Are you dreaming about remodeling or adding on to your home? Thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit or legalizing an existing unpermitted in-law unit? Facing an unexpected Notice of Violation from the Building Department?
All of these situations raise similar questions:
What will it cost? How long will it take? What is involved? And is it even possible?
This is where a focused consultation with an architect experienced in Bay Area residential design can help.
I have been practicing architecture in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1985 and specializing in residential remodeling, additions, ADUs, and permit-related projects since 1997. Over the years, I have found that a relatively small amount of professional advice early in the process can often save a homeowner thousands of dollars, months of frustration, or both.
I am now offering three stand-alone architectural consulting services designed to help answer those early questions and provide a practical road map for what to do next.
Consultations can be provided virtually or in person at your property. For virtual consultations, I provide a private Dropbox upload link so you can send plans, photographs, City notices, and other relevant documents at least 48 hours before our meeting. The consultation itself is held via Zoom.
Architectural Strategy & Concept Session
$795 virtual | $1095 on site
You want to remodel or add on to your home, but you are not sure where to start, what is practical, or how much you can accomplish within your budget.
This consultation is designed to help turn a collection of ideas into a more concrete direction.
You receive:
- Up to 75 minutes of consultation focused on the options available for remodeling, adding to, or reconfiguring your home to address your particular needs and priorities.
- One or two quick conceptual sketches illustrating potential real-world, code-aware approaches.
- A preliminary discussion of likely project cost and timing based on the scope under consideration and current market conditions.
- A written list of recommended next steps for moving the project forward.
This is a stand-alone service with no expectation that you hire me for additional architectural work. The sketches and recommendations are yours to use in planning the next stage of the project, whether you continue with me, another architect, or a design-build contractor.
Yes, I want an Architectural Strategy & Concept Session.
ADU Readiness Report
$795 virtual | $1095 on site
If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your property, converting existing space into an ADU, or legalizing an existing unpermitted in-law unit, this consultation can help you understand what may be possible before you invest in a full design project.
You receive:
- Up to 75 minutes of consultation focused on potential ADU locations, approaches, and major constraints.
- One or two quick conceptual sketches illustrating possible code-aware solutions.
- A preliminary discussion of likely project cost and timing based on the scope under consideration and current market conditions.
- A written list of recommended next steps, including additional information or professional services that may be needed.
This is also a stand-alone service with no expectation of further work. The information can help you decide whether and how to proceed before making a much larger investment in design, engineering, permits, and construction.
Yes, I want an ADU Readiness Report.
Permit Problem Assessment
$995 virtual | $1,295 on site
If you have received a Notice of Violation or Notice of Enforcement, discovered unpermitted construction, inherited an unfinished permit problem from a previous owner or contractor, or simply do not understand what the City is requiring, this service is intended to help untangle the situation.
You receive:
- Review of up to 25 pages of the most relevant plans, notices, permits, correspondence, and other documents. Additional documents can be reviewed as an additional service.
- Up to one hour of preliminary research using available online City records.
- Up to 75 minutes of consultation to discuss the apparent issues, likely options, and important unanswered questions.
- A preliminary discussion of likely cost, timing, and professional services that may be required.
- A written recommendation outlining the next steps I believe should be taken.
The goal is not necessarily to solve the entire problem during a single consultation. It is to help you understand what you are dealing with and develop a sensible path forward.
This is a stand-alone service with no obligation to retain me afterward. If additional architectural work appears appropriate, I can prepare a separate proposal at your request.
Yes, I want a Permit Problem Assessment.
Limited Consultation Openings for August and September
I am reserving a limited number of appointments in August and September specifically for these consultation services.
All three services are prepaid, and preparation begins once I receive your completed questionnaire and supporting documents.
If you have been thinking about a project but have been reluctant to take the first step, or if a permit problem has been sitting unresolved because you simply do not know where to begin, one of these focused consultations may be a much less expensive way to start getting answers. Book your consultation today!
Cheers,
David Locicero, Architect
by 
