FEATURED ARCHITECT - JCA DESIGN GROUP

JCA Design Group is one of those architecture firms that is not only constantly pushing the boundaries of design, but one that is also changing the way clients think about the process of designing a structure.

Coming from different backgrounds, Joshua Aaron and Carolyn Feinstein founded JCA Design Group with a few critical missions:

• Never duplicate a design
• Always remember they are there to serve the client
• Maintain complete transparency at every turn

It is because of these seemingly obvious principles that JCA has set themselves apart from their competition, and why they are Architects Austin's featured architecture firm. We asked the co-founders to give us some insight into how these principles drive JCA's client relationships and influence their designs.

Never Duplicate A Design

Perusing the portfolio of JCA Design Group, you won't find catalogs or cookie cutters. Each structure, whether it's a hillside residence or a restaurant on the main drag, is crafted from the outset to meet the specific needs and desires of each client. "The structures we design should be as unique as the individuals that task us with creating them. As no two individuals are alike, our designs are never duplicative.", Mr. Aaron explained.

JCA goes to great lengths to understand their clients before ever putting pen to paper. In Mr. Aaron's words, "If a client says they are looking for a modern farmhouse, my idea of what a modern farmhouse is may differ from what they are picturing."

From the very beginning of the client relationship, both Mr. Aaron and Ms. Feinstein spend a great deal of time with the client discussing their needs and expectations for a space, as well as putting together a wish list of features the client has in mind. Mr. Aaron says, "It is more than figuring out what will look nice and fit on a particular piece of land. It is the functionality of the spaces, the flow of one room to another ... it is about the emotion this structure will evoke." They also ask their clients to do something fairly unique; clients are tasked to go online and put together two folders of images to show a visual representation of their likes and dislikes. From there, JCA, in conjunction with the client, reviews each and every image to discuss the details of why the client chose to sort the image as they did. According to Ms. Feinstein, "Only when we have a thorough understanding of the client does the design work begin."

Serve The Client

For anyone that has ever worked with an architect, you may have experienced a scenario where they seemed to know what was best for you, even if it was not what you requested. Again, JCA takes a different approach. Ms. Feinstein sums this up perfectly by saying, "At the end of the day it is not our house, or our project. No matter how strongly we may feel about an aspect of the design or using a particular material, it is ultimately the client's decision. This is not to say that we don't ensure the client has all of the guidance necessary, as well as the push and pull between architect and client, but the resulting structure is something the client needs to be happy with."

Complete Transparency

Once again, JCA takes a different approach when it comes to billing, and in our opinion this is how every architecture firm should operate.

For those unaware, an architect can choose to bill in one of three ways;

• Flat Fee
• Percentage of the project's total build cost
• Per Hour

Mr. Aaron's explanations of each are pretty enlightening. The following is in his words.

"While it may seem fantastic to receive a flat fee for a project, it is actually one of the worst scenarios for the client. This is due to the fact that there are really only two possible scenarios in which a flat fee is calculated. Either the project will be bid lower than it should, and the work will be turned out as quickly as possible without regard for considering all of the relevant details, OR, the bid will be much higher than it should be to avoid the architecture firm losing money. Beyond that, there are often a limited number of modifications that the client will be allowed because if the project goes on too long, the firm loses money.

When looking at a percentage of the total build cost, it is more advantageous for the architect and/or designer to recommend costly upgrades because it makes them more money. It does not take us any longer to type the words Venetian Plaster than it does to type the word gypsum, but the costs are considerably different.

JCA charges by the hour, in 15 minute increments, and keeps a detailed time sheet so the client is made aware of every minute we have worked on the project. Even if more than one person is working on the project at the same time, we still only bill a single hourly rate. This way, the client is never pressured into costly upgrades they do not want or need, and can feel free to make as many modifications, suggestions, etc. they wish. The client understands that the longer a project is drawn out, the more it will cost, but we are very good with our rough estimates and often times end up coming in below those figures at the end of the project."

In Conclusion

JCA Design Group plays in the luxury residential, commercial, and high-end remodel markets, and the level of detail in their plan sets leaves nothing to chance. This protects the client during the build process and makes trades more comfortable providing "Not To Exceed" bids. JCA works on a maximum of 3 projects at any given time, while maintaining a list of clients that are next in line, ensuring each client receives the attention they deserve.

Visit JCA Design Group's website, and check out their blog, at https://www.jcadg.com to see if they are a good fit for your next architecture project.