JAHarchitectsLLC

ARCHITECT: Education- A minimum of a Masters of Art in Architecture is required in Florida- a 6 year degree, Internship of 2 years minimum under a licensed architect after graduation is required, under a measured IDP program training focuses on Design of buildings and habitable spaces, and includes structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems. Although we are licensed to design structures up to three floors, and unlimited MEP systems, most architects choose to hire, as a subcontractor, licensed professionals in those specialized fields. Passing Nationally ( NCARB) accredited testing is required, to obtain an Architectural license, plus all items noted above Continuing education is required to maintain good standing with DPR, and an active architectural license. Architects focus on building designs, the management of getting the building designed, including the orchestration of the consultants (MEPS), providing construction documents so the general contractor can build the project.

 

ENGINEER: Education- a minimum of a Bachelors degree is required- a 4 year degree Internship of 2 years minimum is required in the specific field the trainee seeks licensing. Unlike, architects which focus solely on designing buildings, the engineer has numerous fields they can pursue once they obtain their 4 year degree. Examples that may be pursued after college may include: electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, etc. Engineers are not licensed to design habitable space, such as buildings, although some building departments overlook the license parameters, and the Florida Building code. Continuing education is required to maintain good standing with DPR, and an active engineering license. Engineers specialized focus in various fields is critical to the successful development of a building, such fields as mechanical systems, structural Systems, and electrical systems.

 

DRAFTSMAN: Education - none is required, although often a draftsman will have a 2 year technical degree. Draftsman generally works under the direct supervision of an Architect, or Engineer. When draftsman work independently they have no licensing, to produce drawings for buildings. INTERIOR DESIGNER: Generally an ID holds a bachelors degree in design from an accredited university, and is allowed to provide permit documents for interior build-outs, but is not licensed to design free standing, new, or shell buildings. They do have to pass a national exam, and are licensed with the state. There license number would be present on all documents they produce.

 

INTERIOR DECORATOR: There are no educational requirements, although some may have have a AA or BA degree, by choice. Their work is limited to picking out fabrics, colors, and finishes. They would not be not be engaged in any work effort that requires a permit, unless they are working under another licensed professional.

 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: The LA, generally hold a four or five year professional degree in design. They are licensed to provide permit documents for landscape, and hardscape features which are a part of the landscaping design, such as arbors, pump room, exterior retaining walls, pergolas, water features, etc. They generally would not provide services for habitable space. They pass a national exam, carry a professional license number, and are generally very knowable concerning plants, trees, and exterior space designs.

 

COMMONLY USED TERMS:

 

CAD - Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer- based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modelers. CAD originally meant Computer Aided Drafting because of its original use as a replacement for traditional drafting. Now, CAD usually means Computer Aided Design to reflect the fact that modern CAD tools do more than just drafting.

 

ARCHITECTURAL FEES:

 

We use industry standard project estimating techniques to find a rough total construction cost figure for each project. An estimate for total architectural fees is then determined based on the type of construction and level of service required for the project. Our scope of services is outlined within our Proposals. This percentage typically falls between 5-12% depending on the building type, level of construction sophistication, associated risk of project specifics, and scope and level of services selected by the owner.    

 

What is included?

 

The Architects Fee Percentage includes all standard architectural services (analysis, drawings, details, specifications, etc.) as well as structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. They typically do not include fees for specialized design such as acoustical engineering, kitchen detailed planning, specialized interior design, landscaping, civil engineering, specialized lighting, or furniture and equipment specifications. These services typically fall within their own specific contracts but can be included within our scope of services if requested.  

 

How are fees billed?

 

We invoice based on estimated fee percentage complete, based on the proposal total. Most projects tend to grow in size as clients spend more money on details and finishes independent of the architectural services provided

​

​