Why do I need an architect?

An architect’s role is fundamentally different from a contractor’s. We represent the client rather than the construction itself, advocating for your interests from early ideas through approvals and construction. Our focus is on code compliance, buildability, and clear documentation that reduces risk and avoids costly delays or changes, resulting in a project that can be permitted, approved, and built as intended.

Why hire an architect instead of a contractor or designer?

Architects do not profit from construction. Unlike contractors or designers, our responsibility is to the client, not the build. We provide independent oversight during design and permitting, focusing on regulatory compliance, documentation clarity, and resolving issues before construction begins.

When is an architect legally required?

California law allows limited exemptions for small, conventional wood-frame residences, but most projects involving structural work, safety systems, or non-standard conditions require a licensed architect or engineer. In Los Angeles, officials may still require stamped drawings depending on conditions. An architect helps identify these requirements early.

When should I hire an architect?

Earlier than most people expect. Bringing an architect in at the beginning allows zoning, feasibility, and site constraints to be evaluated before time and money are spent on ideas that may not be approvable.

Do I need an architect for a remodel or ADU?

Not every project legally requires an architect, but many remodels and ADUs benefit from architectural involvement, especially in Los Angeles. An architect helps ensure compliance with current codes and planning requirements.

Do you help with permits and city approvals?

Yes. We guide projects through zoning review, plan check, and permitting with the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and other jurisdictions. This includes coordinating with planning departments and responding to plan check comments.

How long does permitting take in Los Angeles?

Permitting timelines vary widely depending on scope, location, and jurisdiction. Simple projects may move quickly, while coastal, hillside, or discretionary approvals can add significant time.

Can you help determine what’s allowed on my property?

Yes. We evaluate zoning regulations, overlays, and site constraints to determine what can realistically be built, including height limits, setbacks, FAR, parking, and other applicable requirements.

What causes permit delays?

Permit delays are most often caused by unclear requirements or site constraints identified too late in the process. Early coordination helps minimize redesigns and review resets.

What does an architect actually do during a project?

Architects translate ideas into buildable projects by coordinating consultants, navigating approvals, and guiding projects through design, permitting, and construction.

Who coordinates consultants like structural engineers?

We coordinate structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers to ensure technical requirements align with design intent and permitting needs.

How are architectural fees structured?

Architectural fees are structured based on scope, complexity, and scale, and may be hourly, fixed, or broken into phases such as design, permitting, and construction support.

Can you design to a specific budget?

Yes. We design with budget in mind and help align scope and priorities early to reduce surprises during construction.

Do you do fire rebuilds?

We assist with fire rebuilds, guiding clients through permitting, design, and reconstruction when homes or buildings must be rebuilt. See this case study of a home that was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire to better understand the process.

Architecture FAQ: Adaptive Reuse, ADU, Fire Rebuild Permitting | Ziese Architecture

Getting Started.

An architect represents your interests, not the construction itself. Because we don’t profit from build costs the way a contractor does, our job is independent oversight — code compliance, permitting strategy, and documentation that protects you before anyone breaks ground.
That independence matters most on adaptive reuse and existing-building projects, where change-of-occupancy approvals, code upgrades, and permitting risk are the biggest threats to cost and timeline. A contractor or unlicensed designer typically isn’t trained or liable to evaluate those requirements — we are, and 24 years of navigating LA’s permitting process is what turns that oversight into an approved, buildable project.
California law allows limited exemptions for small, conventional wood‑frame residences, but most projects involving structural work, safety systems, or non‑standard conditions require a licensed architect or engineer. In Los Angeles, building officials may still require stamped drawings even for exempt projects if conditions warrant. An architect helps determine these requirements early and ensures the project can be approved without delays
Earlier than most people expect. Bringing an architect in at the beginning helps evaluate zoning, feasibility, and constraints before time and money are spent on ideas that may not be approvable. Early involvement often saves time, cost, and frustration later in the process.
Not every project legally requires an architect, but many remodels and ADUs benefit from architectural involvement especially in Los Angeles. An architect helps ensure the project meets current codes, navigates planning requirements, and is documented clearly enough to avoid construction and permitting issues. See our article regarding ADUs here.
We assist with fire rebuilds, guiding clients through permitting, design, and reconstruction when homes or buildings must be rebuilt. See this case study of a home that was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire to better understand the process.

Permits, Codes, & Approvals.

Yes. We guide projects through zoning review, plan check, and permitting with the City of Los Angeles or Los Angeles County, depending on jurisdiction (as well as other local jurisdictions). This includes coordinating with planning departments, responding to plan check comments, and revising drawings as needed to achieve approval. For more complex projects, we can also coordinate with permit expeditors to help navigate agency requirements efficiently and keep the approval process moving as smoothly as possible.
Permitting timelines vary widely depending on scope, location, and jurisdiction. Simple projects may move quickly, while coastal, hillside, or discretionary approvals can add significant time. Part of our role is setting realistic expectations and helping avoid preventable delays.
Yes. We evaluate zoning regulations, overlays, and site constraints to understand what can realistically be built. This often includes height limits, setbacks, FAR, parking, coastal requirements, and slope conditions. Feel free to give us a call and we can discuss if your project is feasible.
Permit delays are most often caused by unclear requirements or issues that aren’t identified early. Local regulations, zoning overlays, and department interpretations can vary widely by site, and when those constraints surface late in the process, they often require redesigns that reset review timelines.
To reduce this risk, we prioritize early conversations with the city through pre‑application meetings, planning consultations, or informal coordination to confirm project requirements before drawings are advanced. Aligning early on helps avoid surprises during plan check, minimizes back‑and‑forth corrections, and keeps the approval process moving as efficiently as possible.

Process & Working Together.

Architects help translate ideas into buildings. We interpret a client’s goals, whether spatial, practical, or regulatory, and guide them through the design, permitting, and construction process. By coordinating consultants, navigating approvals, and staying involved through construction, we help ensure ideas become projects that can actually be built. See our general overview of the architectural process here.
We do. We regularly coordinate with structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers throughout the project to ensure engineered solutions align with the design intent and permitting requirements. We have a network of consultants we frequently work with, but we’re also happy to collaborate with engineers a client already has or prefers to bring onto the project.

Cost & Scope.

Architectural fees are typically structured based on the scope, complexity, and scale of the project. Fees may be hourly, a fixed fee, or broken into phases such as design, permitting, and construction support depending on what best fits the work involved.
Rather than being tied to construction cost or how much gets built, architectural fees are based on professional services: evaluating feasibility, developing drawings, coordinating consultants, navigating permitting, and providing clarity throughout the process. We establish fees upfront so expectations are clear, and we tailor the structure to reflect the project’s needs rather than using a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
Yes. We design with budget in mind and help align scope, constraints, and priorities early so the project is realistic to build and permit. While we don’t control construction costs, early planning and clear documentation help avoid costly surprises. Send in our intake form and we’ll start discussing your project.

Frequently Asked Questions.