FAQs

Architects have the ability to understand and conceive solutions to your desires and project constraints and they can do it more efficiently than most other professionals involved in the design and construction industries. Architects focus on an extremely wide range of project conditions, from the location of your project on the site to product selection to budget analysis, and they work hard to bring all of these individual items of conflict into one harmonious project.

Many clients come to an architect after already meeting and/or selecting a contractor, especially for small residential projects. If a contractor is not yet selected, We recommends that the process for selecting the contractor begin early in the project, usually during the schematic design phase. Once the overall scope of work has been established, contractors will be better equipped to answer questions about construction schedules, price estimates, and their own availability. Choosing a contractor is often influenced by cost if the project is put out for competitive bidding but when possible the Owner is encouraged to enter into a negotiated contract with a contractor who is both competitively priced and with whom the Owner feels comfortable working. Regardless of the bidding / selection process, it is also common for products and materials when bids cannot be obtained or when plans are insufficient for accurate bidding.

The best filter for help in selecting a contractor will be ultimately your Architect, as they are most familiar with both the design of the project and also its particular conditions and assumptions. Sharing all available information with the contractor(s) will ensure the most accurate and competitive cost estimates for the project. Keep in mind when comparing contractors that formalized bids are accurate compilations of bidder prices, while estimates often only include allowances for subcontractor bids and may not be as accurate. We can assist in your selection and interview process or we can recommend contractors with whom we’ve worked in the past.

Every project will vary in the time it takes to go from inception through to handover; However, PGA's unique model of an in house architectural and construction team saves vasts amounts of time against these been separate elements. We can get onto site far faster through omitting costly and time consuming competitive tender stages while holistically developing our technical and construction understanding from the beginning reducing unforeseen costs.

From a design perspective, we often deliver a design through to planning consent depending upon the complexity with construction. This is very broad guidance as many factors can influence this, however, we provide a programme at the very start of the project and we continually monitor this throughout.

For an idea of the project size we have worked on see the Our Work section of our website. We typically design projects such as new single family residences (custom and spec), whole-house remodels, and substantial additions. We have experience in commercial work and are interested in being considered for these types of project as well. In addition to the projects featured on this website, we have done a number of small remodels and additions for our clients that are not featured. We have redesigned entries, bathrooms, master suites, basement, kitchens (indoor and outdoor), and even swimming pools. If you can imagine it, we’ve probably done it before!