Timbes Architectural Group: What They Design and How to Work With Them

Who Timbes Architectural Group Is and What They Do

Timbes Architectural Group is a South Carolina-based architecture firm that designs residential, commercial, and institutional projects across the state. The firm works with clients to create buildings that fit both their practical needs and their vision for how a space should feel and function. They handle everything from initial concept drawings through construction oversight, meaning they're involved from the moment you have an idea through the day you move in or open your doors.

The firm's work spans new construction and renovation projects. Whether you're planning a home addition, a retail storefront, an office building, or an institutional facility, Timbes works through the design process with you, coordinates with engineers and contractors, and manages the technical drawings that builders use to construct the project. They're licensed to practice architecture in South Carolina, which means their designs meet state building codes and their stamp appears on official documents.

Key Takeaways

• Timbes Architectural Group handles the full design process from concept through construction, not just drawing plans.
• The firm works on residential additions and renovations, commercial buildings, and institutional projects across South Carolina.
• Architects charge for their services based on project scope, and costs vary widely depending on whether you're adding a room or building a new structure.
• The design phase typically takes weeks to months before construction begins, and the architect stays involved during building to make sure the work matches the plans.
• You'll need to meet with the firm to discuss your project, budget, and timeline before they can give you a sense of cost and feasibility.

What Happens During the Design Process

When you hire an architect, you're paying for their time to listen to what you want, sketch ideas, refine those ideas based on your feedback and building constraints, and eventually produce detailed drawings that a contractor can build from. Timbes typically starts with conversations about your goals, your site, your budget, and your timeline. They'll visit the location, take measurements, and understand what's already there.

From there, the firm produces preliminary sketches—rough drawings that show the general layout and appearance. You review these, suggest changes, and the architects revise. Once you're happy with the direction, they move into design development, where more details emerge: materials, structural systems, mechanical systems, and how everything connects. Finally, they produce construction documents—the precise, to-scale drawings and specifications that contractors bid on and build from.

Throughout this process, Timbes coordinates with structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and other specialists as needed. If your project requires permits from the city or county, the architect prepares the documents and often handles the submission. Once construction begins, the architect typically visits the site periodically to confirm the work matches the plans and to answer questions that come up during building.

Types of Projects Timbes Works On

Residential projects include home additions, kitchen and bathroom renovations, new homes, and accessory structures like garages or studios. A residential client might hire Timbes to design a second-story addition, and the architect would handle everything from figuring out how to tie the new structure to the existing house, to designing the staircase, to making sure the roof line looks intentional rather than tacked-on.

Commercial work covers office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, medical offices, and other business facilities. These projects often involve more complex building systems—HVAC, electrical, plumbing for commercial use—and stricter code requirements. Institutional projects include schools, libraries, government buildings, and nonprofit facilities. These typically involve public funding, multiple stakeholders, and detailed planning processes.

How Architects Charge for Their Work

Architecture fees vary based on project size, complexity, and scope of services. Some firms charge a percentage of the total construction cost—typically 5 to 15 percent depending on the project type. Others charge hourly rates or a flat fee for a defined scope of work. A small residential addition might cost a few thousand dollars in architectural fees; a new commercial building could cost tens of thousands.

When you first contact Timbes, they'll want to understand your project well enough to give you a rough estimate. They may ask for photos, measurements, or a site plan. Some firms offer a free initial consultation; others charge for the first meeting. It's worth asking what the first conversation costs before you schedule it. Once you've discussed your project in detail, the firm can provide a more accurate fee proposal.

Permits, Codes, and What the Architect Handles

South Carolina has building codes that all new construction and major renovations must follow. The architect's job includes designing to those codes and producing drawings that demonstrate compliance. When you need a building permit from your city or county, the architect typically prepares the permit application package and submits it. Some jurisdictions require the architect's seal and signature on the drawings before a permit can be issued.

The architect also coordinates with any other agencies or departments that might have jurisdiction. If your project is in a historic district, there may be a historic preservation review. If it's near wetlands, environmental permits may be needed. If it's a commercial building, the fire marshal may need to review the plans. Timbes handles these conversations and revisions as part of the design process, though some specialized permits may require you to hire additional consultants.

Working With Timbes: What to Expect

Start by contacting the firm with a description of your project. You can usually reach them by phone or email, and they'll schedule an initial meeting. Bring photos of your site, any existing plans if you have them, and a clear sense of what you're trying to accomplish. If you have a budget in mind, share it—architects need to know whether you're planning to spend $50,000 or $500,000, because it shapes every decision they make.

Be prepared to discuss your timeline. How soon do you need the design finished? When do you want construction to start? Architects need time to design, and you need time to get permits and get bids from contractors. A typical residential project might take three to six months from first meeting to finished construction documents; a larger commercial project could take longer.

After the initial meeting, Timbes will prepare a proposal outlining the scope of work, the fee, and the timeline. If you agree to move forward, you'll sign a contract and the design process begins. You'll have regular check-ins to review progress and provide feedback. The firm will keep you informed about any issues that come up—a site constraint, a code requirement, a cost implication—and work with you to solve them.

Finding Timbes and Getting in Touch

To learn more about Timbes Architectural Group's work and to discuss your project, contact them directly through their office. You can ask to see examples of projects similar to yours—most firms maintain a portfolio of completed work. Looking at what they've designed before gives you a sense of their style and their experience with your project type.

When you reach out, be specific about what you're planning. "We want to add a bedroom" or "We're opening a small restaurant" tells them more than "We need an architect." The more detail you provide in that first conversation, the better they can assess whether your project is a good fit for their firm and what it might cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an architect, or can I just hire a contractor?

For small projects like a deck or a simple renovation, some contractors can work from sketches or photos. For anything involving structural changes, additions, or new construction, an architect brings expertise in design, codes, and how systems work together. An architect also protects you by producing clear drawings that prevent misunderstandings with the contractor.

How long does the design process take?

It depends on project complexity and how quickly you provide feedback. A simple residential renovation might take two to three months from first meeting to finished drawings. A new commercial building could take six months or longer. The architect will give you a timeline estimate once they understand your project.

What if I don't like the first design the architect shows me?

Revisions are part of the process. The contract typically includes a certain number of revision rounds in the fee. You'll work back and forth with the architect until the design reflects what you want. If you ask for major changes late in the process, there may be additional fees, but the initial design phase is meant to get it right.

Can the architect help me choose a contractor?

Yes. Once the drawings are finished, the architect can help you prepare a bid package and send it to contractors. Many architects maintain relationships with builders and can recommend firms they've worked with before. The architect can also review contractor bids and help you understand what each one includes.

Will the architect visit my site during construction?

Most architectural contracts include periodic site visits during construction. The architect checks that the work matches the plans, answers questions from the contractor, and documents progress. The frequency of visits depends on your contract—some include weekly visits, others monthly. Discuss this during your initial conversations so you know what to expect.