FAQ | note architects - Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Monzen-Nakacho

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

There's a common perception that hiring an architect is expensive, but

We strive to create designs that fit our clients’ budgets. While only large-scale homebuilders—who purchase cheap materials in bulk—can offer extremely low-cost homes, we provide high-quality homes built with good materials at fair prices.
When it comes to renovations in particular, there are ways to adjust the level of spending, such as limiting the work to specific areas.

Can I have all the construction work done as a package?

We contract with reliable construction companies to carry out the work. Once construction begins, we oversee the project to ensure it is proceeding according to plan.
We also assist in finding reliable construction companies and evaluating construction cost estimates. By separating the design and construction phases, we can ensure fair and reasonable construction pricing.

What kind of construction company builds it?

We select the most suitable contractor based on the specifics of the design. We do not impose unrealistic budgets or schedules on contractors we are unfamiliar with in an effort to build at a lower cost.
We believe it is crucial for designers to build a relationship of trust with contractors and work together to create high-quality buildings.

Can I get advice starting with the search for land or properties?

 Of course, that’s possible. In fact, we recommend consulting with us before you’ve decided on a specific lot or property. Even with lots that are generally considered to have many drawbacks—such as sloped lots or flagpole-shaped lots—we can use our design expertise to turn those challenges into advantages and create a comfortable home.
If you have a potential lot in mind, we’ll provide a simple plan showing what kind of home could be built there.

I haven't really decided on anything yet, but when is the best time to discuss this?

 Even if you’re just vaguely considering moving to a new home or renovating your current one, we’re here to help. Many people also reach out to us when they’re getting married or expecting a child. Building a home involves a mountain of tasks—from securing a mortgage and finding a property to setting a budget, planning the timeline, and envisioning the interior design. We’ll walk you through the process step by step, helping you figure out what needs to be done first and what can wait.
 You’re welcome to consult with us even before you start looking for land or a property.

What should I tell them during the consultation?

 We’d like to hear about your approximate budget, your preferences for the location and property, your timeline for when you’d like to move in, and the kind of lifestyle you envision.
 Please share details about your daily life—such as who lives in the home, how you spend your time, and what kind of furniture you like—as well as your hobbies, including what magazines you read and what movies and music you enjoy. You can provide this information using reference photos or bullet points.

I don't know where to start.

 Just let us know what kind of “lifestyle” you’d like to lead, and we’ll suggest the best “architectural” solutions to match it.
Whether you want to cook to your heart’s content in the kitchen or enjoy a relaxing bath, let’s start by letting your imagination run wild with these specific details!

Can I request a design from a remote location?

 We can also handle design projects in remote areas outside the Tokyo metropolitan area. If we need to travel to the site for on-site surveys or construction supervision, we will discuss travel expenses for the Shinkansen or airfare separately.

How long does the design phase take?

 Depending on the scale of the project, we typically set aside about 4 to 6 months for the design phase of a home and at least 4 months for construction. A schedule that’s too short often leads to miscommunication and mutual exhaustion, which rarely yields good results. On the other hand, a schedule that’s too long can cause us to forget what we’ve agreed upon, resulting in unnecessary extra work.
We believe that building a home is a great opportunity to think about how you want to live in the future.

Architectural firms can seem intimidating.

 I think many people view homes built by architects as “works of art.”
 note architects is an architectural firm. Architects are experts in architecture—craftsmen rather than artists. We make each decision step by step, always putting ourselves in our clients’ shoes, to create the best possible result.
 We aim to be your partners, working alongside you to build your home.

What kinds of buildings can you design?

 We have experience designing single-family homes, apartment buildings, renovation projects, beauty salons, offices, hotels, retail stores, universities, and elementary schools. We can also handle specialized projects such as homes with attached retail spaces and multigenerational homes.

About Design Fees

〇For new-construction homes: 15% to 17% of the total construction cost
〇For renovations and commercial spaces: 18% of the total construction cost
These figures are general guidelines. Actual costs may vary depending on the scale and specifics of the project, so please feel free to consult with us.

We have also set the following minimum contract amounts based on construction costs:
-New-construction homes: 25 million yen and up
– Renovations: 7 million yen and up

Payment is typically divided into four installments. As a general guideline, we ask for 10% of the design fee upon commencement, 40% upon completion of the detailed design, 20% upon receipt of the building permit, and 30% upon completion of construction supervision. (For renovations: 10% upon commencement, 40% upon completion of the design, 20% upon completion of the estimate, and 30% upon completion of construction supervision.)

Can I cancel my subscription early?

 You can cancel at any time, even after signing the contract. If you feel that the design isn’t quite right after we’ve started working on it, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’ll explain the details when we sign the contract.
(Depending on the progress at that time, you will be required to pay for the work completed up to that point.)

Is there a cancellation fee?

Depending on the status of the proposal, a cancellation fee may apply.