Testimonial
"I must admit that I didn't think we needed an architect, but now that our plans are finished I not only understand that we needed Jan, but we would have made so many mistakes (design-wise and structurally) if we hadn't had her look at our plans.
From the very first time we met with Jan she transformed a drawing into rooms that we could visualize living and working in, and that was really the pivotal point for so many of the important changes we made, from repositioning the garage and laundry room to adding a breakfast area to the kitchen and more. Details and ideas that we never would have thought of until it was far too late to change like: placing the garage in the northwest corner to help block cold air from the great room. Facing the kitchen eating area southeast so it beautifully catches the morning light. She helped us place furniture, so we know our favorite pieces will fit exactly where we want them.
And where our friends tell us the architects they used made their homes bigger with every change they asked for, Jan creatively used the space we had to give us the most for our money. We stayed within our budget - and we are truly getting the house of our dreams!
Did the architect help you estimate the costs?
Although both my husband and I are practical people, it was really Jan who made us think about costs early on. She had
us get preliminary ideas of what we wanted in kitchens, baths, brick, etc. so that she could help us estimate if we were
designing a house that fit our budget. A critical step since we've had many friends design on paper the house of their
dreams, only to be told that it is hundreds of thousands of dollars outside their budget.
A client has the option of working through the design primarily with a design build contractor or plan book
services. Do you think you would have gained the same results?
Absolutely not. For the reasons listed above. The plan design books have no vested interest in helping you. Yes, their
websites allow you to request changes, but they will merely make the changes you ask for, and not listen to the reasons
you want them. You'll never have someone who is a partner in helping you build like you do with a hands-on architect. Jan
listened not only to our ideas, but also to our needs, and understood how we live so that she could give us meaningful
changes. She completely steered the process for us. We'd never get that from an anonymous book plan. And as much as we
like our builder, and trust his experience, his experience is not in the design phase. We went to three builders for
pricing and each of them was extremely impressed with Jan's thoroughness and her knowledge of the building process.
Any Additional Comments?:
At any price working with Jan would be worth it. The fact that her rates are reasonable, and she is so dedicated just made
working with her that much more pleasurable. We love the design. We love the plans. And she made the entire experience fun,
productive and we're going to end up with a much better home because of her experience and attention to our plans."
Dan and Kathi R.
What aspects did you find most helpful as we planned your architectural project? What additional services would
you have preferred to receive that you did not or how could I have improved my architectural services?
Jan, You listened to my ideas and were able to incorporate them into the plan.
Your services were great. You replied to me asap when I asked for a change or request. And when the changes were made and gave very informative information as to why and how things had to be. I could not ask for any improvement on your services. It was a pleasure to work w/you and I appreciate all you did for me doing this planning process.
H.H.
Jan
Your timeliness and expertise were much appreciated. You embraced my ideas for the project and offered several
recommendations to improve it. Additionally, you followed up on the plans to see if I had any further questions. I was
completely satisfied with your services and would recommend you highly.
D.D.M.
Your willingness to work with our ideas.
I don't think I would have changed anything about your services. Your drawings/plans were excellent and your price
was perfect. We really appreciate all you have done.
A.S.
My Practice
About Style: Most of my work is small and medium sized construction. I like to create delightful spaces to live and work in, new design that reflects the 21st century, and regional style architecture that reflects the time, place, and culture. I find inspiration in the client and the special characteristics of the site, and I believe the most important aspect of architecture is to relate to the site, both functionally and visually. This would be the "Architectural Idea" or "Style" and is a collaborative result.
About Fees: Everyone has heard the saying "You get what you pay for." When hiring anyone, it is important to understand what you are paying for and who will actually do the work. An architect can provide many things: from historical research and quick preliminary sketch ideas to full working drawings, specifications, coordination of engineering, as well as providing help selecting a contractor. An architect is the representative of the owner's interests and can also provide site visits during the construction.
Best results always reflect the thought devoted to the problem and the time in communication with the owner. I design for practicality and convenience of my clients. I try to design to minimize material waste and building maintenance. I anticipate furniture and activity areas.
Time spent in the planning stage before the start of construction is an investment that results in easier living and more value per square foot.
One cannot hire an architect or anyone else over the phone and ask what they would charge without a meeting and detailed discussion of the project. The investment is too important.
In order to provide a Proposal, I need to carefully estimate the time to provide the type of services that will give my client the best results.
Having a small firm allows me to provide my clients reasonable rates and more service. Generally, because I detail the project on paper and design value into the building, I can save my clients far more in building costs than they spend for my services.
Jan L. Olinick, Architect