What defines Bemberg Architecture's approach to design?

We believe great architecture is a dialogue. Our work thoughtfully marries history with the future—specializing in adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, and sustainable new construction. We aren't a "fast-plan" firm; we prioritize essential, long-term value. If you value a process that favors intentionality over "off-the-shelf" solutions, we are likely a great fit.

What can I expect from the collaboration process?

You can expect a relationship built on honesty and clarity. We lead with a human-centered approach, holding frequent dialogue sessions to explore the "why" behind every design choice. We’ll walk you through the implications of budget, buildability, and timeline so you can move forward with total confidence in your investment.

What sort of projects do you take on?

We’re a good fit for clients who are passionate about their homes and neighborhoods and who approach the sometimes unpredictable design and construction process with openness, flexibility, and a collaborative mindset.

We focus on residential renovations, additions, new homes, and small-scale commercial projects.

We do not take on large commercial developments, production or speculative housing, interior-only design services, or projects seeking fast turnarounds on drawings without a full design and coordination process.

Will you work in my area?

We live and work in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis, and we intentionally focus our practice close to home. Staying local allows us to be deeply connected to the community and highly familiar with the expectations, permitting processes, and review standards of nearby municipalities. Our projects tend to focus around the following neighborhoods: St. Louis City, Maplewood, Brentwood, Ladue, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Sunset Hills, Glendale, Clayton, University City, Crestwood. We typically don’t work west of Highway 270, south of River Des Peres or in North County to keep our focus closer to home.

Every city and jurisdiction is different. By concentrating our work in specific areas, we bring real expertise in local codes, building departments, and approval pathways—helping projects move more smoothly, predictably, and efficiently. We do occasionally take on more remote or rural projects in unique circumstances.

How much should I budget for design services?

Our projects are billed as a fixed fee, not hourly billing. Each proposal clearly outlines the scope of work, including the number of meetings, deliverables, and an estimated range of hours so clients understand exactly what is included. We believe transparency around time and scope creates better projects and better working relationships.

In terms of overall value, our approach is intentionally middle-of-the-road—focused on efficiency, clarity, and practical outcomes. We’re more Toyota than Lexus: thoughtful, durable design without unnecessary over-detailing or inflated fees.

Because we frequently work with experienced builders and trades, our drawings are clear and coordinated without excessive material specification. We rely on communication during construction and collaboration with the contractor to resolve details in real time. For clients who want extensive interior finish selection or highly detailed kitchen and bath design, we regularly collaborate with skilled interior designers in St. Louis and are happy to coordinate with them as part of the team.

For context, architectural fees can vary widely. Some architects charge around 3% of construction cost for very limited drawings and coordination, while others offer full in-house services at 10–15%. Our work typically falls between 5–7% of construction cost as a general guideline—though every project is different. For example, on a ~$100k residential renovation our fees for design & documentation will be about $5,000 (20 hours of work @ $200/hr, which is our standard hourly rate)

Final fees are always presented as a fixed dollar amount, tailored to the specific scope and complexity of your project.

I need a permit… tomorrow. Can you help?

Probably not. Permits take time, and the process varies by municipality. Drawings, coordination, and plan review all need to happen before a permit can be issued.

Due to our current workload, most projects are scheduled 8–10 weeks out before design work begins. This allows time for proper documentation, coordination with consultants, and alignment with municipal requirements so the permit process can move forward smoothly.

That being said, when extreme examples come up (like the May 15th 2025 Tornado) we are happy to shift and adjust current workloads to help people out in more dire situations.

How long does a typical project take from our first meeting to finalized drawings?

We are committed to a realistic and reliable timeline. Depending on complexity, smaller projects can take as little as a week or two while a larger project may require three to six months from our first meeting to a permit-ready set of drawings. We don't rush the early stages; taking this time upfront prevents unexpected costs and ensures the result is exactly what you imagined.

What are your communication expectations?

We value clear, timely communication during normal business hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Like many of our clients, we balance professional work with family life, and we maintain healthy boundaries outside of those hours. Messages received after hours will be responded to during the next business day.

Do you offer construction services?

We are dedicated architects, not builders—but we don't leave you to figure it out alone. Thanks to Max’s deep construction background, we act as your advocate and can connect you with a select group of trusted, high-quality contractors who share our standards for craftsmanship.

What do you do versus an interior designer?

We focus on the architecture of the project—the overall layout, structure, code compliance, permitting, and coordination with builders and engineers. Our work shapes how a space functions, how it’s built, and how it meets municipal and technical requirements.

Interior designers focus on the interior experience: finishes, materials, colors, furnishings, lighting, and detailed kitchen and bath selections. They bring deep expertise in how spaces look, feel, and are lived in day to day.

On many projects, the best results come from collaboration. We regularly work alongside interior designers and are happy to coordinate with one of our own trusted design partners if your project would benefit from that level of detail.

Can I use plans I found online with you?

Online plans can be helpful as inspiration or a starting reference, but they’re rarely suitable as-is. We design each project around the site, existing conditions, and local municipal requirements to ensure the plans are buildable and approvable.

Do you remain with the project through construction administration?

Construction Administration (CA) is a separate, critical service we offer, ensuring the design intent is perfectly executed on site. This includes regular site visits, advising the contractor on design-related questions, and addressing issues as they arise. While highly recommended, this phase is optional and scope-dependent.

How do we get started?

Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form to schedule an initial call. We’ll discuss your vision, answer your initial questions, and see if our partnership approach is the right match for your project. See our Process page to see how we typically move forward with a project once we get started.