Investing in Architecture

At Chesapeake Architects, we believe the architect's primary job is to help the Owner create value - value as the Owner defines that word. To that end, we try to be the Owner's diligent guide throughout the planning process, by consistently seeking to:

• verify the Owner's goals and objectives
• organize the building accordingly
• call attention to reasonable alternatives,
• communicate their pros and cons, and
• explain their cost consequences.

It is our job to help Owners realize what, for them, is the proper balance of functionality, durability, initial cost, aesthetics, and resale.  We believe, the right outcome to seek is the Owner's deepest satisfaction, five years down the road, and so, although the decisions always belong to the Owners, we advocate for what we think is in the Owner's long-term interest.  In summary, we see ourselves as advisors as well as designers. Throughout the planning and construction process, we will offer our experience to help you reach informed decisions to optimize what you most value.

Cost Management and Trust

At the outset, the Owner and Architect engage in a process of giving birth to a vision - in other words, in a search for a design strategy that can achieve the Owner's desired balance of function, cost, and aesthetics.  After we have had a chance to flesh out that strategy, we usually suggest broadening the Owner-Architect team to include a trusted builder.  The builder can help us assess the costs and consider alternatives.  This team approach allows the Owner to make "big picture" value-based decisions while the project is still easily steered, and without being obligated to the builder.  Later, when the construction drawings are developed, builders again estimates the costs and help all of us to evaluate alternatives.  At this stage the Owner has some experience with builder(s) and the project's pricing, so the Owner can decide which specific alternatives to pursue, and which builders the Owner wants to add to the construction team.  Likewise the builders are on-board with the Owner's goals and objectives, including budget.  Owner, Architect, and Builders are working as a team.

Why we work as a Team

Over several decades we have built trust relation-ships with local builders, craftsmen, mechanics, and artisans.  (See our Teammates to Trust List)  All want to be known for the care they take to comprehend the Owner's objectives, and for the skills they bring to the job of carrying them out.  Our experience working with each other helps us to catch mistakes before they become serious trouble, and helps us to recognize possible improvements early enough that they can be cost-effectively implemented.  Individually and collectively, we know our business success ultimately depends on how well we accomplish the Owner's goals. It is for the sake of Owner, that we are working together - we are the Owner's Design & Construction Team.

  For more about us and how we work, see:
Frequently Asked Questions
The Value of 3D Design