PHONE: 916-962-3128 EMAIL: bruce@obrienbdesignarchl.com
THANK YOU FOR VISITING “DESIGN & DRAFTING by BRUCE W. O’BRIEN.”
I have been involved with professional drafting and design continuously since 1984, used AUTOCAD computer drafting since 1993, and have run my own business (one-person) full-time since 1998 (part time since 1990 +/-).
Before starting my own business, I worked as a drafter and as a project manager for architectural firms which specialized in public schools, and for a “production housing” architectural office, for a fire district, and for a water district.
I am NOT an architect or engineer; I am an “architectural drafter”. I am qualified to design MOST residential projects, tho a structural/civil engineer’s input & stamp are always helpful, and sometimes required. (I DON’T do energy compliance calc’s.; see “energy” in the phone book). I DON’T do surveying (this is advisable on any site which has any notable vertical relief). Engineering, or other consultant work, is NOT included in my fee.
In twenty-four years, I have been involved with a considerable variety of projects, from a cat door, and a trash enclosure, thru additions, new residences (my design), housing tracts (with the “production architect”), upscale makeovers (with local contractors and interior designers), decks (at the Bluffs), elementary and middle school design (with architectural offices; “Colfax K-8”), commercial tennant and church improvements, lot splits and site improvements (with civil engineers), and have done pool/spa shop drawings for a local contractor who has worked projects such as the “podium structure” multiple-residences of the South Bay, and the new “Riverside Hotel” (downtown Sacramento).
I prefer to work my own projects in the immediate vicinity, because I usually make multiple visits to the site/client by the time the project is finished. However, I have had projects as far-flung as Arcata, Mono Lake, the Ozarks, and beyond.
The fact that I am a one-person operation ensures that every client/project receives my full attention. Working from my personal residence makes for low operating expense, which is passed-along to my clients.
My contribution to a typical architectural project involves understanding the client’s need and desire for space and functional layout, and creating a design which fulfills this while giving full consideration of three-dimensional space, structural implications, architectural style, and (with additions), merging the new project with the existing.
I can usually produce a set of drawings fairly quickly, tho I am not in control of every aspect of the process (as waiting for client review/decision comments, waiting for engineering results, and, of course, for building department review).
I print client review updates while the design is in progress, and ONE set of full-sized plans, when finished (I DO NOT make full-sized 24”x36” copies).
My fees are quite reasonable. Most residential projects can be done for an estimated fixed fee. Some projects, which have an uncertain scope-of-work or an on-going nature, may need an hourly fee. I like to have a start payment when the contract is signed and a final payment when the finished planset is delivered to the client; any intermediate payments as agreed upon.
One option is to start with a contract for design development, and to follow with a separate contract for the finished 'construction document' (planset to be submitted to the building department).
If you are unsure of the size or design of your project, I would recommend an exploratory “design-development, only” contract to start with. The resulting concept would enable a more concise estimate for a finished planset contract.
Please browse thru my example drawings, and contact me if interested.
Thank You,
Bruce O’Brien
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