About Mickey Simpson
Architects <> Builders
Mickey Simpson is a residential Architecture firm as well as a construction company.
We exclusively build what we design and design what we build.
Responsibility and accountability.
One stop shopping from start to finish. We handle everything -- design concepts, plans, permits and construction services -- to get you into your new home or addition/renovation in an efficient and stress-free process.
For 39 years -- since 1969 -- Mickey Simpson has provided exciting functional design and very high quality construction.
Serving Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Falls Church, and Bethesda
Our services are not available in Washington, DC
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING OUR DESIGN CONSULTATION
We will visit you at your home for a complimentary two hour consultation. Please have a copy of your plat/plot/survey (you were given one at settlement when you bought the house) for us to review. After you have taken us on a tour of your home we will discuss various options and possibilities for improving your residence. When you are ready to move forward to the next phase of your project we will, with you, determine the Scope of Work for the Design Development Contract.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
During this design process we will meet weekly for typically 4 or 5 weeks. These meetings are an iterative process. We will present ideas and get your reaction and discuss the options as well as the pros and cons of each idea. At these meetings we will present floor plans and elevation studies for your review. We will also produce specifications for your project. When we have received your preliminary approval we will put a price to your complete project. If adjustments are necessary we will continue to work together to achieve a satisfactory balance of design, specifications, and price. Unlike an independent architect, whose first priority is hourly billing, our goal is to move forward to construction. Most architects' plans end up on a shelf or in the trash and never get built. We share the same goal as you during the design phase -- move onto construction. Our designs get built.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION
THE NOISE AND THE MESS
We will normally be working on your project from 7:00 to 5:00, weekdays. Weekend hours are optional and differ by your local regulations. You can expect early morning hammering. Please feel free to make your own loud noises.
Most of our projects require you to vacate your home. If, however, you will be occupying your home during construction, every effort will be made to keep your interior clean and free of construction debris. However, you should know that construction dust is pervasive, and, despite our best efforts, you will encounter it throughout the entire project.
We will need certain areas of your house completely cleared of all furniture and knick-knacks. We will let you know which areas before construction is to begin. Let us know if you will need to use the construction dumpster for "editing" your knick-knack collection. We will be using it for "editing" your house.
We will be placing a port-a-john on your property. Our guys will have no occasion to use your facilities. Feel free to use our facilities if you have a yearning for clever social commentary and impromptu artwork.
SCHEDULING & COMMUNICATION
There is a master schedule for your job. Due to the complex coordination of materials and labor, you will not have workers on your site every day of your project. This is normal. You will be updated whenever something affects the schedule, and you are always welcome to contact our office with any questions or concerns. You will also be given the cell phone number for our Production Manager and our Site Superintendent should you need immediate assistance.
WE LOVE IT ! WILL YOU PLEASE LEAVE NOW !!
Our overall goal is to design and build for you a beautiful and functional new home or addition. This allows us to make a salary and continue to pay off those pesky gambling debts. But, we do have a specific goal at the end of the project. If you are satisfied with our process and our product, we will be asking you for a letter of recommendation. Nothing complicated...just something utterly dripping with adulation. This will help us continue to get new work - see gambling debts above. Please let us know what we can do to provide you with complete satisfaction.
