What KRA Architecture & Design Does and How to Work With Them

KRA Architecture & Design is a South Carolina firm specializing in residential and commercial projects

KRA Architecture & Design is based in South Carolina and works on residential homes, commercial buildings, and mixed-use projects. The firm handles the full design process—from initial concept drawings through construction documents—and can represent clients during construction to make sure the built project matches the design intent.

The firm's work spans new construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects. They work directly with homeowners, developers, and business owners who need architectural services in South Carolina. If you're considering hiring an architect for a project, understanding what KRA does and how they work can help you decide whether they're the right fit.

Key Takeaways

• KRA Architecture & Design offers full architectural services from design concept through construction administration for residential and commercial projects.
• The firm works with individual homeowners, developers, and commercial clients on new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.
• Architects like KRA create detailed construction documents that contractors use to build, and they can oversee the project during construction to ensure quality.
• You can contact the firm directly to discuss your project scope, timeline, and budget before committing to a design contract.

What architectural services KRA provides

KRA handles the stages of a building project that turn an idea into a set of plans a contractor can build from. This includes schematic design (early concept sketches), design development (refining those concepts), construction documents (detailed technical drawings), and construction administration (oversight while the building is being built).

For residential work, this might mean designing a new home addition, a full renovation of an existing house, or a new single-family residence. For commercial clients, KRA works on office buildings, retail spaces, and other business properties. The firm also takes on adaptive reuse projects—converting an old building to a new purpose, like turning a warehouse into apartments or a historic structure into office space.

During construction administration, an architect from KRA can visit the site regularly, review the contractor's work against the plans, answer questions that come up during building, and document that the finished project meets the design specifications. This phase protects both the owner and the contractor by keeping everyone aligned on what the project should look like.

How to start a conversation with KRA

The first step is to contact the firm directly with information about your project. You'll want to describe what you're trying to build or renovate, where it's located in South Carolina, your approximate timeline, and your budget range. The more specific you can be, the better KRA can assess whether they're a good match for your needs.

During an initial consultation, the architect will ask questions about how you use the space, what problems you're trying to solve, and what matters most to you—whether that's cost, timeline, sustainability, aesthetics, or something else. They'll also explain their process, fees, and what they'll deliver at each stage. This conversation helps both you and the firm decide whether to move forward.

If you decide to work together, you'll sign a contract that outlines the scope of work, the architect's fees, the project schedule, and what happens if the scope changes. Fees vary depending on project size and complexity, so there's no single price—it's negotiated based on your specific project.

Why hiring an architect matters for your project

An architect brings technical knowledge about building codes, structural systems, materials, and construction methods that most homeowners and business owners don't have. They can spot problems in a design before construction starts, when changes are cheap. Once a contractor is on site, changes become expensive and slow down the project.

Architects also manage the relationship between design and budget. They can value-engineer a project—finding ways to achieve your goals within your budget by choosing materials and methods strategically. They know local contractors, suppliers, and building officials, which helps projects move smoothly through permitting and construction.

For renovation and adaptive reuse projects especially, an architect's experience with existing buildings can save money and headaches. They understand how old buildings are constructed, what can be changed safely, and what structural or mechanical systems need to be replaced versus repaired.

Understanding architect fees and contracts

Architects charge in different ways. Some charge a percentage of the total construction cost, others charge hourly rates, and some charge a fixed fee for the entire project. Each method has trade-offs. Percentage-based fees align the architect's interest with keeping costs reasonable. Hourly rates work well for smaller projects or when the scope isn't fully defined yet. Fixed fees give you budget certainty if the scope stays stable.

The contract should spell out exactly what the architect will deliver at each phase, when payments are due, and what happens if you change your mind or the project scope grows. It should also clarify who owns the design drawings and what you can do with them if you decide to hire a different architect later.

Most architectural contracts include a provision for additional services—work outside the original scope that costs extra. This protects both parties. If you ask the architect to redesign a major element after the design is approved, or to manage a contractor dispute, that's typically billed separately.

What to expect during the design process

The design process usually starts with a site visit and a detailed conversation about your needs. The architect will measure the existing building (if it's a renovation), photograph the site, and research local zoning and building codes that affect what you can build.

Next comes schematic design—rough drawings showing the basic layout, massing, and concept. You'll review these, give feedback, and the architect refines them. Once you approve the schematic design, the firm moves to design development, where they add more detail: materials, colors, mechanical systems, and structural approach. This phase is where most of your input happens, because changes here are still relatively easy.

Construction documents come next. These are the detailed technical drawings and specifications that contractors bid on and build from. They include floor plans, elevations, sections, details, and written specifications for every material and system. This phase is mostly the architect's work, though you'll review and approve the final set before it goes to contractors.

Finding KRA's contact information and location

KRA Architecture & Design is located in South Carolina. You can reach out to them through their office to discuss your project, request references, and learn more about their recent work. Most architectural firms maintain a portfolio of completed projects on their website or can show you examples during an initial meeting.

When you contact them, ask about their experience with projects similar to yours—whether that's residential additions, commercial renovations, or adaptive reuse. Ask for references from past clients and, if possible, visit a completed project to see the quality of their work firsthand. This helps you understand their design approach and whether it matches your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an architect for a small renovation or addition?

For small projects, some homeowners hire a contractor directly. However, an architect can save money by designing efficiently, ensuring the addition matches the existing home structurally and aesthetically, and navigating permitting. Even for modest projects, an architect's involvement often pays for itself by preventing costly mistakes.

How long does the design process typically take?

Timeline varies by project complexity and how quickly you provide feedback. A simple renovation might take three to six months from first sketch to finished construction documents. A larger commercial project or complex adaptive reuse can take a year or more. Your architect will give you a realistic schedule during the initial consultation.

Can an architect help if I already have a contractor picked out?

Yes. An architect can create the design and construction documents, then step back while your contractor builds. Or they can stay involved during construction to oversee quality and resolve issues. The architect and contractor work together, though they represent different interests—the architect represents you, the owner.

What if I want to make changes after construction starts?

Changes during construction are possible but expensive and slow the project down. The architect documents the change, the contractor prices it, you approve the cost, and the schedule adjusts. This is why getting the design right before construction is so important. An architect's involvement during design review helps catch problems early.

How do I know if KRA is the right architect for my project?

Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your project, see their portfolio, and ask about their experience with similar work. Pay attention to whether they listen to your needs, ask good questions, and explain their process clearly. The right architect is someone you trust and can communicate with easily over the course of your project.