RAFAEL TUDOR
ARCHITECTURE
Excellence through quality design and collaboration
RAFAEL TUDOR ARCHITECTURE is a boutique architectural firm, with capacity for full architectural services, serving the Midwest and its neighboring states.
Our mission is to create architecture that puts quality first and people at the center. Through collaborative design, we transform ideas into spaces that are functional, enduring, and deeply human.
We understand that creating a new space, whether it's your home or business, is a deeply personal journey. That's why we place the unity of Owner, Architect, and Contractor at the heart of everything we do. We don't just design; we work in unison, ensuring every decision aligns perfectly with your dreams, timeline, and budget.
14
STATES LICENSED
20+
YEARS IN PRACTICE
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Design Capabilities
DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES
Design-Build is a streamlined project delivery method where a contractor engages an architect directly to serve as their design partner, integrating architectural expertise throughout the construction process from concept through completion.
FRACTIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Not every project needs a full-service Architect from first sketch to final walkthrough. We offer fractional architectural services, a flexible model that lets Owners, Developers, Contractors, and Design firms engage exactly the expertise they need, precisely when they need it.
OWNER/CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE
An architect acting as an Owner's representative serves as the Client's dedicated advocate and expert advisor throughout the entire project lifecycle (or portions/ phases of the project, such as Construction Administration), protecting the owner's interests, vision, and investment while navigating the complexities of design, construction and project budget.
Demystifying Design Fees
A comprehensive overview of architectural investment structures, phase allocations, and service scopes.
Architectural fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the total construction cost. The ranges below represent standard industry benchmarks for Basic Services based on project type and complexity.
PROJECT TYPESTANDARD COMPLEXITYHIGH-END/COMPLEXSingle-Family Residential8% - 12%10% - 15%Single-Family Renovation/Addition12% - 18%15% - 22%New Commercial Project4% - 8%6% - 12%Commercial Renovation/Addition6% - 10%9% - 15%Note: Multi-Family Residential projects typically fall under the Commercial fee structure.
Hybrid Model
Begins with an hourly rate for initial Programming and Schematic Design to allow for exploration. Moves to a Fixed or Percentage-based fee once scope is defined.
Percentage-Based
Calculated as a percentage of the final construction cost. Scales naturally with project complexity and adjustments throughout the design process.
Fixed Fee (Lump Sum)
A single, all-inclusive price agreed upon for the entire scope. Ideal for projects where the requirements are exceptionally clear from day one.
Phase 0
PROGRAMMING
HOURLY
The foundational stage where we define goals, establish budgets, and outline requirements. This phase is billed separately as it occurs before drawings begin.
Phase 1
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
15% - 20%
Developing the basic design, size, and layout through sketches and preliminary floor plans for your initial approval.
Phase 2
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
20%
Refining the design, selecting materials, specifies fixtures, and beginning preliminary engineering coordination.
Phase 3
CONSTRUCTION DOCS
35% - 40%
Most Intensive Phase: Producing the comprehensive technical drawings and specifications used for bidding, permitting, and actual construction.
Phase 4
BIDDING
5%
Assisting in contractor selection, answering bidder questions, and reviewing construction contracts.
Phase 5
CONSTRUCTION ADMIN
15% - 20%
On-site observation and acting as your representative to ensure the project adheres to the design intent.
- BASIC SERVICESADDITIONAL SERVICESPermit Document Preparation & SubmissionSustainability / LEED CertificationElectrical & Plumbing Engineering CoordinationSpecialized Consulting (Acoustics, Lighting)Mechanical (HVAC) Engineering CoordinationCivil Engineering (Site/Grading)Structural Engineering CoordinationLandscape Architecture & DesignArchitectural Design (Phases 1-5)Interior Design & Furnishing Selection
Note: Engineering consultants typically account for ~30-35% of the total Basic Services fee.
RAFAEL C. TUDOR
FOUNDER, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
About Our Firm
Rafael founded the firm with a clear purpose: quality design with a human-centric focus. Over more than a decade in leadership roles, he has collaborated closely with development and construction companies, building a practice grounded in clear communication and high-quality delivery.
╸Bachelor of Architecture, Illinois Institute of Technology
╸Master of Real Estate Development, Auburn University
LICENSED IN 14 US STATES
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The best designs emerge from a unified vision.
Our firm’s nimble approach allows us to be incredibly responsive, quickly analyzing ideas, testing concepts, and finding the perfect solution for your unique needs. We pride ourselves on being attentive listeners, insightful analyzers, and creative problem-solvers. From our very first conversation, we'll work closely with you to explore possibilities, refine ideas, and forge a clear, confident path forward.