Blog

Keeping Up with the Fluctuating Costs of Construction

The construction industry is still affected by the pandemic, and factors like inflation and extreme weather events have led to high volatility in the construction materials market. Read more to learn how Letter Four can help manage construction costs effectively.

February 14, 2023

Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: What’s the Difference?

In this matter, it often comes down to one key question: should you choose a Design-Build approach, or Design-Bid-Build? But to make that decision, you first need to know the difference between the two. In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of each and help you learn which approach consistently yields the best results.

February 3, 2023

What is an LOI and Why is it Important?

Are you considering leasing commercial space? If so, then you may have come across the term “Letter Of Intent” or “LOI”. But what is an LOI and why is it important? In this blog post, we will explain what an LOI is and discuss its importance in the commercial leasing process.

February 1, 2023

How To Design and Build a Successful Restaurant

We'll discuss everything from finding investors to hiring contractors, and we'll provide tips for creating a space that your customers will love. So whether you're just starting out or you're ready to take the next step, read on!

January 5, 2023

5 Reasons to Work with a Design-Build Firm for Your Next Retail Store Tenant Improvement

Let us handle all aspects of the design and construction process for you, resulting in a retail space that drives sales and wows customers. Trust the experts at LETTER FOUR for your retail tenant improvement project needs.

December 27, 2022

5 Tips for Designing a Great Retail Space

If you're planning on opening a retail store, congratulations! You're embarking on an exciting journey. But before you can open your doors to customers, you need to design a retail space that's both inviting and functional. Not sure where to start? Here are five tips to help you design a great retail space.

December 20, 2022

Design-Build Team: Why You Need One Before Signing a Commercial Lease

So, you've found the perfect commercial space for your business and you're ready to sign the lease...but wait! It's important to consult with a design-build team before signing on the dotted line.

December 16, 2022

Supporting Women in Architecture: What We Do Differently At Letter Four

When architecture became a formalized profession in the 1850s, women were excluded. Though a few universities admitted women to architectural programs starting in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until a century later, in 1972, that Congress passed Title IX — an education amendment that prevented universities from discriminating against applicants based on sex.

October 10, 2022

What Do We Care About? Letter Four’s Mission and Values

When you’re working with Letter Four, you’re working with more than just a Design-Build firm. You’re working with a dedicated team that’s passionate about bringing your dreams to life. Whether that dream is the new home you’ve always envisioned or the perfect commercial space to continue expanding your business, we are here to help.

October 3, 2022

Why it’s Best to Work with a Contractor Who Understands Design

As an architect, it’s difficult to leave your design in a contractor’s hands. So much work has been put in to perfect the vision created by you and your clients, but you’re then asked to trust another team to make it a reality.

September 19, 2022

How Do You Make Sense of Different Architectural Bids? Our Fees Explained

When it comes to hiring an architect, it can be incredibly difficult to compare quotes and know what each firm brings to the table. What criteria should you be using to find the best fit?

September 12, 2022

LETTER FOUR has been named one of the 14 Best Commercial Contractors in Culver City, California

We are honored to be mentioned as one of the top 14 Best Commercial Contractors in Culver City, California by General Contractor Magazine.

August 22, 2022

How does the Letter Four Design-Build process work?

Letter Four is a full service architectural design and construction firm. We offer Design-Build services with the seamless integration of licensed architectural and general contracting services, creating inspiring, original spaces.

August 1, 2022

What are the risks of a Design-Bid-Build process

It can be nerve-wracking for clients to delegate such a large amount of responsibility to a single company. Because of this, the Design-Bid-Build process usually appeals to owners with more time and expertise to oversee aspects of the project themselves.

July 25, 2022

What are the benefits of a Design-Build process?

Design-Build is first and foremost a simpler approach to construction. It’s rapidly growing in popularity, now delivering almost half of America’s building projects.

July 18, 2022

Five Things You May Not Expect When Working With an Architect

Architects are most known for making homes and buildings visually sound, but they do so much more than that. They are masters at utilizing space, putting together ideas into a cohesive theme, and helping clients visualize their ideas into an official plan.

June 20, 2022

Do You Really Need a Licensed General Contractor?

From securing permits and supervising workers to managing the day-to-day operations on-site, it is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that everything goes smoothly and according to plan. These are reasons enough to hire one of the longest-serving general contractor companies in Culver City to oversee the construction of your home or commercial property.

June 13, 2022

Consulting an Architect? Here’s What to Expect

June 6, 2022

Why Work with a Design-Build Firm

Construction requires a lot of time and energy. Even if you have the will and the resources to execute the plan, the sheer complexity of taking it on yourself can often leave the project delayed, at best, or cancelled, at worst. But there is a way to make sure this doesn’t happen to you and that everything runs smoothly every step of the way. It starts with choosing the right Design-Build firm as your partner.

May 30, 2022

Architectural fees + Soft Costs: What You Need to Know

How much does it cost to build a house?

At Letter Four, we provide full architectural design and construction services for both residential and commercial clients. We have over 12 years of experience creating inspiring, original buildings specifically tailored to the unique goals and sites of our individual clients.

ARCHITECTURE FEES

Building or remodeling a home in California

All architectural and construction firms will have their own way of setting fee levels and billing. Some sole proprietors may charge a lot less, and other firms may charge considerably more. This article aims to present the averages you can expect across the industry

What you need to know about SFR construction costs

With over 11 years of experience in the construction industry, the Letter Four team has established efficient processes to successfully guide a client’s project from idea to completion.

A PROPERTY OWNER’S GUIDE

California's SB9 Bill Explained

SB9 means local agencies are legally bound to consider projects proposing to split lots and create multiple units on what would otherwise be zoned for a single family dwelling. It’s known as the “duplex bill”—but we believe it would be better termed a “fourplex bill”!