design—it's about understanding where your investment will have the greatest impact on how your home looks, feels, and performs.

What should I do if I want to make changes during the project?

Changes are a normal part of the design process.

Our phased approach is specifically designed to encourage exploration early, when changes are easier and less expensive to make. As the project progresses and drawings become more detailed, changes often require additional coordination with consultants, contractors, and permitting agencies.

If you'd like to explore a new idea, simply let us know. We'll discuss how it may affect the schedule, budget, and design before moving forward so you can make an informed decision.

Do you handle all of the necessary approvals and permits?

Yes. We prepare and coordinate the drawings required for permitting and work with the local building department throughout the review process.

Depending on your project, additional approvals may be required from zoning, wetlands, floodplain management, historic commissions, homeowners associations, or other agencies. We'll identify those requirements early and guide you through each step.

Permit fees and consultant services are typically contracted directly by the Client unless otherwise noted in our proposal.