Behind the name
A remnant is a leftover from the past. It could be an awkward, vacant lot in the middle of developed land on which no one knows what to build. It could be an old house whose layout no longer works for the present time. It could be a newer house that was built for mass appeal but doesn’t actually work for your lifestyle. At Remnant Architecture, we take your remnants and make them into something beautiful and functional for you.
Process
Our process of creating a house that fits you is a dialogue. We learn your goals for your house, research the constraints of your property, and come up with design solutions. Then we want your feedback so we can further refine the concept into the right fit for you. We serve you with a one on one relationship to conceive your own custom design. Find out more about our design process in this blog post.
Team
Jessalyn Friske, AIA, NCARB, Registered Architect
Owner/Architect
While I was able to experience many different sectors of architecture throughout my career, I eventually came to realize that residential architecture was my passion. In order to focus on living spaces and form relationships with clients, I started my own firm after being introduced to the residential side of architecture while working at other firms in Knoxville TN, Nashville TN, and Greenville SC. I hold a master of architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati and have been a licensed architect in Tennessee since 2013.
Steps to take to work with us
1. Complete New Client Application
Let us know about your project, and we will review your information to see if it is a good fit for us to discuss more. Click here for the application.
2. Discovery Call
We discuss the basics of your project, and you can ask us questions to determine if we should move forward with a site meeting.
3. Preliminary Site Visit
We meet at your property to get more information about the project so we can prepare a fee proposal for you. We’ll bring a zoning analysis to the meeting to review any relevant constraints for your project.
4. Signed Proposal & Initial Payment
This step will secure your spot in our queue. Once we get a signed proposal and initial payment, we set a date to start working on your project.
5. Existing Conditions/Programming
If we are renovating or adding onto your existing house, then we will come out and measure your house. If we are helping you with a new house, then we will ask you questions about what you want in a house.
6. Design
In this phase, we will explore options for your house. At the end of this phase, there will be one refined solution that will be used as the basis for the next phase.
7. Construction Drawings
Using the design from the previous phase, detailed drawings for contractor pricing and permitting will be developed. If a structural engineer is needed for the project, they will start working on the project at this point.
8. Construction Observation
This phase begins once you get your permit and the project is now led by the contractor. We will visit the site to see how the construction is progressing, as well as answer any questions the contractor or inspector might have.
FAQ
What kinds of clients does Remnant Architecture serve?
Our ideal clients are those who are retired or will soon be retiring and want to make their house into their forever home, as well as homeowners who have growing families and need to make adjustments to accommodate that. If you’ve found a property that you want to invest in because you plan to be there for a while, you would be a good fit.
What kind of fee structure does Remnant Architecture use?
We provide fixed fees for our projects, with a clearly defined scope. We believe that a set price gives you peace of mind, as you can budget for the exact amount you will spend on an architect. Contact us to discuss your project and receive your personalized fee proposal.
How much will it cost to work with Remnant Architecture?
– New custom homes start at $20,000.
– Additions or accessory structures (garages, ADUs, guest houses, etc.) start at $10,000.
– Interior renovations start at $5,000.
– Your price will depend on the level of service you desire, the size of your home/addition/renovation, and the complexity of your design/site. Fill out the new client application for a specific price for your project.
How long will it take for Remnant Architecture to get my design and construction drawings done?
It varies between projects, based on the scope of the project and how quickly you make decisions. Typically renovations and additions take a minimum of three to four months from project kick off to having completed construction drawings. Custom homes typically take a minimum of six to twelve months from project kick off to completed construction drawings.
When can Remnant Architecture start my project?
It typically takes at least one month or more, depending on our waitlist, from when you contact us to kicking off the project. Fill out the new client application for a more exact timeline.
What areas does Remnant Architecture serve?
Most of our work is in Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee, though we do some work in adjacent cities/counties based on the distance away.
Does Remnant Architecture do home renovations or additions?
If you have a major renovation or addition, we would be interested. This includes adding a room or two to your house or reconfiguring walls in your house.
Can Remnant Architecture help me if I’m not ready to build my project, but I’d like to plan for it in the future?
We can end our services after the design phase so you can get pricing from a contractor to budget for your project in the future. Then when you are ready to construct, we can continue onto the construction drawings. We recommend doing the construction drawings when you are ready to build because codes and your preferences can change over time.
Does Remnant Architecture modify drawings that were bought from a house plan website?
No, we like to develop the concept of your house with you so we find it difficult to work someone else’s design. Check and see if the place you bought the drawings from can modify them for you.
Will Remnant Architecture draw the house I’ve already designed?
No, a drafter might be a better fit.
Do I need an architect for my project?
In the state of Tennessee, an architect is not required for the design of a single-family home up to three stories tall. For the design of your home, it is up to you what level of service you are looking for. You could draw the project yourself. You could hire a drafter to draw the design you have in mind. Typically, people who hire an architect are wanting someone to help to create a design that is aesthetically pleasing and functional because it is not something that comes naturally to them.
Why should I use an architect for my project?
Only those who have met specific licensure requirements can call themselves architects in the state of Tennessee. Architects must complete at least five years of college education, at least three years of apprenticeship under a licensed architect, and pass exams to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. After licensure, they are required to complete continued education to stay up to date on the construction industry. Those with the title of home designer or drafter could have the same knowledge, or they could have just taken a drawing course or two. Without the license, it is up to you to determine if they are qualified for your project. If you are interested in hiring an licensed contractor for your home project, consider hiring a licensed architect as well.
Why should I hire an architect when a contractor includes architectural drawings in their fees?
Hiring an architect gives you a third-party advocate to give opinions about the many decisions you will make throughout the project. Often the contractor makes decisions based on ease of construction or cost, but an architect can give other long-term perspectives, like aesthetics and functionality, that are of interest to the homeowner.
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