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The Design-Build Report - March

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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2024

ISSUE #25

FREE!

Take one

Experience

home-building

never

before with LETTER FOUR – your all-in-

one Design-Build solution led by Lauren

Adams and Jeremy Baker. From concept to

fi nal walkthrough, our team delivers a

transparent and personalized journey.

Dive into our blog to discover more.

Easily transform your dream home into reality

with our FREE Project Planning Pack! This

essential resource is packed with expert

insights, FAQs, and budget tools to help

you make informed decisions and avoid

unnecessary

expenses

through

upfront

planning. Don’t miss out, grab yours now!

RESOURCES

COMPARING ARCHITECTURAL BIDS: VALUE VS. PRICE

Who We Are, How

We Work

Project Planning

Pack

Is fi nding the right architect for your project

feeling

overwhelming,

particularly

when

navigating fees? You’re not alone in this

struggle. This month, we unveil why focusing

solely on the lowest bid might not be the

wisest choice. Instead, we emphasize the true

value an architect brings to your project. Lett er

Four goes beyond price, off ering expertise

in sustainable design and ensuring energy-

Published By: LETTER FOUR, INC. - 12822 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 90066

eﬃ cient spaces that save you money and

benefi t

the

environment.

Our

stress-free

project management takes the burden off your

shoulders, guiding you smoothly from concept

to completion. We believe in personalized

service, tailoring every detail to your unique

needs and vision.

Want to learn more? Read the full article on

pages 4-5.

Design-Build Report

The

by Letter Four

Check Out Our

Clear 4-Step Process

No Idea How to Start

Your New Project?

Exciting news! Lauren has recently obtained a

new license in Washington D.C. This opens up

exciting opportunities for us to work on projects

in this beautiful city known for its rich history

and iconic landmarks.

Speaking of D.C., we’ve been working closely with

our client, Brompton, on a project in the refi ned

Georgetown neighborhood. This collaboration

promises to deliver exceptional design and

craftsmanship, adding to the unique charm of

this historic area.

Our Project Manager, Nicole, had the privilege

of visiting the site and immersing herself in

the vibrant atmosphere and exploring all the

museums and monuments in the district.

As that project with Brompton is coming to a

successful close, we are thrilled to be working

on another in Santa Monica near 3rd Street

Promenade.

We’re constantly working to make our clients’

dreams a reality. We’re nearing completion on

projects in Brentwood, Playa Del Rey, Culver City,

and Castle Heights. These custom homes are

built to match the specifi c needs of their future

residents. We look forward to seeing them sett le

into their dream homes!

We recently had the honor of being featured

on Paradigm Shift, a new podcast hosted by

our friend and neighbor, Josh Haave. During the

episode, we shared insights into our journey as

home builders and even gave a virtual tour of one

of our projects. It was an incredible opportunity

for us to connect with a wider audience who

shares our passion for creating exceptional

living spaces.

Our company continues to grow and new

opportunities and challenges have emerged

along the way. We are currently in negotiations

with an incredible prefab company for a

potential alliance. This collaboration would allow

us to extend our service off erings and delve

into creative construction methods. We can’t

spill all the beans just yet, but trust us - you’ve

got something really thrilling coming your way.

You’re gonna love it!

WHAT’S NEW AT LETTER FOUR?

Discover Lett er Four’s design magic on our

Before and After page. Slide through stunning

transformations of our projects, from initial

concepts to fi nal reveals. Witness the dramatic

changes and meticulous craftsmanship that

defi ne our work.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW

REFERRAL PROGRAM!

We can hardly contain our

enthusiasm as we unveil our brand-

new referral program. From this very

moment, you have the incredible

opportunity to refer your loved ones,

friends, and even colleagues to our

outstanding services. And guess

what? By doing so, you’ll get to enjoy

exclusive rewards and sensational

discounts on our exceptional

off erings. Isn’t that absolutely

fantastic? So, what are you waiting

for? Start spreading the word and

reap the magnifi cent benefi ts today!

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

our

ning

nitial

atic

that

D AFTER PHOTOS

Visit page

Project Map

Embark on a digital exploration of Lett er Four’s

widespread impact with our interactive Project Map.

Each pin on the map represents a unique project,

from local renovations to major constructions,

highlighting the diversity of our portfolio. Navigate

our achievements and discover our expertise with

just a click.

Environmental Benefi ts Unlocked: Reusing

and Recycling Construction Materials

Construction generates a lot of waste, but

companies like Lett er Four prioritize minimizing

their environmental impact by reusing and

recycling materials whenever possible. They

advocate for remodeling and renovating over new

construction when feasible, and highlight the

various benefi ts like reduced waste, lower costs,

and preserved resources. Even for new builds,

Lett er Four suggests sustainable practices like

salvaging materials and using renewable energy.

What You Need to Know About SFR

Construction Costs

Lett er Four understands the complexities of

planning and building single-family homes. They

acknowledge the numerous factors impacting

costs, like material choices, project size, and

unforeseen issues arising during construction.

Their innovative Design-Build method tackles

this challenge by incorporating detailed pricing

exercises, architectural plans, and budget reviews

throughout the process. This ensures eﬃ cient

planning and accurate cost estimates, ultimately

reducing stress and uncertainty for clients.

Whether you’re envisioning a complete new build,

a major renovation, or an exciting addition, Lett er

Four off ers expertise and guidance tailored to

your specifi c needs. They even provide insightful

information on cost expectations for each project

type, including factors like existing structures,

terrain, and design preferences. By choosing

Lett er Four’s Design-Build approach, you gain the

benefi t of a dedicated team managing your entire

project, saving time and resources while staying

confi dently within your budget.

Learn More!

Nicole Sugihara Brinser

Architectural Project

Manager

Nicole is the all-star who

keeps the architectural

aspects of our projects

masterfully coordinated.

She is a key fi gure in

maintaining

constant

communication with our

clients and dispatches weekly updates.

On any given day, you can fi nd her collaborating

with consultants, developing drawing sets, or

submitt ing and reviewing drawings with city

WEBSITE UPDATES

NEW BLOGS

FEATURED PROJECT

San Diego SB9 Case Study

FEATURED STAFF MEMBER

oﬃ cials for building permits. She takes the

reins of management to ensure that the design

stage progresses smoothly and projects are

ready to begin construction. Nicole began

building her expertise at the prestigious Cal

Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she earned her

Bachelor of Architecture.

As a student, she lent her skills to boutique

architecture fi rms and custom steel fabricators,

giving her unique insights into the nuts and

bolts of the built environment. Her mind for both

the practicalities and artistry of architecture

helps her see the big picture when strategizing

project advancement. Nicole is a recently

licensed architect and member of the AIA.

An entertainer’s dream home! This project is

based in San Diego and it was crucial that we

make the focal point the stunning coastal views.

We decided to create a warm, modern design

with authentic materials such as the exposed

steel, natural wood, stone, and plantings

throughout the home. Each level of this home

is designed for entertaining and enjoying time

with guests. We located the bedrooms on the

fi rst fl oor and shared spaces on the second to

separate public and private areas. Each bedroom

is carved into the hillside and has a planted

light well, providing privacy and allowing us to

create additional square footage which would

not otherwise be allowed. This is truly a one of

a kind home.

note that designers don’t have the same level

of training and knowledge as architects so they

cannot be considered equally. An architect’s

more extensive knowledge and experience is

often preferred but is not always needed for

very small projects.

As with any type of business, not all architecture

fi rms operate the same. Some architects are sole

proprietors and do not have the support staff to

manage projects eﬃ ciently. Others may rely on

unpaid or low-paid interns who only work part-

time. This means your project may suff er from a

lack of resources, delays, or substandard service.

At Lett er Four, you are our top priority, and the

way we run our business refl ects that. We’ve

assembled a skilled team who are compensated

fairly and benefi t from a great work environment

and work-life balance. By caring for our staff

and the people who work for us, we are able

to provide you with the high level of care and

att ention that you deserve.

Just as all architectural fi rms operate diff erently,

not all architects are the same. Each architect

has their own specialization and experience level.

An architect’s quote may be lower because they

don’t have the necessary level of knowledge or

experience. You want an experienced architect

that specializes in YOUR type of project. You

need to be able to depend on them to design

a building that is beautiful, to code, well-

coordinated, and well built.

At Lett er Four we specialize in residential and

commercial projects in Los Angeles. We’ve been

in business for more than 11 years and have a

HOW DO YOU MAKE SENSE OF DIFFERENT

ARCHITECTURAL BIDS? OUR FEES EXPLAINED

When it comes to hiring an architect, it can be

incredibly diﬃ cult to compare quotes and know

what each fi rm brings to the table. What criteria

should you be using to fi nd the best fi t?

When comparing architectural bids, you should

be thinking about the overall value, not just the

cost.

In this article, we’re diving into why we charge

what we do and why going with the lowest bid

you received isn’t a good idea.

WHY NOT GO WITH THE LOWEST BID?

When you’re considering making a big investment,

you will likely shop around and go with the best

price. But hiring an architect is not like buying

a car. When you’re buying a product there is a

clear market price, so you know whether what

you’re paying is fair or not. But it doesn’t work

the same way when you’re paying for a service.

Especially for specialized services that require

years of training, expertise, and experience.

Like a doctor or a lawyer, an architect is a licensed

professional who has gone through a signifi cant

amount of training and education. You’re paying

for an architect’s time, and extensive knowledge

and experience to guide you through the

complexities of design and construction.

When you’re comparing costs you may be talking

to diff erent types of professionals like home

designers and architects. A designer’s

fees will be lower, but it’s important to

proven track record. Whether you are planning

a new home, oﬃ ce, or retail space, we create

stunning architectural designs to fi t your needs

within your budget and time frame, while also

managing the intricacies of construction all

under one roof.

WHAT DO LETTER FOUR’S ARCHITECTURAL

FEES INCLUDE?

When working with Lett er Four, you’re not buying

a product, you’re paying for a service.

Our architectural fees include the time it takes

to create and document a custom design for

your building project. They also account for our

excellent project communication, our software,

our experience, and our expertise.

Unlike other architectural fi rms, our fees are not

only based on a percentage of the construction

cost but also take into account the high level of

design and quality of service we off er. As well as

how quickly we’re able to deliver the project.

So you get fi rst-rate designs, professionally,

and in a timely manner.

THE VALUE LETTER FOUR OFFERS

If you get multiple bids, we likely won’t be the

lowest one you receive, but there’s a reason for

that. You’re paying for quality. Our fees speak to

the immense value our services provide.

We won’t be the best fi t for every client or

project, and that’s okay.

We’re Experts in the Industry

With over 11 years of experience, we are experts

when it comes to designing and building both

residential and commercial buildings in the Los

Angeles area. So you know you’re in good hands.

Our high-quality designs focus on creating

beautiful and functional spaces that fi t your

lifestyle. We don’t do cookie-cutt er designs

but create unique spaces with your style and

personality in mind. We listen as you describe

your day-to-day routine and then create a layout

and environment that’s ideal for you.

To ensure your needs are met, we’re adept at

problem-solving. No two projects are the same,

each has its own unique set of challenges. We

listen to your feedback and use our experience

to create a custom solution to your project’s

needs and site conditions.

With your well-being in mind, we focus on creating

healthy and safe environments inside and out.

This includes making sure non-toxic materials

are used and that there is good air quality and

high-quality lighting. We only create buildings

with structural integrity that are code compliant.

We’re Experts in Project Management

At Lett er Four, we’re not only experts at designing

and building homes and commercial spaces, but

we’re also experts in project management. We

ensure that the whole project will run as smoothly

as possible from start to fi nish. This means much

less stress for you!

To get you the best possible results, we have

developed a tried and true process. We work

through several design phases, so all questions

are answered, and you’ll be happy with the fi nal

result. This also ensures there’s a solid plan in

place prior to starting construction, making the

execution phase work eﬃ ciently.

To streamline our process and provide clear

and transparent communication, we use the

latest software and technology. It allows us to

create both 2D and 3D building designs, fl oor

plans, and elevation schematics needed to

both visualize and execute your design. This

means you can see every aspect of your project

prior to starting construction. You also get full

access to everything related to your project

including project documents, schedules, design

inspiration, meeting notes, and project fi nancials.

We take care of the permitt ing and legal

requirements for you. We know the legal codes,

zoning, and liability insurance laws, so you know

everything is done by the book, but don’t have

to worry about gett ing into the weeds yourself.

With our top-notch customer service, you have

a clear picture of what to expect upfront and

remain updated along the way, so there is no

guesswork. If any questions or concerns arise,

you have a dedicated liaison ready to help.

You Get a Good Return on Your Investment

You may feel like you’re paying more upfront for

our experience and high level of services, but in

the long run, you’ll be glad you did.

For a one-time fee, you’re gett ing incredible

investment value that will last a lifetime.

By optimizing design, we focus on creating

energy-eﬃ cient spaces that save you money

and are environmentally friendly.

For both residential and commercial properties,

green building is a smart investment. Green

homes sell for more, save more on utilities, and are

eligible for tax rebates. Homeowners report an

average savings of 20-30% on utilities (USGBC).

While green commercial buildings report 10-

20% lower operational and maintenance costs

(USGBC).

We make sure your home is durable and designed

to last. We stay up to date with the latest

advancements in building materials and products.

Based on your unique project requirements, we

carefully select the best materials, equipment,

and fi xtures so you’ll have lower maintenance

costs in the long run.

Because we know the industry, we know what

aff ects property values. We help you make smart

design decisions that will add to the resale value

of your home or property (and help you avoid

mistakes that will negatively aff ect the value).

Your initial investment of $900,000 for a new

home may end up being worth $2,500,000 in

value, for example.

For commercial or oﬃ ce buildings, we know

that architecture has a signifi cant impact on

your employees’ well-being, performance, and

engagement level. That’s why we design spaces

that inspire creativity and productivity. We take

into consideration access to light and nature,

spaces for collaboration, fl exible design, and

more so your business can thrive.

For retail spaces, we understand that the way a

building is designed infl uences the customer and

their shopping experience. It also has to meet

many practical needs of the business. So we

focus on tenant improvements to create spaces

that stand out, are functional, and are designed

to sell your product or service.

Thinking about planning a new building and want

to make sure you’re gett ing the most value

out of your project? Learn more about our

architectural services or contact us today.

FAQ

How do I navigate the red tape of approvals

so I can get a permit to start construction?

The spectrum of approvals for a custom

home project can be broad depending on the

location and nature of your project. Here are

some common authorities and requirements

you might encounter:

•

Homeowners Associations (HOAs): They

may have specific guidelines on home

design, landscaping, and other property

features.

•

Design

Review

Boards:

Necessary

certain jurisdictions, they could extend

the approval timeline by several months.

•

Specific Plans and Historic Preservation:

These entail particular design criteria and

reviews, potentially adding more time to

your project.

•

California Coastal Commission: They have

distinct requirements with long turnaround

times, sometimes stretching to a year or

more.

•

Utility

companies,

Los

Angeles

Department of Water and Power (LADWP):

Approvals for work in an easement can take

4-months to more.

•

Bureau

Sanitation

Low

Impact

Development: Particularly in Los Angeles,

projects over 500 square feet need to

address stormwater on-site, requiring a set

of approvals.

•

Grading Permits and Haul Routes: Especially

in hillside areas, these approvals are based

on the prepared plans for soil export.

For

standard

lot

without

complex

requirements, a ballpark of 3-4 months for

permitting and approvals is advisable. However,

consulting with an experienced Architect or

Design-Build firm like Letter Four can provide

tailored insight into your project’s approval

intricacies.

You can learn more about what to expect from

the Permitting process in our Project Planning

Pack.

What if my vision for my custom home isn’t

clear?

Before getting started, it’s critical to have

a clear plan in place. You wouldn’t go into

surgery without knowing exactly what needed

operating on, right? A full check-up and

diagnosis is needed first. The same is true for

building. A project of this magnitude requires

everything to be figured out first, preparing

your project to unfold smoothly and truly

satisfy your goals.

If you don’t have a clear vision for your new

home, it’s important that you work with a

qualified professional, like Letter Four, to

develop one. We highly recommend using the

pre-design services we offer before full

project kickoff. Known as “Project Action

Plans”, these early exploration and planning

packages will help you determine the answers

to your design questions. You may select one

of 4 options, depending on your needs:

1. Express - Our Initial Assessment Package:

A quick, high level review of project goals,

including scope, schedule, and budget.

2. Lite - Our Full Due Diligence Phase: We

review past permit records, coordinate

surveys, and assess your lot to determine

what’s possible for your project and what

limitations you may be up against given

your project scope.

3. Essential - Our Full Due Diligence +

Conceptual

Design

Phases:

Covers

everything in our Lite package plus the

presentation of conceptual design options,

including 3D views.

4. Complete - Our Full Due Diligence +

Conceptual Design + Preliminary Pricing

Phases:

The

complete

package

materials needed to solidify your design,

including as-builts, surveys, sketches, and

preliminary all-in project costs. This is the