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CLIENT RESOURCES
This dedicated hub empowers clients with the tools, insights, and guidance to navigate their architectural projects successfully. Here are our most frequently asked questions.
What is an architect and why do I need one?
Architects are professionally trained and licensed persons who help design and create a vision for a project. We take it from conception to final construction until a project is a finished piece of work. Re: Design Architects can take it even further and organize the installation of furniture and see everything through to move-in day. Building and construction can be a difficult process, but I see part of our job as taking away some of the burden. I might not be able to take away all of the headaches, but hopefully, we can work together to come up with creative solutions to solve any problems that arise and enjoy the journey, with a beautifully finished space at the end of it.
What's the difference between an architect and interior designer?
An architect is professionally trained and licensed in the art of architecture and will have an architecture degree. Architects are required to be licensed by the states in which they operate. Interior designers may or may not have a degree but have an eye for design and a talent for creating beautiful interior spaces. Re: Design Architects offers both services. We typically include interior design as part of our architectural services but will happily work with you on only interior design or architectural needs if that is what you’re seeking. We are currently licensed in NY, NJ, and IN but would be happy to seek reciprocity in other states if necessary for a project.
Do I have to have a permit for my renovation or build?
Typically, you need a permit for your project if you are moving walls, installing new electrical, or adjusting and/or installing new plumbing. The easiest way to think of whether or not you need a permit is to ask yourself, “are major items in your project moving around?” If you are not moving the plumbing but you're just putting in a new faucet in your sink then you don't need a permit. If you are painting the inside of your house, you don't need a permit. If you are replacing the cabinet doors to your kitchen cabinets, you don't need a permit. You do need a permit for any addition that you might do or any ground-up building. You do need a permit if you renovate your kitchen or bathroom and you plan to move the plumbing and electrical around. If you live in a co-op or a condo, the boards of those entities will likely require you to pull a permit for most work in the interior of your apartment.
What kind of project management support do you provide?
The Principal Designer or a Senior Designer will be the point person for all projects. We are here to provide a very hands-on approach to managing the project from start to finish. There are additional team members who will run support on projects to help the design progress, but one of the most important factors–and why clients continue to come back to Re: Design–is that the owner and Principal Architect are there and fully involved throughout the entire process. It’s also really important to us that the client is involved and part of the process, and that we’re truly capturing your vision. Depending on the project, scope, and scale, other consultants might also be needed, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural, geotechnical, and audio-visual, to name a few; but know that our team will take care of interfacing with any third-party partners. If and when we work together, you’ll receive a welcome packet that includes the full list of potential consultants, as well as estimates for their fees. For a full list of potential consultants that might need to be hired for your project, please review our welcome packet.
CLIENT Hub
We've put together even more wonderful resources for you! This dedicated hub empowers clients with the tools, insights, and guidance to navigate their architectural projects successfully. It is tailored to address the needs of both new and experienced clients, ensuring seamless collaboration between clients and their architectural team.
