FAQs, SAQs, Fees, & Feasibility Studies
Frequently Asked Questions / Should Ask Questions
A. What should a client expect?
We get it, you may have never been through this before and may be a little apprehensive. We have been through it 100’s of times. Our brief slideshow-video explains our typical range of services and expectations:

B. What are your usual fees?
Writing in 2025, our hourly figures ranging from $150/hr for an associate’s time to $200/hr for principal’s time. We do not mark up our consultants’ fees (i.e. engineers or expeditors) or reimbursable costs (i.e. printing) We do charge 50% rates for travel, as is customary in the industry. https://seconarchitect.com/whats-this-construction-project-going-to-cost/
Our full-service fees, as a percentage of construction cost, generally average 10%, which is considered “average” by the 2024 edition of Engineering News-Record Costbook. The smaller projects tend to fall in the 12% range and the larger ones in the 9% range. However, many of the standard services we provide , would often be considered “extra” by our competitors (i.e. budgeting, scheduling, Virtual reality viewing, etc) https://seconarchitect.comhttps://seconarchitect.com/do-you-need-an-architect/
C. Why use an architect?
Most improvements that are beyond cosmetic or general maintenance, require a registered architect or professional engineer to submit documentation to the municipality to confirm that the proposed work meets certain standards (i.e building code, zoning, etc.)
Whether you use our services or those of another firm, an architect provides you with a partner and advocate that is skilled in design, reviewing construction, and approval sequences, which saves you time and money while making your project more usable and attractive. https://seconarchitect.com/do-you-need-an-architect
D. Is there a lower cost method to get an overview of what’s possible?
Yes, it’s called a Feasibility Study. This offer, for $2000-expires December 31, 2025. This is 6-9 hour “down and dirty” session where we measure the house or building, develop preliminary sketches, options, budget, and schedule for discussion and charting a course of action. It’s a great way to get the feel of what’s ahead with a low investment. Extremely useful (and the feasibility study costs are credited to future fees)!

E. How does this process generally work?
- After our initial meeting, we will send a letter of agreement (proposal) outlining the factors and objectives that we discussed, the services we will provide, and the related fees and terms. After the return of the signed agreement and retainer, we get to work. Billing is done on a monthly basis commensurate with the amount of work completed.
- In the early part of the project we’ll come to your home, office or project site to confirm/review your objectives, get familiar with the property and building and ask many questions, including your present and future needs, budget constraints, time and schedule factors, applicable site restrictions, considerations as to who may build and obtaining any available background information.
Our services are typically categorized in 5 phases:
- Preliminary or schematic design
- Design development
- Construction documents
- Bidding-negotiation-approval
- Construction Observation
(1) Preliminary or Schematic Design
The usual procedure entails our office verifying the existing conditions (measuring and examination), reviewing the applicable regulations (i.e. zoning and building codes), and performing preliminary designs and options. This is done in both 2d and 3d to assure a full understanding of the design. We meet several times during this phase of the project to review the schemes, make any necessary changes as well as hone in on details and specifics. Once a preliminary scheme is selected, we can provide thumbnail budget figures if requested.
(2) Design Development
We then develop these preliminary drawings into more detailed and technical drawings that are suitable for more fully understanding the materials, structural elements, and mechanical systems.
(3) Construction Documents:
We refine the drawings into more technically complete documents that are accompanied by specifications to give the builders and building department a thorough picture of the completed project.
(4) Bidding-Negotiation-Approvals
During this phase, we help in obtaining permits and needed approvals. We will assist you in obtaining the necessary municipal approvals and can assist you in bidding the project among qualified, battle-tested builders. Our office usually negotiates with the bidders on your behalf to ensure that you receive a favorable price and the best possible conditions. At that point, we generally prepare the contract between the Owner and the selected Builder using templates established by American Institute of Architects. https://seconarchitect.com/bidding-mistakes-for-the-hayseed/
(5) Construction
At the end of the job, we’ll come punch-list (identify missing or remedial conditions) and help close-out the job and get you back into your home, office or building.
WHAT OUT CLIENTS SAY
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lev GedrichSteve and Marvin helped me execute on my ice cream store. Steve and his team provided excellent work quality and helped me work through the many architectural and health department hurdles necessary to get my business going. I highly recommend him and his team to others!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Correy StephensonSteve has been an invaluable asset on the multiple projects that we’ve worked on with him - he is knowledgeable, practical and a pleasure to work with.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Roberta Stein-HamSteve was very professional and guided us through the process of designing our addition, providing thorough answers to all of our questions.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kerry SolimanWe recently completed a project with Steve Secon. We had a great experience. He was easy to work with - he understood our goals and came up with good ideas. He made the process easy and was very patient. He has worked on several homes in the area and all are beautiful. We love how our project came out. Highly recommend!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Valerie HorvilleurSteve Secon is an impeccable architect. Always listens and delivers. In addition to his sheer talent he also understands how to navigate the often complicated legal bureaucratic aspects. Our dream home renovation could not have happened without Steve and his team’s professionalism.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Alexander VergezAs General Contractor and being in this business for more than 35 years, Steven Secon and his firm are amongst the best. Seamless process every time we work together guiding to the finish line time and time again. We personally refer him all the time and we have yet to have an unhappy customer. Hats off to Steve and his firm! -Vincent FrancoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dan LynchSteve was awesome, we hired him design and build out a complex job with a tight time schedule and he provided experience, guidance and expertise that made the job project run extremely smooth, I would highly recommend Steve.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amy Jo NeillI have worked with Steve on two big household renovations projects over the last 5 years. He and his team were great to work with both times. He is very collaborative and was very experienced with guiding me through the multiple layers of approval needed by my town. I highly recommend his firm!