What types of projects does Makelite focus on?

Makelite specializes in a wide range of architectural design services:

• Custom Residential Design: Bespoke homes that reflect your personal style and functional needs.

• Renovations & Adaptive Reuse: Revitalizing existing buildings or repurposing historic structures to meet modern needs.

• Interior Design: Creating cohesive interior spaces that complement architectural designs for a complete, unified feel.

• Commercial Design: Office spaces, retail environments, hospitality venues, and mixed-use developments.

• Visualizations: Architectural visualization brings architectural designs to life, offering renderings that showcase the project’s aesthetics, materials, and spatial layout. It allows architects and clients to explore designs in a realistic, interactive environment, ensuring a seamless transition from concept to reality.

What sets Makelite Architecture and Design Studio apart from other design firms?

Makelite distinguishes itself from other design firms through its collaborative approach, prioritizing close communication with clients to ensure their vision, goals, and needs are met. With decades of experience in both architecture and construction, Makelite brings deep expertise and a practical understanding of the building process to every project. The firm emphasizes sustainable design practices, focusing on adapting existing structures to make them efficient and functional. Makelite also excels in creating detailed visualizations, allowing clients to fully experience and understand the design before it comes to life. With a flexible and customized design process, Makelite offers tailored solutions for both residential and commercial projects, ensuring a balance of aesthetic appeal and practicality. Above all, we strive to be fun to work with, fostering a positive and creative environment throughout the design process. Our attention to detail, commitment to quality, and ability to adapt are what make Makelite stand out in the field of architecture and design.

How does Makelite approach a new design project?

Our design process begins with a site visit and an in-depth conversation to understand your needs. We start with an initial consultation to discuss your goals, budget, timeline, and preferences. From there, Makelite will create a design that balances functionality, aesthetic appeal, and maintainability. We work closely with you throughout each phase of the project to ensure the design aligns with your vision and evolves based on your feedback.

Does Makelite offer design services for both new builds and renovations?

Makelite can provide architectural design services for both new builds and renovations, including adaptive reuse projects where older or historic structures are reimagined for new purposes. Whether you're building from the ground up or transforming an existing space, our team can guide you through the entire design process.

Does Makelite offer free consultations?

No, we do not offer free consultations. However, we do provide affordable design consultations at a rate of $100 per hour. This fee covers our travel expenses and time spent discussing your project. During the consultation, we will review your needs, answer any questions, and offer advice on the next steps, whether you are considering remodeling, adding an addition, or renovating your home or business. This is a great opportunity to explore your options and make informed decisions before committing to a construction project with an architect.

What are the different phases of the design process?

• Pre-Design Phase (15% Design): This phase focuses on gathering information, understanding the project goals, and preparing base record drawings. We assess the site, review existing conditions, and identify any regulatory requirements or permits.

• Schematic Design Phase (35% Design): During this phase, we refine the overall design concept. We develop the conceptual design, create initial floor plans and site plans, and explore different design options.

• Design Development Phase (65% Design): In this phase, we finalize the technical drawings, including floor plans and elevations, refine materials and finishes, and prepare short-form specifications for materials and systems.

• Construction Documents Phase (100% Design): This phase involves creating the final construction drawings and specifications, which will be used for permitting, bidding, and project implementation.

• Construction Observation: After the design is finalized and construction begins, we offer ongoing construction observation services. This ensures that the project is being built according to the approved plans, specifications, and quality standards. We conduct regular site visits, monitor progress, address any issues, and ensure the contractor follows the design intent. Construction observation is crucial for maintaining design integrity throughout the building process.

Is client approval required before moving to the next phase?

Yes. Each phase requires client approval in writing before proceeding to the next. This ensures that you are satisfied with the progress and the design direction before any further work is completed.

How long does the design process take?

The timeline for a design project can vary depending on the complexity, size, and scope of the project. On average, the design phase for residential projects typically takes between 2 to 6 months. Commercial projects may take longer due to their complexity and scale. We’ll provide a more specific timeline once we understand your project in detail.

When am I under contract with Makelite?

After the initial consultation, Makelite prepares a written agreement and sends it to you via email for review. If you agree to the terms, then complete and return the contract agreement.

Does Makelite provide 3D renderings or visualizations of my design?

As part of our design process, we provide 3D renderings and visualizations to help you better understand how your project will look once completed. These visual tools allow you to see your design and make any necessary adjustments before construction begins.

What areas does Makelite serve?

Makelite serves clients in central North Carolina, including Fayetteville, Sanford, Aberdeen, Pinehurst, and Triangle area. We are continuously expanding, and we may be able to accommodate your needs depending on your location

How do I contact Makelite for more information?

You can contact us by completing the contact form on this website or by sending us an email at studio@makelite.design.

Does Makelite have Professional Liability Insurance?

Yes. Makelite has professional liability insurance.  

What is an Architect?

Per NC General Statutes - Chapter 83A:

An Architect is defined as person who is duly licensed to practice architecture.

An Architectural firm is defined as a professional corporation certified by the Board as meeting the requirements under this Chapter for registration for the practice of architecture.

A Practice of Architecture is defined as performing or offering to perform or holding oneself out as legally qualified to perform professional services in connection with the design, construction, enlargement or alteration of buildings, including consultations, investigations, evaluations, preliminary studies, the preparation of plans, specifications and contract documents, administration of construction contracts and related services or combination of services in connection with the design and construction of buildings, regardless of whether these services are performed in person or as the directing head of an office or organization.

Makelite is and Architecture Firm with an Architect.

Is information provided on the website part of my written agreement or contract?

No. Nothing in these FAQ’s or information on this website changes the terms of a signed written agreement. FAQ’s and information provide on this website are intended to provide information to prospective clients and are not contractual terms.