Process
Working with an Architect in Austin
Hiring an architect for the first time can feel opaque. Here's how we work, what to expect at each phase, and answers to the questions we hear most from Austin homeowners considering a custom home, remodel, or addition.
The phases
- 01
Initial Conversation
A no-cost call or meeting to talk about your project, your site, and your goals. We'll discuss budget range, timeline, and whether CVMA is the right fit. If we're not, we'll often suggest a colleague who might be.
- 02
Fee Proposal
After the initial conversation, we send a clear written fee proposal scoped to your specific project. Schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration are typically priced as discrete phases.
- 03
Site Workshop & Schematic Design
We kick off on the site whenever possible (measuring, photographing, and talking through how the existing house and lot works and doesn't). From there we develop schematic plans and massing studies. Two or three rounds of revision are typical at this stage.
- 04
Design Development
Once the scheme is settled, we resolve the design at a finer grain: materials, window and door selections, kitchen and bath layouts, cabinetry concepts, lighting strategy, and structural considerations with your engineer.
- 05
Construction Documents & Permitting
We produce the full set of drawings and specifications your builder needs to price and build the work, including coordination with structural, MEP, and any civil consultants. We also navigate the City of Austin permitting process with you.
- 06
Bidding & Construction Administration
We help bid the work to builders we trust (or to your preferred builder), review pricing, and answer questions through bid. Once construction begins, we visit the site regularly, respond to RFIs, review submittals and shop drawings, and stay involved through punch list.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an architect in Austin?
- Architectural fees vary by project type and scope. As a rough orientation, full-service residential fees in central Austin typically range from 10–15% of construction cost for a remodel or addition, and 8–12% for new custom construction. We provide a clear written fee proposal after the initial conversation. There are no surprises later.
- How long does an architecture project take?
- Design through permitting commonly takes 6–9 months for a remodel or addition and 9–14 months for a custom home. Construction adds another 9–18+ months depending on scope and builder availability. We'll give you a realistic schedule during the proposal phase.
- Do I need an architect for a remodel or addition?
- If your project involves moving walls, adding square footage, changing the roofline, or touching a historic home: yes, an architect is genuinely useful (and in some cases required by code). For kitchen swaps and like-for-like updates, you may be fine with a builder or interior designer directly.
- Do you work outside central Austin?
- Our work is concentrated in central Austin (Travis Heights, Barton Hills, Zilker, Bouldin, Clarksville, and nearby) but we take on projects in the Hill Country and surrounding areas selectively. Reach out and we'll let you know honestly if we're a fit.
- Can you recommend a builder?
- Yes. We've worked with a short list of Austin builders we trust on residential work of varying scopes, and we're happy to introduce you. If you already have a builder, we work with yours.
- Is the AIA Homes Tour project part of CVMA's portfolio?
- Carolyn led the AIA Homes Tour project during her time at Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects, prior to founding CVMA. The work CVMA has completed under its own banner is shown on the Projects page.
Have a project in mind?
Tell us about your home and goals. We'll set up an initial conversation.
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