Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with an Architect. Don't see your question here? Reach out and we'll be happy to help.
Our process typically follows four phases: Existing Conditions, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documentation. We begin by understanding the site, the existing home, zoning constraints, and your goals. Then we explore layouts and concepts together, refine the selected direction with engineering and consultant input, and prepare permit-ready drawings. The exact path depends on scope, but the goal is consistent: make decisions in the right order so the design, budget, builder coordination, and permit review can move forward with fewer surprises.
Timelines vary by scope, jurisdiction, consultant availability, and how many decisions are needed before permit submission. A focused addition or renovation may take 3-4 months of design and documentation before permit review. A custom home can take 6-12 months before construction, especially when surveys, structural engineering, civil work, energy requirements, design review, or neighborhood constraints are involved. During the first conversation we can outline a realistic path based on your property, desired start date, and whether a builder is already involved.
Architectural fees depend on the project type, complexity, consultants, documentation needs, and level of support required during permitting and construction. A small interior renovation, ADU, whole-house remodel, and new custom home each require different effort. Taylor Architecture Studio offers a free initial consultation to understand your goals and then provides a clear proposal with transparent pricing. Fees may be structured as a percentage of construction cost or hourly with estimated ranges, depending on what best fits the project and the amount of uncertainty at the beginning.
While not every project requires an Architect, working with one ensures your design is thoughtful, functional, code-compliant, and tailored to your needs. For additions, renovations, and new construction in Boulder County, an Architect helps navigate complex zoning and building codes while creating spaces that truly work for your family.
Yes. We prepare construction documents for permit review and help manage the submission process, including responses to building department comments. Permit requirements vary between Boulder County, Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont, Erie, and other nearby jurisdictions, so early code and zoning review matters. Depending on the project, the permit set may include architectural drawings, structural engineering, energy documentation, site information, and consultant drawings. We coordinate the needed pieces so the drawings are clear for both the reviewer and the builder.
Yes. We help homeowners evaluate and design accessory dwelling units, including detached backyard cottages, attached ADUs, garage conversions, basement units, guest suites, and flexible home office spaces. ADU rules can vary by address, so the first step is usually feasibility: setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, access, utilities, privacy, and the relationship to the existing home. From there, we can develop a design that uses compact space well and prepare the drawings needed for permit review.
Common early constraints include zoning, setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, floodplain or wildfire considerations, historic district overlays, solar access, utility locations, easements, and HOA or neighborhood requirements. These items can affect whether a project is straightforward or needs additional review. It is usually better to identify constraints before investing heavily in a design direction. Early feasibility work helps align scope, budget, schedule, and approval path before drawings become too detailed.
For homes in wildfire-prone areas or wildland-urban interface conditions, design decisions often need to account for site access, defensible space, material durability, openings, decks, eaves, vents, and local code requirements. The exact standards depend on the jurisdiction and property location. We can help identify when wildfire-related requirements may apply and coordinate architectural decisions with builders, engineers, and local review authorities so resilience is considered early in the design process.
We work with clients throughout Boulder County, including Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Longmont, and Erie, Colorado. If you're nearby but not sure if we cover your area, just reach out — we're happy to discuss.
Absolutely. We collaborate with a wide range of builders and general contractors across Boulder County. If you already have a builder in mind, we're happy to work with them. If you need a recommendation, we can suggest trusted builders who match your project's scope and style.
Come with any inspiration images, a rough idea of your budget range, and a sense of what's working and not working in your current home. Don't worry about having everything figured out — that's what we're here for. We'll help you refine your vision during the design process.