Alvin Holm A.I.A. Architects was founded in 1976 and is a full-service general practice architectural studio. The company specializes in traditional design and has specialized expertise in historic restoration and collaborates with architects across the country to share their knowledge. They are also a supporter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA).
Always By Design, or AxD, is a Philadelphia-based architectural company founded by Ed Barhart. With a contemporary style, the company’s primary designer and point person is Ed himself, who collaborates and has a personal interest in each project from start to finish with owners, contractors, and trade specialists. AxD is the recipient of the 2013 Honor Award from the Society of American Registered Architects Pennsylvania Chapter and the 2013 Merit Award winner from the American Institute of Architects New Jersey Chapter.
Bower Lewis Thrower Architects, Ltd., or BLT Architects, is a Philadelphia-based corporation that also serves New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Nevada, and other jurisdictions through their affiliates. The company centers on the needs and aesthetics of each client in the context of the environment and the surrounding community. The corporation holds many achievements, including the Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Award for Excellence in 2016.
BWA Architecture + Planning is a Philadelphia-based architecture firm, serving the area since 1988. The company focuses on sustainable design, teamwork, excellent client services, and projects ranging from renovation to new construction. The firm is a member of the Community Design Collaborative’s Volunteer Hall of Fame and a Member of The American Institute of Architects.
CANNO Architecture + Design is a Philadelphia-based complete architecture and interior design firm. Along with serving a variety of patrons in the area, their mission statement states that listening to each client’s needs is their principal focus. Partnering with a team and the clients themselves, CANNO Architecture + Design uses the unique qualities from each site to create memorable spaces.
Coscia Moos Architecture LLC is a Philadelphia-based architecture serving a diverse variety of patrons internationally and nationally. The company concentrates on high-quality design and client services, including goals, idea planning, and budgeting. A principle oversees each project and relies on teamwork and collaboration from the firm’s staff, clients, and consultants.
Ian Smith Design Group LLC is a full-service architecture, planning, and design firm serving the Philadelphia area since 2008. Other services include architectural rebranding and product design, as well as tackling unusual design challenges. The company is a member of the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter.
JKRP Architects is a full-service architecture firm based in Philadelphia that serves clients throughout the country. The company focuses on quality, communication, each client’s vision for their space, and creating relationships within each community. The firm has received several honors, including preservation awards and a Grand Jury Award.
k Yoder design is a Philadelphia-based architecture and interior firm founded in 2010. With experience serving international and national clients, Kevin Yoder, the owner, is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. The company focuses on a modern aesthetic as well as the needs and goals of each client. Their brand mainly features elegant minimalism, which includes commercial projects. k Yoder design was awarded Best of Houzz for design in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Kieran Timberlake is a Philadelphia-based architecture firm with a team of over 100 professionals that serves clients worldwide. The company was founded in 1984, and concentrates on environmental sustainability, researching new practices and products, high-quality services, and pursuing innovative ideas. The firm has received over 160 design citations both internationally and nationally, including the 2010 National Design Award from the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
Metcalfe Architecture & Design, LLC is a Philadelphia-based architecture and exhibit design focusing on social spaces in a variety of contexts. The company maintains that the two sides of its practice combine in a result that creates interaction and happiness. Using sustainable practices, Metcalfe Architecture & Design, LLC serves clients across the country. In 2015, they were awarded the HGTV Fresh Faces of Design Award.
Peter Zimmerman Architects is a full-service, Philadelphia-based design firm serving clients across the country since 1982. With a design philosophy rooted in historic tradition, they utilize classical proportion and scale, balancing shadows and light, using sustainable materials, and creating a seamless transition from the built and natural environments in their designs. The firm’s awards include the Palladio Award for Best Sympathetic Addition and the Best of Houzz for Design and Customer Satisfaction in 2015.
PZS Architects is a Philadelphia-based company that serves Philadelphia and the surrounding areas since 1993. The company offers planning, programming, and design services for residential, institutional, commercial, and corporate clients. With each project, their goal is to create architecture that enhances people's lives and raises their spirits.
Tantillo Architecture is a full-service architectural firm founded in 2007 that partners with a variety of clients across the country. The Philadelphia-based company is focused on innovation, providing elegant solutions to challenging problems, utilizing the latest design tools for clarity and precision, and crafting spaces that enhance the experience of place. They hold many awards, including the World Architecture Award and the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter Design Excellence Awards, in 2013.
The cost of hiring an architect varies, depending on what type of work needs to be done. According to Home Guide, most traditional architects charge anywhere from $100 to $250 per hour to draw plans; however, this cost may vary depending on experience and project scope.
Residential architects typically charge anywhere from $2,000 to $8,500 for initial plans and small projects, according to Home Advisor. For large projects, revisions, and extra services, this cost can increase.
While it's not required to hire an architect before building a house, it's usually a good idea. An architect can ensure that all housing plans are done per local housing codes while ensuring the home is beautifully designed.
It requires practice and knowledge of drawing different perspectives and dimensions. Tutorial videos can be found online that advise beginners; however, without proper instruction and technique, architectural drawings may not be in accordance with building laws.
An architect isn't always required for a remodel or renovation; however, some municipalities may require professional architect drawings before construction permits are approved. In most cases, it's best to check with local laws before undergoing renovations.
Architects may be held liable for up to 15 years after the completion of a project. Until that time has passed, architects may face claims for defects in design.
If no design exists, an architect can help take a project from start to finish. However, if a design already exists and an engineer has reviewed the project, a draftsman can use plans and engineering drawings to create a blueprint for construction professionals.
Just as with remodeling projects and renovations, an architect isn't normally required to finish a basement. That being said, some municipalities may require architectural drawings before construction is approved, so it's best to check local laws.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, architects earn an average of $82,320 per year. Of course, this salary can vary depending on experience, skill, and projects they undertake.
An undergraduate degree in architecture takes about five years to earn while attending school full-time. Some architects may choose to earn a master's degree in their field, which normally takes an additional three years.
While some students become architects with a bachelor's of architecture degree, many prefer to further their education with a master's of architecture degree. Those with master's degrees typically earn a greater salary.
While an architect typically requires at least a bachelor's degree, those who wish to become an architectural technologist, an architectural technician, or a draftsperson can earn certification at a technical college.
Several programs are commonly used in the architectural community. While AutoCAD is the most common, some architects may prefer to use programs such as ArchiCAD, SketchUp, Revit Architecture, or Rhino 3D.
Architects should invest in professional liability insurance to protect them against claims of faulty designs. In some states, architects must carry this type of insurance before they're able to practice legally.
The average cost of professional liability insurance is $35 per month, according to Insureon. It's important to note that this cost may vary depending on policy options, such as deductibles and limits and the provider.
