Do we need to hire an architect?

What credentials does your firm have?

What types of projects does your firm handle?

What is the job process?

Where does the initial meeting take place?

Do I need to prepare anything for the initial meeting?

What other professionals will I need to consult with and/or hire for the process?

What type of equipment does your firm use?

What municipal or other agency approvals will the project require in addition to standard building permits?

Does KJL stay involved with the project through completion of construction?


 

Do we need to hire an architect?

Yes! If you are planning in investing time and money into a project,
a good plan will ensure that the project is successful and stays within budget. By law all non-residential projects require a licensed architect to plan and design the project.

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What credentials does your firm have?


Kurt J. Ludwig is licensed by the state of New Jersey, License # AI 11708
Members of two architectural organizations:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
Insured

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What types of projects does your firm handle?

Our firm handles residential and commercial projects. Please go to the Capabilities page for more information.

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What is the job process?

The following is a typical job process when hiring Kurt J. Ludwig, AIA:

1. Initial Consultation. Our office manager will schedule an appointment at your home or office to discuss ideas, possibilities, budget, and scheduling. Specific project goals and direction will be established.

2. Proposal. Our office will deliver a written proposal for the job discussed. The proposal will list the project goals, design/drawing phases, and fees as well as options of renderings, animation, consultations, etc. Our contracts are AIA printed and approved.

3. Document Existing Conditions. When the proposal is accepted, our office will schedule a time to measure and photograph the existing site. Existing condition drawings will be produced with this information.

4. Preliminary Design Phase. Incorporating the existing site conditions, owner goals, budget and codes, KJL will create a design solution for your specific project. This phase will require interaction between our design staff and owner at varying levels. Budget and design decisions will be finalized during this phase. The complete preliminary drawings will be the base for all of the detailed working drawings. If your project requires site plan or variance approval, the preliminary drawings will be used for those applications prior to initiating the working drawings.

5. Working Drawing Phase. The complete working drawings will be used by the owner to obtain construction bids and award the construction contract. The drawings will be used by the contractor to apply for construction permits and to complete the construction of the project. The builder-friendly working drawings will include foundation plans, floor plans, exterior elevations and section details. The drawings will incorporate structural, electrical, and mechanical details and specifications. Additional budget and design decisions will be finalized throughout the completion of the working drawings. The completion of the working drawing phase typically fulfills the owner-architect agreement. KJL will remain available to the owner and contractor throughout the construction phase (please go to the Capabilities page).

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Where does the initial meeting take place?

Typically, the initial meeting is held at the site of the proposed project. This enables us to observe existing conditions and formulate some ideas about your specific project.

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Do I need to prepare anything for the initial meeting?

Some things are helpful:
List of goals and needs
Land survey or site plan (KJL will research municipal zoning
    requirements)
Budget

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What other professionals will I need to consult with and/or hire for the process?

You may need to retain a site engineer, structural engineer, interior designer or others. Our firm will provide advice on other professionals you will need to retain. These other service providers can be hired through KJL or directly by the client, depending on the project.

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What type of equipment does your firm use?

State of the art computers and software can provide color renderings, 3-D animation, walk-throughs, and detailed working drawings. Plotter printing equipment is in-house, enabling us to produce plans immediately.

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What municipal or other agency approvals will the project require in addition to standard building permits?

Some projects require variance approval, health department approval, county approval, etc. We will direct and assist you with these processes.

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Does KJL stay involved with the project through completion of construction?

Yes, KJL will be available after delivery of the final working drawings. Depending on the project type and agreement with the owner, KJL can be available at varying levels. KJL will see your project through from the initial concept to move-in. This ensures a successful project and gives us great satisfaction!

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