It's not uncommon for people thinking of building, adding on, or renovating to have questions holding them back from moving forward.
Some questions are pretty basic, others may be more complex, but no question is too trivial to ask.
The following questions are some that are often asked. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through email or telephone.
Don't let unanswered questions hold you back from moving forward with your project.
Joseph Mycyk
Joseph I. Mycyk Architects, Inc.
1. When should I speak with an Architect regarding my project?
Right now! The earlier you speak with an Architect, the sooner you will have answers to your immediate questions. A telephone discussion
will bring forward more questions and answers than you may have imagined no matter what your project may be. A discussion at your home
or building site will allow the Architect to view the existing, inquire about current use, and start to better understand your needs.
The discussion will eventually evolve to provide you with information and options to consider in proceeding with your project.
Many Architects will initially meet with you to discuss your project for no charge. Be sure to confirm this with the Architect before meeting
at your home or site.
2. I know exactly what I what. Can I skip the Preliminary Phase and just have the Architect draw the Construction Documents in order to save
time and money on the fee?
You would be surprised how much you exactly don’t know. Though you may be very familiar with your home or site, and feel confident in
your “owner’s expertise” there may be issues that you may not have taken into account. Issues like zoning, building code, life safety,
site conditions, structural, mechanical, electrical, etc. The Architect’s education and professional experience takes all of this and more
into account for every project. If you are comfortable enough to hire a specific Architect, allow the Architect to provide you the
professional services necessary for your project.
3. Once a building permit has been approved, why do I need the Architect to conduct site visits?
You may choose to exclude Construction Phase Services in your Agreement Between Owner and Architect, however, then the burden of
interpreting the Construction Documents and dealing with the unexpected during the Construction falls on you, the Owner.
Keeping the Architect involved during the Construction Phase of your project is very beneficial for you, the Owner. The Architect, conducting
site visits during the Construction Phase of your project, is your representative looking out for your best interests. Through Site Observation,
the Architect can view that work is being done according to the intent of the Drawings. The Architect is also available to answer questions
the General Contractor or you may have during this phase. In the event of anything unexpected coming up during the Construction Phase,
the Architect is there to assist in evaluating, and together with you and the General Contractor, come up with a solution for your project.
4. How do I know I am hiring the right Architect for me and for my project?
Nothing perfect ever falls in on anyone’s lap. Those looking to hire an Architect need to do the research they are comfortable with. Ask your
friends and neighbors who may have worked with an Architect before. Check online for licensed Architects in your area, view their websites,
call with questions. Talk with your local building department officials. Though they won’t recommend a specific Architect, they may provide
you a list of Architects that have done work in the area. Ask the Architect for references of past clients and projects similar to your project.
Call the references, ask questions and don’t hesitate to inquire if you could visit to view the completed work. Ask about their experience in
working with the Architect. Ask what they did not like about the Architect.
In the end, there needs to be a certain “chemistry” between you and the Architect.
5. My General Contractor says I don’t need an Architect for this project.
Depending on the municipality you live in and the type of project you are planning, that may be correct. You should always check with your
municipality’s Building Department to confirm whether the building permit you would need to for your project requires submittal of
Construction Documents prepared by and sealed by a licensed Architect for review prior to issuing a building permit.
6. I bought a set of House Plans online. Can I just have an Architect sign and seal those prints for my permit submittal?
Absolutely no. State licensing jurisdictions require that Drawings signed and sealed by a state licensed Architect must be directly prepared
by the Architect or be prepared under the Architect’s direct supervision. Also, due to copyright law, an Architect cannot redraw the online
purchased House Plans or any other prepared Drawings without the written consent of the person who prepared those Drawings. Without the
written consent, you would be asking the Architect to violate the law and be subject to severe monetary fines as well as penalties of potential
suspension or loss of license to practice Architecture.
Be aware that those online purchased House Plans were not prepared by someone familiar with your building site, site orientation,
site’s terrain, and local building code or by anyone who is will to take on the liability associated with such work product.
Joe
Thank you for a job well done.
We hired Joe to add a completely new bathroom by enclosing an open "sun porch" area on the second floor of our 105 year old home.
This was a complicated project. Designing the bath to allow utilities in a restricted area and without compromising the living area below required considerable skill and patience. This project also required a reconfiguration of the roof which Joe designed to maximize additional living space in our attic. Joe worked closely with our contractor and with the village on permit related issues. From our initial consultation to project completion Joe dedicated himself to getting the job done in a proactive and professional way.
For that we are very grateful.
Theresa and Erwin H. Wilmette, IL
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Joe,
Thank you for your service. Your approach to our project from start to finish has been exemplary. You're ethical, professional, and you listened. For that we are very grateful.
Sincerely,
Mariyka and Slavko D. Lincolnwood, IL
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Joe,
Thank you for a beautiful job. We love our new house!
Lesia & Myron S. Prospect Heights, IL
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Joseph was hired to reconfigure the second floor of our home, including the creation of a master suite with the addition of a new bathroom.
He was the only architect we interviewed who was able to creatively come up with a solution that met our needs and didn't exceed our budget. For someone going through this for the first time, he was patient, trustworthy and most importantly, helped us hold the contractor accountable. We would hire him again in a heartbeat!”
Katie R. Glenview, IL
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“Joseph was able to take on an architectural project that we had a negative experience with a previous provider. He was able to turn around the project quickly and efficiently for Chicago's arduous permit approval process.”
Richard F. Chicago, IL
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“I worked with Joe on a major home remodeling project. This was our first time working with someone on a major home project, so we were wary based on others' general horror stories. Our experience with Joe was nothing short of great! He was professional, honest, extremely flexible and patient. Once the construction kicked off, he was a trusted confidant and a reliable member of my "team".”
Jeremy A. Chicago, IL
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“We highly recommend Joe. He designed our second floor addition. He is a great guy to work with: easy going, on time, knowledgeable. Best of all, he understands his clients' wants and needs. We have been enjoying our addition for 4+ years.”
Ling C. Northbrook, IL
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“Joe worked on our house remodel and was always there to answer questions and to help keep the project moving. He listened to our needs and was quick to make suggestions in ways that made sense for the scope of what we wanted.”
Joe S. Chicago, IL
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Dear Joe,
Construction is over, the house has returned to normal and I am so pleased to have a washer and dryer on the first floor. Thanks again for making another dream come true. Your design of the area is perfect and I appreciate your close attention to the project as construction progressed. Your kindness was so appreciated, too.
Many thanks again and again for all that you did.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann O. Park Ridge, IL
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“Joseph is a knowledgeable and professional architect and gets the work done in a timely manner and has thoughtful ideas for what might
best work in a particular situation. He met deadlines and has a good working relationship with the city of Chicago. I would definitely recommend him.”
Father Peter Bowes
Centers of Light Chicago, IL
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“Joe is a highly skilled professional that listens to his clients concerns and creates the best results possible. He is timely and worth every dollar spent because of his attention to detail.”
Scott Salzman
Scott Construction Co. Deerfield, IL
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“Architect Joe Mycyk, is a true professional in every sense of the word. I have known Joseph Mycyk for many years and have had the pleasure of retaining him for his architectural services. He has always come through for me as well as other clients of mine in his delivery, expertise, and creativity. I will be happy to endorse him personally and with specific detail should anyone wish to contact me."
Nestor Popowych
Architect Park Ridge, IL