FAQ

Maybe not! But you’ll probably want one. The value provided by hiring an architect for your construction project is immense and not always easily quantifiable. Design and construction can be a confusing, stressful process. The architect’s role is to guide you through that process and translating your ideas and goals into your dream project. Long term value added through quality architectural design and sustainable design strategies are also important ways architects are worth your investment. We can reduce lifecycle costs, increase property values, design can draw attention and increase customers, and healthy spaces can reduce absenteeism and make your employees more productive. Great design adds tons of value. 

Short answer? It all starts by listening to you and understanding your goals and desired outcomes. We love what we do and are dedicated to providing our clients the best project we possibly can. As architects and designers committed to making a positive impact on the world, we feel responsible for each project to perform the very best it can for the client, the community, and the planet. With decades of experience in a wide variety of projects, we can ensure your project will receive close attention and expertise. Our team will collaborate with you to craft a design that addresses the goals of the project, and delivers an exceptional outcome. 

It’s usually best to engage an architect early on in the process. Early involvement of a professional architect can help you catch issues you otherwise might not know until they become costly and identify alternative project solutions. Not to mention a number of pre-design services such as lease negotiation that can make a big difference for long term project costs.

Most projects beyond patch-and-paint and basic renovations, especially on non-residential projects, will require the sign-off of an architect to be considered legal. Beyond the legal requirement, an architect will provide your project with immense value. Architects are crucial for quality control, cost control, and peace of mind on your project, not to mention the aesthetic and operational benefits of a good design.

Circular is based in Brooklyn, New York but our reach is international. We’re comfortable managing projects in our backyard and remotely around the world. Clients have asked us to help them execute projects in almost every single US state throughout the northeast, south, midwest, mountain west and west coast regions, and around the world, including: the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, and South Korea. If you’ve got a project outside of New York don’t hesitate to reach out and we can discuss an appropriate approach to management for your project.

While our primary focus is circular and sustainable design, brand experience, and educational projects, Circular has an extensive track record of delivering excellent projects across a wide range of typologies and clientele, including public and private, commercial, residential and industrial building types. Please reach out to us to discuss your project and we’ll see if it’s a good fit. 

Your first consultation with our team will establish your goals, desired outcomes, and basic project requirements. We will discuss the reasoning for embarking on the project and we will advise on the best course of action to achieve project goals with a high level of quality, while staying on time, and on budget. Please come prepared to share as much information about your project and location that you can. The more information you can provide, the better we can advise you on the next steps and how we can create value. 

Pre-Design: A project will typically begin with a Pre-Design phase which could involve feasibility studies, community outreach, site selection, lease negotiation, and programming exercises in order to best determine your project requirements. This phase varies greatly in length depending on type of project, however basic feasibility studies should last about a month.

Schematic Design: Following this, we begin the Schematic Design phase, which involves a detailed study of project requirements and the development of different design approaches for your project, including establishing a basic concept and project goals such as budget, sustainability, and more. This phase could last between 1-2 months.

Design Development: Once we have your approval on a concept, the next phase of Design Development, which will develop more project specifics, including selection of fixtures and finishes and integration of building systems into the design. This phase tends to last 2-3 months.

Construction Documents: Once our client is comfortable moving forward, we begin work on the Construction Documents phase. In this phase we develop fully fleshed out drawings and specifications suitable for contractors to prepare a bid. Construction documents could take 3-4 months to complete for most typical projects.

Bidding: With approval of the construction documents, bids are received from contractors detailing their proposed costs and approaches to constructing the project. We are happy to help during bid negotiation. The bidding process can vary in length, but could be as short as one month.

Construction Administration: Once a contractor is selected, we enter Construction Administration and manage the contractor’s work. We will provide site visits, regular supervision of work and submittals, and review of change orders to ensure our clients are satisfied with their end project. Length of construction varies the most from project to project but we will strive to meet your timeline and ensure transparency and swift management regarding delays.

Circular is more than happy to facilitate a design-build project delivery for your project. Design-build offers tighter coordination between contractors and the design team, may lead to reduced project timelines, and can result in higher quality work. We are happy to help you select a contractor for a design-build project or to work with your own.

Circular has a large network of trusted partners and is happy to provide our recommendations for design and engineering consultants for specific project requirements, including MEP (Mechanical/HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing), Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Asbestos Abatement, Lighting, Landscape, Exhibition Design, Expediting, Cost Estimation, and more. 

The basic answer is that it varies quite a bit and it’s always going up. You can check here for relatively up-to-date information on regional construction costs. Circular is committed to delivering projects for our clients within budget and without surprises. We implement a number of cost-saving strategies that improve efficiency throughout our design process and maintain focus on reigning in project costs throughout construction administration.

Circular bills for our work depending on project scope. We will typically propose a fixed fee for design services based on estimated work and construction cost, typically between 5-15% of the construction budget. We may also use an hourly billing structure. We will work with each client to determine a billing structure that makes sense for them.

Sustainability ensures that our buildings are designed to reduce environmental impact, save energy, and create healthier spaces for people. At Circular, we specialize in sustainable architecture, helping clients design projects that are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with their environmental values.

Passive House is an advanced energy-efficiency standard that creates ultra-comfortable and low-energy buildings. Through airtight construction, high-performance insulation, and energy recovery systems, Passive House buildings reduce heating and cooling costs dramatically. Circular has the expertise to design Passive House-certified buildings that combine efficiency, beauty, and functionality.

The Circular Economy focuses on minimizing waste by reusing, repurposing, and regenerating materials. As an architecture firm inspired by these principles, Circular integrates sustainable materials and innovative design practices to create spaces that are as resource-conscious as they are beautiful.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely recognized green building certification program. It evaluates projects on sustainability metrics like energy efficiency, water conservation, and air quality. Circular can guide you through the LEED certification process to ensure your project meets these standards and maximizes its environmental and economic value.

Certifications like LEED, Passive House, or WELL Building Standard not only highlight your commitment to sustainability but also improve energy performance, occupant health, and market value. At Circular, we can help you weigh the benefits and guide you through the certification process to make sure it aligns with your goals.

Circular tailors each project to your unique goals and budget while maximizing sustainability. From net-zero energy buildings to eco-friendly material sourcing, we’ll work with you to explore cutting-edge sustainable design options that make your project stand out. Whether you’re aiming for certification or simply a greener footprint, we’re here to help you achieve it.

Retail and brand experience design is about creating spaces that captivate customers, reflect your brand’s identity, and drive engagement. Circular specializes in designing retail environments that tell your brand story, maximize functionality, and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

We start by understanding your brand, target audience, and goals. From there, we craft designs that balance aesthetics, usability, and customer flow. With decades of experience working with top global brands, Circular knows how to deliver spaces that elevate your brand and optimize customer interaction.

Absolutely! Circular excels at creating immersive retail experiences that engage all the senses. Whether it’s through custom lighting, dynamic layouts, or interactive installations, we’ll help your store stand out and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Through smart design strategies, we optimize customer flow, enhance product visibility, and create an inviting atmosphere. By aligning the design with your brand values and customer needs, Circular creates spaces that not only attract more visitors but also convert them into loyal customers.

Yes! Circular can integrate brand strategy into the design process to ensure your space reflects your identity. From material choices to signage and spatial layouts, we’ll create a cohesive environment that reinforces your brand message at every touchpoint.

Circular has worked on everything from flagship stores to pop-ups, showrooms, and boutique retail spaces. Our clients include global brands, small businesses, and startups looking to create impactful retail environments. Reach out to see how we can bring your vision to life.

Of course! Circular specializes in sustainable retail design, integrating energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and innovative waste-reduction strategies. We’ll help you achieve your sustainability goals while enhancing your brand’s reputation.

Accessibility is a key consideration in all of our projects. Circular ensures compliance with ADA and other accessibility standards while designing layouts that are inclusive, welcoming, and easy to navigate for all customers.

Yes! Circular excels at creating hybrid retail spaces that merge physical design with digital experiences. From integrating technology like interactive displays to optimizing e-commerce pickup areas, we’ll help you future-proof your retail space.

Timelines vary depending on the scope, but a typical retail project follows the same phases as other designs: pre-design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. We work efficiently to meet your deadlines while delivering top-notch results.

Educational institution design focuses on creating spaces that inspire learning, foster collaboration, and support the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. Circular designs schools, campuses, and learning environments that balance functionality, sustainability, and innovation to enhance the educational experience.

We take the time to understand the unique goals and challenges of each institution. Circular prioritizes creating adaptable, student-centered spaces that promote engagement, inclusivity, and wellness. We combine years of experience with cutting-edge design strategies to create environments where learning thrives.

Absolutely. At the Corona 3K Center, sustainability was a key priority. Circular integrated energy-efficient systems, maximized natural lighting, and selected non-toxic, eco-friendly materials to create a healthier learning environment for children while minimizing environmental impact.

Inclusion and accessibility are core principles at Circular. For example, in the Corona 3K Center, we carefully planned layouts to ensure seamless navigation for all, incorporating ADA-compliant features and designing spaces that are welcoming to children and caregivers with diverse needs.

Yes! Flexibility is key in modern education, and Circular has extensive experience creating adaptable environments. At the Corona 3K Center, we designed classrooms that can easily transition between activities with modular furniture and multifunctional spaces. This approach ensures the center can grow and evolve to meet the needs of both students and staff over time.
 

Technology is a critical part of modern education, and Circular designs spaces with integrated tech in mind. From smart classrooms to high-tech labs, we’ll help you create environments that support digital learning and future-ready students.

Wellness is at the heart of our approach. Circular prioritizes natural lighting, healthy materials, and biophilic design elements to create environments that support mental and physical well-being. Our designs promote focus, reduce stress, and enhance the overall learning experience.

Timelines depend on the size and scope of the project. From pre-design and programming to construction administration, we work efficiently to meet your deadlines while ensuring the highest quality in every phase.

Definitely! Circular embraces the benefits of outdoor learning and can design courtyards, amphitheaters, playgrounds, and other outdoor environments that inspire creativity, exploration, and engagement with nature.

Absolutely. At the Corona 3K Center, sustainability was a key priority. Circular integrated energy-efficient systems, maximized natural lighting, and selected non-toxic, eco-friendly materials to create a healthier learning environment for children while minimizing environmental impact.