At EastWing Architects, we believe that curiosity is the first step in any construction project – whether creating a new home or transforming an existing home. When you start, a desire to explore what’s possible will enable you to begin the design process with an open mind and discover untapped potential. A common question we receive as Maryland architects is what kind of projects we work on. It’s a difficult question to answer, as we’re more interested in choosing the right people to work with than limiting ourselves to a particular project type. We seek new opportunities to flex our creative muscles, and passionate clients who want to explore bold, complex designs.
Today, we’ll explore what you can expect when you work with EastWing Architects, not just in terms of our process but in who we are as an architectural design firm. From our approach to pricing to our fundamental values when it comes to client relationships, this blog will help you gain a greater understanding of who we are.
More Than “Blueprints”
At a base level, your Architects serve the role of creating build-ready Construction Documents (traditionally referred to as blueprints) for a new build, remodel, or expansion. Some architecture firms focus on delivering efficient, streamlined blueprints that allow you to expedite your construction process. However at EastWing, we take a different approach.
We believe every project requires a proper partnership between client and Architect. A strong, efficient set of Construction Documents is just one part of the process, but what comes before and after is just as important to us. We aim to provide guidance, insight, and creativity to help develop the optimal design. Together, through mutual trust and collaboration, we can uncover something that is signature to you.
Collaboration Is Fundamental
We welcome clients who want to be active participants in the process of their design, clients who come to us with questions and provide space for us to challenge ourselves as Architects. Our team is composed of talented, passionate designers who bring distinctive perspectives, which underscores a commitment to expression across each project we work on. When you bring curiosity and active participation, we have a greater runway to shape your vision into something tangible.
Hear how this collaborative relationship can nurture an incredible finished product in our testimonial video below.
A Look at Our Process
We’ve established some of the values that guide what projects we take on. The process of working with an Architect may be unfamiliar if it’s your first time. Let’s break down some of the important pieces you need to know.
The Role of the Architect vs. The Builder
One area of confusion some clients have when they start is the division of responsibilities between your Architect and your builder. In most cases, these two entities will work independently of each other. If you’re working with an Architect who only provides you with basic floor plans and passes you off to a General Contractor, then the two groups will likely not have much cross-collaboration.
At EastWing,, we prefer to work actively with the builder as your advocate throughout the construction process. To achieve the best results and ensure the project is built to our specifications,, we’re in constant communication with the builder from the first day to the final touches.
Some of the Most Common Questions We Receive
Starting your journey with transparency provides a more fluid experience for both of us. Below are some of the most common questions we receive.
How Does EWA Pricing Work?
At EastWing, our fees vary depending on the complexity of the project. For smaller residential renovations and additions with construction budgets of less than $250,000 (for example, a Primary Suite addition or Row Home Renovation, the scope of the project is generally evident from our initial conversations. We tailor our service to deliver the most value for the project based on your total project budget. For smaller projects described above, our fees are fixed, and generally land between 8-10% of the total construction cost.
For more complex projects with construction budgets of $500,000 and above, our fees are billed to our clients on an hourly basis with estimates provided at the onset. This fee structure enables us to be as valuable as our clients need us to be, provides space for exploration of design concepts, and rewards clients for quick decision-making. Generally, total fees for more complex residential projects with construction budgets less than $1,000,000 land between 6-8% of the total construction budget. We are in constant communication with our clients regarding the work we are performing and its impact on our fees.
What Does the Permitting Process Look Like?
Nearly every construction project, whether it be a new build or a home addition, will require permitting approval from your local municipalities. This may include permits from your city, township, county, state or even HOA. Permitting can be a headache if you’re unfamiliar with how to navigate the bureaucracy. For this reason, we’ve made it our mission to take the permitting process off the plate of the client. We’ll handle your permitting needs, allowing you to spend more time reviewing design plans and working with our team to perfect your vision.
I Already Have a Design, Can You Create Construction Documents?
As mentioned previously, EastWing Architects takes a different approach to collaborating with clients. For this reason, we don’t provide standalone drafting services. If you’re looking for a more simplified drafting service and not a comprehensive approach to design, we’re likely not the best fit for the project.
What Kind of Projects Does EWA Work On?
For us, the project we choose is driven by the clients who bring it to us. We don’t restrict ourselves to one project type, which has resulted in a varied portfolio across different design disciplines. We’ve worked on residential remodels, new construction, commercial interiors, public spaces, adaptive reuse projects, and more.
Maryland Architects Embracing A Fresh Approach
At the start, we mentioned how curiosity is an excellent mindset to begin your design journey with. Our best work comes through a process of collaboration and iteration that’s driven by an open-minded approach to architectural design. If this approach is something you’d be interested in exploring, reach out to our team today to get started.
