Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I hire an architect?

Hiring an architect offers several advantages. One of the biggest is maximizing the potential of your property; you may be able to build more than you think, and there may be untapped opportunities. Architects are licensed and held to legal standards and a professional code of conduct; you will have a trusted professional guiding you every step of the way. We understand what construction should cost and what quality building looks like. Our oversight helps keep builders accountable, honest, and fair. We have experience navigating bureaucracy, from permits to zoning, to regulatory hurdles, we make dealing with city processes smoother and less stressful. And yes, architects care deeply about creating beautiful spaces. When you find one whose sensibilities resonate with yours, you're far more likely to end up with a design that’s both beautiful and personal.

What makes you different?

Ames Studio is a design practice dedicated to an optimistic concept: that thoughtful architecture can transform constraints into opportunities. Our projects combine technical rigor with a distinctly Californian approach to light, space and materiality. Our practice is centered on "quiet hospitality"— designing spaces and homes that feel intuitive and grounded while remaining environmentally responsible. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional level of customer service to our clients, while delivering unique, innovative and artistic architecture to the highest level of quality and technical execution. 

What services do you offer?

While our primary focus is on private residences, we are excited by any project that has the potential to be a beautiful and interesting space, full of light and tactile materials, and providing an elevated experience to its occupants such as: hospitality projects, retail and restaurant spaces, adaptive reuse, multifamily residential, climate resiliency, and creative offices. We also love working on community-serving projects because of the direct and significant impact the work has on people’s lives.

What is your process for engaging a contractor?

Typically we open a project for competitive bids after the design and construction documents are completed. We like to bring in three contractors that we have worked with before or that we know have the experience to handle the type, scale, and quality of the project at hand. We then set up interviews between the contractor, the client and architect, which may include a tour of a built project. Finally, the shortlisted contractor will use the contract documents prepared by the architect to prepare a detailed cost estimate, and submit a bid for the project.

Do you have any contractors you work with on a regular basis?

Architects bring a network. We frequently collaborate with engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, and contractors. The architect and contractor relationship is good for both parties, and we keep in close touch with the construction industry in the Bay Area.  Having a trusted team in place from the beginning often leads to smoother communication and better outcomes than starting from scratch. That said, clients are always welcome to bring a contractor into their project whom they have an established relationship with.

Do you use AI?

Architecture is unique because the basic design and construction processes have not changed for hundreds of years. As a profession, we’ve refined our design and building processes over a very long period of time - and these processes work well. What has changed for us during this time are the specific tools. If a tool improves the product or makes sense with the way we already work, we will look at incorporating it into our workflow. Currently, we do not use AI tools as a part of our design process. As a small business, we do use AI tools to support our administrative and business processes, where it makes sense to do so. This targeted use of AI means we have the capacity to take on more work than we would otherwise, while maintaining the artistic and professional integrity of our output.

What do your services cost?

Every project is different and every situation is unique. We have a pricing model that we have developed through years of experience: we take the data that you provide in our initial meetings, and run them through our model to arrive at an accurate cost projection for your unique project.

We do not try to underestimate our fees in order to win business. We pride ourselves on providing an accurate estimate of the entire expected cost of your building project before we begin.

How do I get started?

We like to begin with a 30 minute virtual consultation. Once we’ve made an introduction, we will meet you at the project site to get a sense of the project scope and condition of the property. After these meetings we have enough data to prepare a project proposal for your review and approval.

We do not charge a consultation fee for our initial discovery meetings. If you need more guidance before committing to a full project after our first meetings, we offer a paid design consultation. Should you choose to hire Ames Studio, that fee will be credited toward your design contract.