Turning Ideas into Details
The vision you have deserves growing room. While you're picking paint colors and furniture, we'll be working on the fine points that are deserving of your future.
We aren't competing for the best, most prestigious or sought after... we just want to build better; we want to build right.
Green
Energy
Maximizing efficiency through insulation, air sealing, windows and HVAC systems, and renewable generation techniques.
Sustainable
Materials
Matching the least environmental impact and the greatest longevity to reduce fuel consumption, energy costs, and pollution.
High
Performance
Building envelopes can provide a tighter seal that keeps conditioned air in while filtering out pollutants like dust, pollen and mold spores.
With so many advances in green building technology, it's time to consider sustainability when it comes to homebuilding. As consumers, we must become more aware of the health impacts and environmental damage caused by traditional construction practices. About the Echo Method.
What our clients are saying
We had interviewed a second architect and had a nice discussion, but she never got back to me... never called me back. What I really wanted was a draftsman, to put our house on blueprints, I really didn't know how much I needed an architect, he changed everything all for good. Dugan took our floor plan and made it incredible. The new house is BETTER than our millionaire dream house thanks to Dugan.
In hiring an architect I look for someone who is easy to work with, responsive, keeps me up to date, and doesn't price gouge... ACVN met all of that criteria. Working with Dugan is smooth and comfortable, and the price is comparable to other architects that I interviewed.
"Looks like we got the first step correct. Met with Dugan and couldn't be more pleased with his ability to listen to our desires and add his thoughts. I really feel like we are heading into the winner's circle. We're still in the beginning stages.
We are planning an addition to welcome the newest member to our family, we need more bedrooms. I will update you along our journey of making sound decisions."
Our Work
Here at ACVN we aren't competing for the best, most prestigious or sought after... we just want to build better. We want to build right.
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How much does it cost to work with an architect?
Here at ACVN, we typically bill by the hour for residential contracts work. Our billing rate is $150 per hour and our overall fees will be a function of the complexity, the size, and the scope of your project.
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How do you communicate and collaborate with clients?
We set up frequent meetings either in-person over the phone or through video calls to discuss the project's progress and engage you in the collaborative design process.
One of the enjoyable aspects of collaborating with us is that we operate directly in 3D software. This enables us to begin examining how your space will appear in the physical world fairly early in the design process. We can guide you through 3D models, allowing you to explore what different finishes, textures, and colors will look and feel like in your space. -
What if the budget or scope of work changes?
It's true that the scope of work can change during the design phase. That's why, here at ACVN, we provide the flexibility of billing by the hour, so that if or when your design changes - we can adapt to it as we work through the process.
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Can you work within a specific budget and scope?
In short, yes, this is possible. In order to work with a specific budget we will need to bring on the contractor early on in the design process; it’s easier to design to a budget than to budget to a design. As you may be aware the construction market is somewhat volatile and it’s much easier for us to stay on track with a budget when we’re working with the contractor who is going to build the job.
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How are zoning and permits handled?
Addressing permit and zoning requirements are the foundation of our services.
Each municipality in Virginia has slightly different requirements for permit and zoning documentation in general for permitting, municipalities will require floor plans, structural framing plans, sections, elevations, details, and a site plan.
In Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg city, and Stafford County (among others), all additions, detached structures and new houses require a shrink-swell soils test.
New houses will require a topographic survey & grading plan, and we work with a few providers of soils test and surveys. -
How long does it take to design a house?
Getting your home designed and built is a process: It takes time. Decisions are not made all at once but throughout the course of a project. The overall design process will depend on the size of the building, the complexity of the project, the location, and the client’s decision-making process, as well as a whole host of external factors.
We like to give our clients the expectation that it will take around four to six months to design a complex renovation, six to twelve months for a new custom home
With that said the permit review in Spotsylvania County can take four to six months. -
What experience do you have with similar projects?
We have a combined 30 years of experience practicing Architecture we’ve done everything from kitchen renovations, furniture design, all the way up to neighborhood designs and $100 million Department of State compounds, and everything in between.
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How do you handle conflicts or unexpected challenges during the project?
Every build has something unexpected come up we do our best to collaboratively meet those challenges. As your architect, we will advocate for you and offer the best solutions according to the situation.
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Do you speak Spanish?
ACVN Architects es una firma bilingüe y estamos listos para ayudarte en el diseño de tu nueva casa, adición o tu negocio. Temenos basta experiencia en proyectos residenciales y comerciales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reach out Today to get Started
Your house can give you the life you dream about for you and your entire family, so you can enjoy all of life's moments.
With an Echo framework design from ACVN, you can focus on what's most important to you... whether it's an addition, a house off the grid, the perfect piece of land or the home you're dreaming of for your grandkids... you can love where you live.