When should I involve an architect on my project?
As early as possible. Before you buy the plot of land we can let you know how many units and floors you’ll be able to construct later, and if it’s less than what you want we can work with the jurisdiction to get you a variance. Before you purchase that new apartment we’ll let you know if you’ll be able to remodel it to get that additional bedroom and bath in. We're members of the American Institute of Architects where you can read more about the professional services of working with an architect.
If I want to be involved in the design or do some of the work myself, can I still work with box?
Yes. box services clients of all sizes, talents, and involvement; from those who want box to handle everything for them to those who are very involved in site selection, material purchasing, furniture placements, paint colors, and consultant team selection. Whether you’re the former or the later we’ll pull together a list of services that works just for your level of involvement and ensure the items you handle are carefully coordinated with the rest of the design and development team.
What benefits will working with a design firm bring to my project?
We’re up to date on the latest codes whether they be ADA, zoning, or building. We’ll be able to walk you through the design and construction process, and pull together a full team of consultants to ensure you have the best services from our whole team. From knowing how much room you need for that truck to turn around at your loading dock to what height your counter should be to ensure you get ready comfortably every morning, design is our business.
What will a design firm with a green building focus bring my projects that other firms couldn’t?
While we design buildings of all shades of green from lightly green to very green, you’ll benefit from having an expert in green design involved in your project no matter what shade of green you want your project. We’ll be able to point you to salvaged wood products of unprecedented beauty and grain quality that you can’t find in new growth wood. We’ll show you how chemicals, poor air quality, and off-gassing materials could be contributing to your headaches and child’s asthma. We’ll show you how you can save money every month on both energy and water bills while improving the quality of the indoor space and how you feel in it. We’re experts in green building certifications such as LEED and will be able to make the green building process a rewarding venture rather than a hassle of paperwork.
How do I know if I want to pursue green building or LEED certification for my building projects?
Green building projects have greater market value greater than their non-green counterparts. Studies have shown that the lease rates of green building projects are 3% higher, while their vacancy rates are 3% lower than their non-green counterparts. Green building projects have been found to use 26% less energy and 30% less water which will save you money, emit 33% carbon dioxide which is better for your health and our environment, improve worker productivity by as much as 16% and student test scores by as much as 12%. If you’re interested in pursuing green building certification we’ll show you the options such as LEED, Energy Star, or Green Globes showing you which rating system would be best for your unique project and be there to support you and your team through the certification process. The LEED green building rating system, created by U.S. Green Building Council is currently the most reputable green building program and the one we work with the closest. Amy Green, the owner and founder of box was even given status as a USGBC Fellow and given a desk in their Research and Development Department to help USGBC create new LEED products and credits. Learn more about LEED certification by reading our “LEED Certification Explained” article in the Portland Green Building Examiner
How will I be billed for services?
Before we start we’ll set-up a contract identifying when each of the services will be performed and bill for work as it’s completed so you can pay as we go. We can also show you how to receive financing to cover your architecture and engineering fees. At any time you have the ability to put future work on hold or add additional services.