1. Why should I use an architect instead of a barn builder or pole barn / metal barn company?

As trained and state-licensed professionals, CMW's architects and engineers draw upon years of specialized equine design experience to evaluate and accommodate the specific needs of each client and site. Since CMW does not sell or rely upon a certain type of building system for our business, our clients receive unbiased evaluations and recommendations for every aspect of their barn. While it may be true that pre-fabricated barns are often cheaper and quicker to construct than custom-built ones, when you consider the value and importance that you put on your equine projects, we believe you will agree that it does not pay to cut corners.

2. What is the advantage of custom plans over existing blueprints?

Your site, your farm, and your horses are unique. While there are certain common design features in all barns, simply copying an existing barn cannot begin to address your specific needs. Stock plans represent a compromise, since your personal objectives are not considered when the design is conceived. Custom designs equate to control for the owner -- control over the layout, materials, special features, and ultimately the construction. The design of a custom barn or farm will address all of your goals and requirements.

3. How much do architectural services cost?

As with all professional services, architectural fees vary with the level of service provided. CMW can provide as much (or as little) service as requested by the owner. A simple consultation or site visit can be done for a few hundred dollars. More involved design and engineering services can be provided on either a fixed fee, hourly, or as a percentage of the construction basis, whichever is preferred by the owner.

4. What are the services that CMW can provide?

Whatever equine project you may have in mind -- be it barns, arenas, residences, training facilities, etc.-- CMW can accommodate you. The design process and the services we can provide are extensive and wide ranging. CMW can take you through site and property evaluation, overall farm and paddock planning, building design and engineering, landscape design and engineering, and, finally, putting the finishing touches on your project with the aid of our accomplished staff of interior designers.

5. What stages are involved in the process?

Very simply stated, CMW helps you establish your goals, evaluate various options, then develop the documents to see your goals implemented.

6. What are the services or specialties that differentiate CMW from other architects?

With more than three decades of equine experience under our belts, CMW boasts an accomplished staff of architects, engineers, landscape architects, interior designers, and construction managers. We firmly believe that our history of successful projects can be largely attributed to the strength of our personalized client service. By establishing regular communication and maintaining mutual respect with the client, the final results are almost assuredly a facility that everyone can be proud of.

7. Do you have references of satisfied customers?

Perhaps the best evidence of the quality of CMW's work is demonstrated by our long list of satisfied clients. Over three-fourths of our new contracts are with clients whom we have served previously or with those referred to us by satisfied clients. We encourage you to check our past record of performance with each of these individuals. A list of client references is available upon request.

8. What kinds of information does CMW need from me to get started?

Collect as much information about your property as possible. This can include property survey drawings, aerial photographs, zoning information, approximate acreage, and the address of the property. Develop a 'wish list' of what you want to build or develop (i.e., including but not limited to, a list of buildings or spaces, number of stalls or paddocks, and any special features that you may desire). By creating an outline of the client¹s hopes and vision for the project, we can then strive to maintain that vision throughout the entire design process.

 

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