FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are 'Rachel & Rebecca, Creators and Architects'? What do we do?

We are an architect duo focusing on cost-effective design solutions for both small and large projects. At the moment, we are only into design and not into municipal sanctions or implementation.

What do you need to bring for the first design discussion?

We need photographs and videos from all angles of the site and also of the locality. The photographs/videos of the site help us understand the contour as well as the nature of the site. The photographs/videos of the locality help us to design so that, the project merges or stands out as per the clients' wish.

We also need an outline sketch of the site with measurements, area, orientation, and  all existing features like buildings, trees, wells, adjacent roads, electric poles, drains, canals,etc.. In addition to the above, heavily contoured sites may require Land survey CAD drawing. 

Plus, at least a vague idea of your dream project.

Is it necessary for you to pay us for the initial discussion?

No. Payment starts only after our mutual agreement to go ahead with the project.

When do we visit the project location?

We would let you know a convenient date for us to visit your location after our initial project discussion. Many a  times, a site visit may not be required if the videos and photographs give a clear picture.  

Is it necessary for you to pay us for the initial site visit?

Yes. If the location is within the city limits, we charge Rs.5000/- for our initial site visit. If the location is outside the city limits, we charge Rs.5000/- + real travel price. But this Rs.5000/- will be deducted from our professional fees for the project. However, a site visit may not be necessary if the videos and photographs have the clarity of depiction.

Do you have to give us a payment before we begin the project?  

Yes, an advance must be paid. It will be 50% of the architect's fee calculated based on the fee chart.

Do we supervise your projects?

Yes, at an additional cost which is negotiable based on the kind of supervision the client requires.

 What if you do not like our designs?

If the client is not satisfied with our designs, he has the option of exiting the contract with a 50% refund of the advance amount.

However after approval of the conceptual design by the client, no refunds will be provided.

It is not mandatory for the client to assign any reason for his dissatisfaction, for satisfaction is not a precisely definable term. 

Would we complete the remaining portions of a project if you already have a blueprint from another source?

Yes. Provided the following any one of the conditions are maintained

1.  A no-objection certificate from the original architect is provided.

                                                    Or

2.  A no-dues certificate from the original architect with a bi-lateral termination agreement.

                                                   Or

3.  A unilateral termination notice with proof of service and evidence of dispute raised along with proof of                  payment of dues up to the point of dispute.

However, the project's ongoing design will be done to seem contiguous to the current building while remaining fundamentally distinct to satisfy copyright obligations and intellectual property rights.

Is it really required to design/detail the rest of a project from a separate source just because the blueprint is available?

The truth is No.

There is no dearth for creative minds in this world and creativity is the only unlimited intellectual resource.

So, unless it has already gained regulatory approvals or construction has already commenced, a half-designed project is best avoided. However, any assistance in any form can be offered for half-finished projects after detailed discussion.


Do we incorporate Vaastu principles in our designs?  

Vaastu, a traditional and ancient approach that has been followed in India for millennia, is a procedure that preferably should not be overlooked. Most architects do not cater to Vaastu for the simple reason that Vaastu imposes many limits on design, which are primarily meant to benefit the occupants of the house, thereby complicating, and lengthening the design process.

Furthermore, owing to the diversity of Vaastu consultants' judgments based on different ancient writings, a one-stop architectural solution is not easily achievable, and confirmation by numerous Vaastu experts, as well as an averaging of their opinions, may be necessary for a practicable solution.

On request, we can incorporate basic Vaastu concepts into the design for no additional financial cost, but at the expense of design freedom (meaning placement of rooms will be not at your discretion but according to Vaastu principles.)

Higher-level and professional Vaastu consultations, on the other hand, can be outsourced for an additional expense, and we have no issues following their design recommendations.

At RACHEL & REBECCA, we believe that the architect's personal or religious convictions should not get in the way of the client's quest for a better home, especially if Vaastu can help. Vaastu is a matter of personal choice and the architect's ignorance or lack of knowledge about Vaastu should not be a reason to deny its existence or validity. 

Are ventilation & lighting aspects considered?

Ventilation and lighting are not a part of Vaastu, eventhough Vaastu does lay guidelines for them.

By default, all of our designs comprehensively and effectively deal with all aspects of lighting and ventilation based on modern and state of the art scientific theories. It is guaranteed that you will not find a flaw in lighting or ventilation in any of our designs.