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Draftsman/Home Designer in New Orleans

Posted on 3/31/14 at 1:20 pm
Posted by Rev1897
NOLA
Member since Dec 2008
782 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 1:20 pm
I realize we've had some threads on this already, but none of them were focused on New Orleans.

We have a set of house plans that we already like but would like to make some fairly significant changes. I've heard good things about Hollingsworth Design here in New Orleans, but they are $1/sq. ft.

Does anyone have anyone designers they would recommend? I don't think we are in need of an architect for this project.
Posted by thebrowns
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2013
168 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 3:17 pm to
Your complaining about a $1 SF? $1 SF is a low end designer, while high ends charge usually around $2. $1 is a steal. The firm I work for charges 10% for all work.

Architecture drawings take time. Stop complaining and pay for someones professional expertise.

EDIT: Also, I think in New Orleans in order to avoid using a licensed architect you need to have less than $5,000 SF and no more then 2 stories (not including an attic). So keep that in mind.
This post was edited on 3/31/14 at 3:23 pm
Posted by saderade
America's City
Member since Jul 2005
25737 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 3:19 pm to
My architect, who works for a large firm and does his own projects part time, charged $1.25sf which I found to be a very good price.
Posted by Rev1897
NOLA
Member since Dec 2008
782 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 8:42 pm to
I am not complaining, simply asking for recommendations. I know that many draftsmen charge anywhere from $.50 to a dollar a square foot. If you have any recommendations, architect, draftsman, whatever.
Posted by thebrowns
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2013
168 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 9:29 pm to
quote:

I am not complaining, simply asking for recommendations. I know that many draftsmen charge anywhere from $.50 to a dollar a square foot. If you have any recommendations, architect, draftsman, whatever.


I know, it just infuriates me when people refuse to pay for someone else skills fairly. I did not mean to stereotype you, but I have heard many stories of draftsman / architects having problems with people on how much they charge, when it is really just they going rate.

That said, I understand there are unethical people out there who will price gouge you if you aren't careful. So I see your concerns.

I would say that $1 SF is very reasonable. I would double check before hiring a draftsman fro .50 a SF. That is incredibly low. One thing to keep in mind is that draftsman did not go to design school. They are not designers and drawing a plan is completely different then actually experiencing the spaces. Whatever you do, see the house in 3D before you approve it. I have moonlighted with a few clients to help them visualize in a 3D walk through exactly what they were building and they were able to make changes and then send them to the draftsman so they got exactly what they wanted. Remember, this is one of the biggest investments you will ever make make sure it is done right.

Also, that pricing could have been from a few years back when draftsman / architect were in the tank because nothing was being built. The construction industry is heating up now so if you find something of that price for a good draftsman that's phenomenal.

Personally, if I were you, I would try and find an Architect or an Intern Architect (with a degree just not licensed yet) to do moonlight the work for you. They would do it around the same price as a draftsman, and you would get the best product for your money.

I can ask around some new Orleans contacts I have for you, both draftsman and architects
Posted by Rev1897
NOLA
Member since Dec 2008
782 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 9:34 pm to
Any contacts you have would be appreciated. Best email is probably lsfeagle at gmail dot com.

Posted by Tigerholic
Member since Sep 2006
2214 posts
Posted on 3/31/14 at 10:59 pm to
I know several people that used Diamond Designs in Covington and were extremely pleased.

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