Frequently Asked Questions
Testimonial
RH+ARCH brought structure and clarity to a complex project. Their coordination and documentation made the process efficient, and the final result aligned exactly with our expectations - BCA Management / Office - Maintenance - Warehouse
What Services do you offer?
RH+ARCH studio provides full-service architectural solutions, guiding projects from initial concept through construction.
Our services include pre-design and feasibility, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, permitting coordination, and construction administration. We work across a wide range of project types—including commercial, residential, mixed-use, and specialized facilities—delivering clear, coordinated, and buildable designs tailored to each client’s goals.ctively involved—ensuring decisions are aligned, challenges are addressed early, and the process remains focused and efficient.
Clarity Before You Begin
How do I get started?
Getting Started in simple.
Begin by reaching out through our Start Your Project form or contacting us directly. We’ll review your project details and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals, timeline, budget, and overall vision. From there, we’ll outline the next steps and guide you through the process — ensuring a clear path from concept to construction.
What makes you different?
We focus on delivering architecture that not only looks good, but performs in the real world.
Our approach bridges design and construction — ensuring every project is clear, coordinated, and buildable from the start. With hands-on leadership throughout the process, we align vision, budget, and execution to reduce risk and keep projects moving forward. The result is a more efficient process, stronger outcomes, and a project that gets built the way it was intended.
What types of projects do you typically take on?
Our Project Expertise
RH+ARCH studio works across a wide range of project types, including commercial, mixed-use, hospitality, automotive, government, and residential projects. Our experience spans new construction, renovations, adaptive reuse, and tenant build-outs — allowing us to tailor our approach to each project’s unique goals and requirements.
We are particularly focused on projects that benefit from clear coordination, thoughtful design, and a structured path from concept through construction—ensuring each project is not only well-designed, but successfully built.
How involved will I be in the design process?
A Collaborative Process
Your level of involvement is tailored to your preferences, but we maintain a collaborative approach throughout the project. We guide you through key decisions at each phase — providing clear options, recommendations, and regular updates — so you can stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you prefer to be closely involved or rely on our expertise to lead the process, we ensure communication is consistent, decisions are well-informed, and the final design reflects your goals and vision.
Can you help establish a project budget?
Yes
Establishing a realistic budget is a critical first step in any project. We work with you early in the process to understand your goals and provide guidance based on project type, scope, and current market conditions.
Throughout the design process, we continue to align decisions with your budget — coordinating with consultants and, when appropriate, contractors or cost estimators—to help ensure the project remains financially on track from concept through construction.
What information do I need before starting?
You don’t need everything figured out to begin.
Most clients come to us with a general idea of their goals, timeline, and budget — and we help refine the rest.
Helpful information to have includes your project location, a general description of what you’re looking to build or renovate, and any initial thoughts on schedule or investment. From there, we guide you through the process, helping define scope, priorities, and next steps to move your project forward with clarity and confidence.
Do you work with existing buildings and renovations?
Yes
We have extensive experience working with existing buildings, including renovations, additions, tenant build-outs, and adaptive reuse projects. These types of projects often require a thoughtful approach to integrating new design with existing conditions, codes, and constraints.
We evaluate the existing structure, identify opportunities and limitations, and develop solutions that enhance functionality while respecting the character of the building. Our goal is to deliver a cohesive result that aligns with your vision and performs effectively in the real world.
What happens if changes are needed during the project?
Managed with Clarity
Changes are a normal part of the design and construction process, and we manage them in a clear and structured way. During design, we work with you to evaluate options, understand impacts to scope, budget, and schedule, and incorporate revisions as the project evolves.
During construction, changes are handled through a formal process in coordination with the contractor and project team. We review and respond to requests, provide updated documentation as needed, and help assess cost and schedule implications—ensuring decisions are informed and the project stays aligned with your goals.
How can I contact you?
The best way to begin is by completing our Start Your Project form.
You’re also welcome to reach out directly by phone or email. Every inquiry is carefully reviewed, and we’ll follow up promptly to schedule a personalized consultation and outline next steps.
What is your pricing model?
Our Pricing Approach
What is your pricing model for commercial projects?
Our commercial fees are structured based on project scope, complexity, and delivery method. We typically utilize a percentage of construction cost, fixed fee, or phased fee structure - depending on the level of service and coordination required.
Following an initial consultation, we provide a detailed proposal outlining scope, deliverables, and fees to ensure alignment from the outset. Our approach emphasizes clarity, coordination, and execution - supporting efficient project delivery from concept through construction.
What is your pricing model for residential projects?
For residential projects, our fees are tailored to the scale, complexity, and level of design engagement. We commonly structure services as a fixed fee, percentage of construction cost, or phased approach depending on the nature of the project.
We take a collaborative and transparent approach, providing a clear proposal after our initial discussion. This ensures alignment on scope, expectations, and budget - allowing us to guide your project from concept through construction with confidence and clarity.
What’s it like to work with you?
The Client Experience
What’s it like to work with you on a commercial project?
Our commercial process is structured, efficient, and execution-focused. We align design, budget, and schedule from the outset - working closely with owners, developers, consultants, and contractors to keep the project moving forward with clarity and control.
We emphasize coordination, responsiveness, and buildable documentation, reducing risk and minimizing delays. With hands-on leadership throughout, our role is to streamline complexity and deliver a process that supports successful project delivery from concept through construction.
What’s it like to work with you on a residential project?
Our residential process is collaborative, guided, and tailored to each client. We take the time to understand your vision, lifestyle, and priorities, translating them into a design that feels both personal and purposeful.
Throughout the process, we provide clear direction, thoughtful options, and consistent communication - helping you navigate decisions with confidence. From initial concept through construction, we remain engaged to ensure the design is executed with care, precision, and attention to detail.
What happens after I submit a project inquiry?
What to Expect Next
After you submit your inquiry, we’ll review your project and follow up within 24 hours to schedule an initial consultation. From there, we’ll discuss your goals, timeline, and next steps to move your project forward.
Do you work with contractors, or can you recommend one?
Yes
We regularly collaborate with trusted contractors and can recommend qualified partners based on your project type and location. We also work with client-selected teams and coordinate closely to ensure a smooth process.
Do you handle permitting and approvals?
Yes
We manage and coordinate the permitting process, including preparation of required documentation and responses to jurisdictional comments. Our goal is to streamline approvals and keep your project moving forward.
Can you work on projects outside your local area?
Yes
RH+ARCH studio is licensed across the U.S. and works with clients nationwide and internationally. As an NCARB-certified architect, Rich Hostelley is able to obtain reciprocity in additional jurisdictions as needed, allowing us to support projects across a wide range of locations. Our process is structured to collaborate effectively regardless of where your project is based.
How long does the design process take?
Defined Schedules. Aligned Outcomes.
Timelines vary depending on project scope and complexity. During our initial consultation, we’ll outline a realistic schedule for design, permitting, and construction to align with your goals.
Will you stay involved during construction?
Yes
We remain actively involved throughout construction to help ensure the project is built in accordance with the design intent and construction documents. Our role includes reviewing submittals, responding to contractor questions, and conducting site visits to observe progress.
By staying engaged, we help maintain alignment between design, documentation, and execution—addressing issues early and supporting a smoother construction process from start to completion.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your project and we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.