How We Work
We can provide architectural design and/or general contracting. These are two distinct services, and we may provide one or both on a project...more on that below.
Having both sides in-house allows each one to inform the other. The process is design-led, meaning that every project begins with finding the best functional and aesthetic solution. Our goal for every project is to have a happy client and a beautiful final product.
Initial Consultation
The first step usually involves a design consultation at your home or site. During this meeting, we will review your preferences and requirements and discuss the next steps. We will give you initial design feedback, along with budget estimates and timelines, to help you define the scope of the project. This tool can be valuable whether or not you are certain about starting a project in the near future. It can provide insight into possibilities that you may not have even considered. We frequently provide advice on the common "remodel or move" dilemma and on potential home purchases. During a consultation, which typically lasts about an hour, there is a $100 fee payable at the time. If the project is located more than a thirty-minute drive from our office, the consultation fee may be higher to include travel time. Alternatively, you have the option of a phone consultation or a meeting in our office, for which there is no charge. Following our initial consultation, we will provide a proposal outlining the scope and services discussed.
Learn more?
Here are some common questions clients ask:
We realize that there are many folks who have never worked with an architect or done this kind of project before, and we strive to make the process as easy and friendly as possible. Our company works a little bit differently than others, and here we will explain our process and address some of the questions you may have.
How much do architectural services cost?
Our architecture services are billed on an hourly basis, as the needs of each project and client vary. After a consultation, we can provide an estimate of the fees based on the specific project requirements.
Can you give me a construction estimate for my project?
During an initial consultation, we can offer a rough estimate of the construction cost based on the type and size of your project. Please note that an accurate construction estimate can only be provided once some level of design and drawings have been completed.
We already have a builder or want to put our project out for multiple bids. Is it required that your team build our project if you design it?
No, there is no obligation to use our construction team. You will pay for the design and will own the drawings to pass along to a builder or builders of your choosing.
We really want RPH to do both the design and construction on our project. Can you guarantee that you can provide both services?
We aren’t able to guarantee that our construction team will be available for a particular project. Because they usually focus on only one or two projects at a time, they are often booked well in advance. Therefore, we do have other builders that we work with frequently and can refer you to based on the type of project.
We already have drawings by another architect. Can we get a bid from Rock Paper Hammer to build it?
While our construction team is usually kept pretty busy carrying out our own designs, there may be times that we have availability to consider other designer’s projects. Please forward us your drawings and we will take a look, and let you know if it seems like a compatible project.
Do you do work outside of the Louisville area?
We like to keep it local. While our design projects can have a farther reach, our construction projects tend to stay around or within the I-265 loop.
Do you provide interior design services?
We can provide direction on anything that is typically part of the construction scope, such as interior materials, finishes, fixtures, etc. For example, we often join for showroom visits to select tile, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. If you are looking for help beyond that, such as with furnishings and decor, we can help recommend an interior designer who would assist with the items above as well as all of the finishing touches.
