ANDREW L.

CASAS, ARCHITECT

FAQ’s:

1. I've heard architects are very expensive, so why should I hire you instead of a drafter and/or an
engineer?

As in many things in life, you get what you pay for. My price will vary depending on what it is that you
want. For example, if you would just like something simple (without too much architectural thought put
into the design), then I will charge you for something simple; and the price would be something similar
to what a drafter and/or an engineer would charge. However, if you would like something with a very
architecturally thought-out design, then I would have to charge you more for the additional work that I
would put into the design. I always encourage people to compare my price with others, as I know that
my prices have always been very competitive, and I want people to understand that they get a good
deal when they hire me.

2. Will I still be required to hire an engineer to do the engineering and stamp the plans?

No, I can do my own engineering and have my own stamp. Statutorily speaking, the professions of
Architecture and Professional Engineering (Civil and/or Structural) are very similar and they have almost
the same authorizations and limitations. So generally architects and engineers can do basically the same
thing, provided they are competent, with one exception being that architects cannot call themselves
‘engineer’, and engineers cannot call themselves ‘architect’. The main difference between architects and
engineers is in their education, training, and experience (which is considerably different). In my case,
during my education and internship phase, though my goal was to become an architect, I studied much
engineering and had many engineers, as well as architects, as mentors; so I am competent when it
comes to many of the engineering disciplines, and I often do not need to hire any engineers as
consultants (especially on residential projects). I will however, on the more complex projects, bring in
various specialists (consultants, engineers, etc.) to ensure that I am applying the professional standard
of care required of architects; but this is only because the modern building technologies and standards
have become so complex that life is just not long enough for any one person to know everything. So it
makes sense for people to specialize in just a few things, and I know many engineers who I like to work
with, and who are very skilled at their specialty.

3. What if my project will be located in a unique area, such as the mountains, near the beach, or in a
historic neighborhood; how can I be confident that you will know how to deal with the special local
requirements?

I have done many projects in unique areas, such as the mountains, near the beach, and historic
neighborhoods, so I am very familiar with special requirements such as snow loads, fire hazards, special
wind loads, seismic requirements, coastal commission procedures, historical review, and more.
Additionally, I have completed many successful projects in locations where I had not done anything
before. I am trained to deal with any type of special situation, such as those due to natural
circumstances or special mandates of any local authorities having jurisdiction.

4. What if my project is located in a different state or country as you are licensed in; would I still be able
to hire you to design my project?

Yes, though I am only licensed to practice architecture in the State of California, I could team up with a
local design professional (e.g. architect or engineer) in your state or country. This is common and I
would most likely do this through a joint venture agreement, which I have already successfully done on
a few projects. So in essence, I would work with you the same way that I would work with a client in
California, but I would also be working with the local professional to ensure that everything is in
accordance with the local laws and standards. The price for doing this would remain competitive with
the prices of the local design professionals.

5. Aren’t you currently traveling around the world, so how is it that you can design my project from
such a great distance?

I have been out of the country for the most part of the past year, and have already completed multiple
(residential, commercial, and educational) projects in this time. I operate my business pretty much the
same way I did when I was living in Los Angeles. I can do most of the things through the internet, and I
do also have local representatives that can do anything else that may be required. When I have a project
that needs my attention, I pretty much stop wherever I am and focus on the project to finish it up as
quick as possible; then I do my travelling during the other times. Also noteworthy is that many of the
places I have been traveling to have a much lower cost of living than California, which affords me the
opportunity to do projects at a lower price than I would have to if I was living in California.

6. Do you have a professional portfolio, resume, or references available?

Yes I do and would be happy to forward them to anybody who may be interested in hiring me. Note that
my portfolio is a few years old though and I have excelled much further since then. I will be revamping
all of this in the next few months. Hopefully I can get the opportunity to design more awesome
architectural projects in this time too, which I can then add to my portfolio.

7. What if I just need somebody to get me building permit for this very small thing; would you still be
interested in doing such a small project?

At this point in my career, I pretty much do anything (small or large, simple or complex, remodel or new,
etc.), and can do it as well as any other design professional. I have done projects as small as designing a
single beam for a wall opening, to very large commercial, industrial, and educational projects.

8. What if I want something extremely nice, and don’t think that you could do it as well as this other
very reputable architect?
Though I have been working for others in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction for
almost 20 years, it is true that I have only been licensed for a few years, so I am relatively still beginning
and haven’t really hit my full stride just yet. This however does not mean that I cannot do what any
other architect or engineer can do; regardless of their reputation. I am the quintessential up-and-comer
in this field. So, you could take the safe and predictable route, and pay a bunch of money to somebody
who will most likely not put nearly the degree of passion into your project, or you could give me a
chance and see what I can do; and you will most likely be happy you did so, far beyond your
expectations.

9. What if I am a building contractor and want to contract with the owner myself to do the design; why
should I bring you into the picture?

The authorities having jurisdiction over any substantial construction project, in California or anywhere
else in the United States, will require you to have the stamp of a registered design professional on the
plans (e.g. Architect or Engineer). This ensures that the design has been completed under the
responsible charge/control of somebody who, having spent many years learning how to design properly,
has applied the degree of skill, care, and diligence to be in accordance with the professional standard of
care, as required by the state licensing statutes. I have done many successful projects where I have
contracted directly with building contractors, who have in turn contracted themselves with the owner to
provide the design. I am very familiar with the legal requirements regarding this, and can work with a
contractor in whatever capacity is legal (e.g. from doing everything myself as if the contractor is the
owner, to working with the contractor on the design if they should desire to do be a part of the design
team themselves). I have found that contractors like to work with me because I come from the
construction industry and have much experience doing many of the trades myself.

10. What if I want my project to be extremely environmentally friendly?

I have spent many years learning about sustainable design and green building techniques and systems,
and I am a LEED accredited professional with the United States Green Building Council (LEED AP BD+C,
USGBC). So I would be more than willing and able to design to whatever degree of sustainability that
you would like.