Now that you have bought your property and are taking the big leap of faith and building your second home, B & B in Paradise, small lodge or project,you should consider the value of somebody like me, an architectural consultant who has lived in tropical Central America for 16 years. 10 or 15 of the homes and lodges I have designed have been built and there are dozens of examples of my architecture designs and you are welcome to come and visit with me at my studio to determine if you would like to work with me on your project. I generally consult with new customers for the first few hours for free, in person or online, then require a $500 retainer to begin working with you. The first $500 includes 12 to 14 hours worth of drafting, sketches, rough site plans and conceptual drawings to get your project pointed in the right direction.

Once you answer my questions, send me photos, topography and information about your project, then, I can then begin to put your vision on paper. I only charge $20 per hour for image re-sizing and e-mails phone and travel cost, $40 pr. hr. for drafting and consultation, making a site visit affordable if you feel like your project would benefit from me standing there with you.

The conceptual phase of working together is generally during the first $500 $1,000 worth of drafting. Some smaller homes can be designed for under $1200. Each project is different and depending on terrain, slope of land, materials, details of design....cost to complete a full set of blueprints for a three-bedroom two level home could be as high as $2200 -$2500. This would be the plan you would hand to and engineer or licensed architect in your country to obtain permit.

Larger homes with swimming pools, carports, Sit up bars and outdoor living areas will generally require far more drafting hours to complete.

Once the conceptual drawings are approved, then I move the drawings towards a finished floor plan for your approval before proceeding to elevations. Here is a general rule of thumb regarding pricing and fees. Please note that I get paid up front for all of my work, and I require 50% deposit in the event you contract me to complete your final set of blueprints. In Costa Rica, for architectural floor plans and solid eco logical advice , contact me personally. osamike@gmail.com / 508-714-0622

Here is what you can expect for your design dollars when interacting and consulting with me online -

1000 - 1200 sq. ft one level house includes -
Floor Plan / 4 Elevations / Roof Structural / Floor Structural / Foundation / Cross Section / Basic Septic and Electrical.
4-5 schematics drawings, photos and structural diagrams sent via PDF.
1-2 hrs. on skype.
2-3 hrs. emails back and forth.
3-4 hrs. image resize.
2 page floor plan summary.
35 - 50 hrs. of drafting.

In summary, You should budget - $350 - $550 for conceptual drawings / $850 - $1350 for finished blueprints in Spanish. Total - $1200 - $1800 depending on the specifications of your project.
Larger projects include more foundation and kitchen, bath and woodwork detail plans. Finish schedules and construction management documents can be included as well.

I can work hourly or by contract. My designs have been featured in magazines and articles. My home designs include kitchens that the ladies or chefs fall in love with as well as great places for grilling, outdoor patio space, beautiful accents and outdoor showers and details throughout the home. When working at the conceptual level I always keep in mind the scale of the project and work towards a finished floor plan. It's important to me that you get a value for your interactions with me, in hopes of my drawings and drafting to move you one step closer to your dream. Larger projects requiring multiple revisions and exchanges of different ideas, might require additional hours and design cost for a small eco-lodge or oversized home could be as much as $4000-$8000.

So get your files put together, and send me some information about your project. Most folks like the first round of ideas I come up with. I also work quickly. Remember all of my drawings are in scale and will always point your design dollars towards a floor plan that you like.
I contact you frequently during the first 2 - 3 days of e-mails, send sketches back and forth and you are as involved in the process as you want to be. I ensure your design dollars are spent designing your project in the direction to your liking.

I accept PayPal or deposit through Bank of America in United States. Most customers choose PayPal for method of payment. Feel free to contact me in person as I am generally working here in Costa Rica and would love the opportunity to help you with your project. Feel free to visit our YouTube video channels about Sustainable building methods in Costa Rica . If you are ever down on The Osa Peninsula, look me up, I have 6-8 great examples of sustainable building techniques right here on our Sombra De La Lapa rainforest reserve. Pura Vida and hope to see you!

For FREE ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTATION Contact me through website, or at 508-714-0622 ( skype ) or in Costa Rica 506-8378-3013 osamike@gmail.com.

Pura Vida and Hope to Hear From Ya !