HTG's Frequently Asked Questions
We receive a good amount of questions from new and prospective clients. And we're always more than willing to listen and provide answers to those questions. But over the years, we've noticed a few questions that come up time and time again. We decided to take those common questions and answer them here in the hope that they'll help even more people.
About HTG Architects
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HTG Architects serves a wide range of clients, but our specialized expertise lies in financial architecture (banks and credit unions) and recreation design (ice arenas and sports facilities). We also bring that expertise to a variety of commercial, retail and industrial projects.
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Our in-house services include architectural services, interior design, vendor coordination, and project management. We oversee our full range of engineering partners as consultants under our contract, ensuring every aspect of your project runs smoothly. When we say Partnerships Beyond Buildings, we mean it.
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Of course. Visit our project portfolio to see examples of our bank/credit union, recreation and commercial designs.
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Hiring an architect is an investment in foresight and value. We identify challenges early, coordinate logistics and plan details up front, saving time, reducing costly changes and preventing confusion in the field.
Even if you don’t hire an architect, someone will still be responsible for this work; the difference is expertise and accountability. Certified architectural plans are required by law to obtain a building permit, and with an architect, you gain a professional partner who ensures your project is compliant, efficient, and built to last. -
Yes. HTG Architects is licensed in multiple states, and we hold NCARB certification, which streamlines the registration process and allows us to quickly obtain licensure in new markets across the U.S.
We regularly design projects throughout the Midwest and beyond. Our team’s experience navigating a variety of state and local regulations ensures a seamless process wherever your project is located.
Getting Started
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The sooner, the better. Ideally, we’re involved from the very beginning, from project conception, site selection and early feasibility discussions. Our team helps you evaluate opportunities and lay the groundwork for a successful project.
Through our pre-design and feasibility services, we can explore test fits, assess site potential, and even help coordinate market studies or operations proformas for certain project types. These early steps bring clarity and confidence to your vision, helping you make informed decisions before major investments are made.
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Yes. We frequently assist clients with site evaluations and land acquisition analysis, leveraging our relationships with local realtors and community officials to identify locations that align with your goals.
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Simply reach out to us, we’d love to chat. Email: info@htg-architects.com | Phone: 952.278.8880
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Once you contact us, we’ll help you establish a budget, review your site conditions, and gather required reports such as soil borings and geotechnical studies. We guide you through each step to make the process straightforward.
Process & Timeline
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While we’re not a design/build firm, we stay with you from concept to ribbon-cutting. Our team helps facilitate general contractor interviews, ensuring you select a qualified partner that fits your project’s needs and goals. Because we are not the builder, our role is to advocate for your best interests, focusing on value, quality, and cost efficiency rather than profit margins.
Throughout construction, we act as your “boots on the ground,” monitoring progress, communicating updates, and helping resolve issues to make sure your project moves smoothly from design to completion.
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Timelines vary by project type, and our team has experience navigating various timelines. Remodels and tenant improvements are typically faster than new builds. Factors like square footage, design complexity, permitting and even Midwest weather can influence timing. One of our first steps when hired is to provide an overall project timeline so our clients are fully informed from the beginning.
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Approval timelines depend on the type and scope of your project. Site entitlements, such as planning, zoning, and city council approvals, typically take a couple of months but can extend longer in larger municipalities with more complex regulations.
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Building permits generally take two to four weeks, though timing can vary by local jurisdiction. Our team specializes in this type of due diligence and will help establish a clear project timeline from the start, ensuring you know what to expect every step of the way.
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Yes, while changes are always possible, our inVision programming and feasibility process is designed to minimize those large-scale changes later on. By spending intentional time upfront, clarifying goals, exploring options and testing feasibility, we help ensure your project is well-aligned from the start. This proactive approach gives you confidence in your decisions and helps keep the entire project on track.
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We stay actively involved throughout construction, conducting site visits, reviewing submittals and responding to RFIs to ensure your project is executed according to plan.
For projects outside our immediate region, we tailor our involvement to balance budget, distance and your comfort level with the contractor. Our team can adjust the frequency of site visits or partner with a trusted local representative to serve as additional “boots on the ground.” This hybrid approach allows us to maintain quality oversight and clear communication without unnecessary cost, ensuring your vision is delivered accurately and efficiently, no matter the location.
Costs & Budgeting
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Our fee structure depends on the project type, size, and scope. We’ll discuss the best approach during the proposal phase to ensure it fits your needs and budget.
That said, it’s never too early to start a conversation. We’re happy to answer questions and help you navigate the early stages of planning. And unlike some industries, we don’t charge “by the conversation.” We’re here to be your guide and partner in determining the right next steps for your project.
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We begin by aligning your vision and financial goals through our inVision process. By tracking costs, collaborating with contractors and focusing on high-value design choices, we create solutions that deliver both beauty and practicality.
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Construction costs are the fees a general contractor charges to deliver a fully constructed building. Everything they're responsible for providing and installing. What's not included: furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE), professional design services, due diligence studies, and permitting fees.
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Soft costs are project expenses that fall outside the contractor's construction budget, and they're easy to underestimate. They typically include design services, due diligence studies, permitting fees, and FFE. These are the owner's responsibility and are contracted separately. Our team helps you identify and plan for these early, so there are no budget surprises down the road.
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Beyond the standard building permit, owners often incur additional fees such as plan review fees, utility connection or tap fees, and specialty permits for signage, environmental compliance, or right-of-way. These vary by jurisdiction and are paid directly by the owner.
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FFE stands for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment. These are all owner-provided items that fall outside the contractor's scope but are essential to operations. Even though FFE is procured separately, we coordinate with your vendors to ensure proper power, data, and mounting support are built into the design. We can also help develop RFPs to define scope and gather competitive pricing, with as much or as little involvement as you need.
Contractors & Vendors
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Yes. While we’re not a builder, we help clients evaluate and select contractors to ensure quality and value. Because we’re independent, we have no vested interest in construction costs; our focus is entirely on protecting your interests.
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Absolutely. We maintain a trusted network of subcontractors, suppliers and vendors who are familiar with our standards and processes. Saving you time and ensuring consistency.
Pre-Design & Due Diligence
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Yes. While we’re not a builder, we help clients evaluate and select contractors to ensure quality and value. Because we’re independent, we have no vested interest in construction costs; our focus is entirely on protecting your interests.
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Absolutely. We maintain a trusted network of subcontractors, suppliers and vendors who are familiar with our standards and processes. Saving you time and ensuring consistency.
Post-Construction
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Absolutely. Our commitment doesn’t end at the ribbon-cutting. As part of our evoBuild process, we conduct an 11-month walkthrough (often called a “warranty walk”) with the owner and general contractor once the building has gone through a full year of operation and weather cycles.
Most equipment and systems come standard with a one-year warranty, and this walkthrough allows us to proactively identify anything that needs adjustment, correction or replacement. We help coordinate those updates to ensure your project performs as intended.
It’s all part of our commitment to deliver spaces that are built to spec, built to last, and backed by our “Partnerships Beyond Buildings” mindset.