Help preparing bid packages, comparing proposals and choosing a builder who fits your project and your budget.
Choosing a builder is one of the biggest decisions in a project. Bids that look similar may include very different things, and the lowest number is not always the best value. An architect can help organize the bidding process and compare proposals in a fair, clear way. Owners in Nashville ask us to prepare bid packages, answer bidder questions and help them choose a contractor.
We start by agreeing with you on how to select a builder: open bidding, invited bids or negotiated pricing. We prepare the bid package and a list of qualified candidates, hold a walkthrough and answer questions in writing. When bids arrive, we compare them line by line, flag gaps and differences and discuss references and schedules. We help you make the choice and prepare for contract. Make a short list of builders you would like to invite, along with any you have worked with before, and tell us how you found them. We can add others to widen the field, and starting with names you trust or have researched makes the process faster. Think about what matters most to you in a builder: price, schedule, communication, quality or experience with your kind of project. Telling us your priorities lets us build a fair comparison that weighs the things you care about and not just the bottom line.
Clear instructions and the same information for every bidder make comparisons meaningful.
We check each bid for missing items and differences, so you compare like with like.
Experience, references and capacity matter as much as price, and we help you weigh them.
We review the contract terms with you and clarify scope and schedule.
Bid or negotiate.
Drawings and instructions.
Everyone informed.
Line by line.
Fit checked.
Ready to sign.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
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You tell us what you want to build or fix, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look at the property or building, take measurements, talk through goals and note anything that affects design, such as slopes, structure and rules.
We sketch plans and options, you choose a direction and receive a plain written scope before detailed design begins.
We refine the design, coordinate engineers and prepare drawings and notes that builders can price and reviewers can approve.
We submit for permits, answer comments and help you compare builder proposals.
We answer questions during construction, review products, visit the site and walk through the finished work with you.
Two to four comparable bids are common.
Not automatically. Scope, quality and communication matter too.
Yes. We support your choice with documents and clear comparisons.
We can share names of builders we have worked well with.
We can review scope and schedule. Legal advice should come from your attorney.
Construction AdministrationSupport during construction: site visits, questions, submittal review and keeping the building true to the design.Explore 
Architect for Builders and DevelopersDesign, drawings and approvals for builders and developers, with clear schedules and plans that build efficiently.Explore 
Budget and Cost Planning SupportEarly guidance on how design choices affect cost, with help from builders and estimators to test the numbers.Explore 
Project ManagementCoordinating the schedule, team, budget and decisions on a project so nothing falls between the cracks.Explore Tell us about your project and we will call you back to set up a visit.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
