Why are you named, “Grizzly Bear Architecture and Design”?

For the fun of it and for the accuracy of it.

We started the firm with a view toward being family friendly (Dads, Moms and Children). We wanted (and still want) to help real people who need real help, despite the not so favorable circumstances you may be in.

We have experienced many beautiful and happy times and a few challenging times in California, the land of the California State Poppies, the Grizzly Bear, the Redwoods and the beautiful and majestic mountains and other scenery and landscapes. California is also the land of Earthquakes, Big Government, Big Taxes and Big social change as seen in the eroding of family values, and the disintegration of the public square and basic civility. It is at times challenging to live in California. The imagery of the grizzly bear is appropriate for my middle name (‘Arthur’ means ‘Bear’), for California, and for what we do. Our original logo design (below) gives an indication of our direction. We want to help others live in the world in peace, to whatever degree that is possible. We want to help your construction or design project and process be a peaceful process. We want to help you have a more peaceful life in your specific context.

As an architecture firm, we have learned to help deal with special situations and help conquer not so favorable contexts. Sure, sometimes it is helpful to ‘cut bait’ when you are fishing. Sometimes your rod gets tangled and you just need a do-over. Other times, you can’t help but need to wrestle your adverse circumstances to the ground.

We have wrestled and can wrestle bears (only in a strict metaphorical sense, of course). We would prefer to not have bears to wrestle, but we at times do. Also, we can’t predict or guarantee the outcome of anything, as this world can be a big and messy place where despite your best efforts, life still happens. But, check out the ‘About Us’ page for a more detailed description of our services so that you can see and appreciate more of the things we can help you accomplish.

How are payments handled?

We accept all forms of payment, including cryptocurrency, cash, check, credit cards, debit cards, Venmo, Zelle and probably anything else that is out there. Ask about whichever method you prefer and we will be glad to accommodate your reasonable requests. Except chickens. We do not accept chickens or livestock as payment. Also no furniture.

Why do I need to pay for an initial consultation?

We like you and want to be your friend, but we don’t like abusive relationships. Your payment for an initial consultation indicates that you are ready and serious enough about the work that you want to accomplish (and that you will respect our time as much as you would want us to respect your time) that you are willing to pay a nominal fee to obtain our attention toward helping you address your problems. Architectural services are not a commodity. So, we do not compete with other firms based on price, but on service / the actual work and help that we bring to the table to help you achieve your aspirations. If you are serious, you are willing to ‘put your money where your mouth is’. We are not a non-profit institution. We are not a charity. We are not Cost Co and thereby won’t be providing free samples.

What do your estimated prices include?

Our estimates include:

• The time spent, according to the respective disciplines of Architect of Record, Project Architect, Architectural Design, Job Captain, Drafter, Clerical, and Intern, to complete your project and each individual disciplines’ respective time value for work related fees. OR
• If your project has typical / standard elements and thereby our time on your project is minimal, we will charge a minimal fee. We won’t know how much your project ultimately costs until it is over, because each project is different.
• Overhead and Office expenses
• Profit
• Taxes

How do you determine your estimates for the projects?

We take the above items and break them down to an anticipated cost per Square Foot based on an anticipated time of completion for your work, based on our experience. When we provide a proposal, the proposal is for an estimated cost and should not be construed or understood to be anything more than a really good ‘best guess’. We are not fortune tellers, and if you need more help than others, it will cost you more.

As the Architect – What do you do?

That’s a good question. Generally, architects serve in a similar role as to a Symphonic Conductor or a General Surgeon. We are generalists who help steer and shepherd the project to 1. Permitting 2. Through Construction as needed and 3. Achieving the Certificate of Occupancy consulting as needed. We are not licensed engineers, so we do not handle Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural, Civil or other Engineering. We make the design, send it to the consultants, and they create their ‘overlay’ or filter on the design we have provided.

For tenant improvements / build-outs, if you have already create a floorplan that you are happy with, our role then serves to ensure the plan meets accessible and other code requirements, including emergency egress and fire. We take your drawing and submit it to the City, County or other Authroity Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). To whatever degree your project requires adherence to the State requirements for things like a Title 24 Performance Study, we ensure that those things are handled accurately as well, and are reflected in the drawings. We guide the aesthetic design of the project on an as-needed basis as well. We serve many times as the Client’s advocate.