All Forum Posts by: Aaron Schump

Hi @Erica Redcross. I'll second @Jared W Smith. I would look for an architect that is familiar with the building code and permitting process in your area. Each municipality/county has surprisingly different rules and regulations and its best to have someone experienced with that process with you. And in some locations, an addition of this level will require stamped/sealed architectural and engineering drawings.  It's going to add a line item to your budget, but their experience will be a huge asset. Plus their drawings will allow the contractors to be more precise with their scope of work and costs. 

@Jarod Hall Thanks, Jarod. That is great information. On our first little house hack, we just did with an FHA loan. I'm trying to get my head around a ground-up project. It's going to have to be a bit more complex than an FHA.

@Jarod Hall Very nice projects! I'm curious if your willing to share the financing plan. For instance, did you take a fee for the desing on the front end or differ as capital toward the projects. 

Patrick, Edgar, and Jarod. Thanks for reaching out! 

@Patrick Queensen we are in Tower Grove South, where are you living/investing? We picked up a building on Morganford a few months back. It's currently 2 residential units but we will begin renovations of the ground floor this week. We are converting it back to commercial space for the architecture office. 

@Edgar Martinez, best of luck on those ARE's. It's quite a trail.

@Jarod Hall, nice work on the website! Which projects did you do for yourself? perhaps the Guadalupe Condos? 

The design/cost dilemma is going to be difficult for any of us, but a great design is how we can increase the value of our projects.

Hi everyone!

Long-time reader/listener, first post.

I am an architect in St. Louis, Missouri making my transition from the design professions to real estate investor and developer. After spending many years creating value for clients, its time to do it for my benefit.

Last year my wife and I purchased a duplex and are now living in one unit and renting the other. We did a light renovation on both units, and the renters take care of the majority of the mortgage. Its should cash-flow nicely when we move out. We are currently looking for our next project — ideally, a ground-up multi-family project where I can leverage my design expertise as an investment.

Anyhow, I'm excited to engage more in the online and offline community, especially here in St. Louis. I'm also curious if there are any other architects on the site working similarly.

Aaron