Permits, pricing & plans, explained
Practical guides on hiring an architect, navigating your jurisdiction, and pricing every kind of project — written with the licensed architects in our network.
12 Questions to Ask an Architect Before You Sign
How to hire an architect remotely — and get a permit-ready set
A step-by-step walkthrough of vetting licensure, scoping your project, and agreeing payment terms directly — without a single in-person meeting.
What does an architect actually cost in 2026?
Fixed quote vs. hourly, what drives the number, and honest benchmarks by project type.
The complete backyard ADU planning guide
Setbacks, utilities, Title-24 and the real timeline from idea to stamped set.
Reading your jurisdiction: a permit primer
Why the same project costs and takes different amounts of time from city to city.
8 questions to ask before you hire an architect
The vetting checklist that separates a smooth project from a stalled one.
Building in Oakland: seismic rules you should know
Soft-story, hillside and design-review basics for East Bay homeowners.
Home additions: where the money really goes
Structural work, jurisdiction complexity, and how to keep a second-story on budget.
Browse by topic
Get the monthly build brief
Permit tips, pricing benchmarks and one great project teardown — straight to your inbox.