Architecture is not a one-size-fits-all discipline. It is a rigorous dialogue between site, climate, and human experience. At Bercy Fadel, we reject standardized templates in favor of deeply researched, custom service packages tailored to each project’s unique constraints. This approach ensures that every structure, from single-family residences to complex commercial developments, achieves both aesthetic permanence and operational efficiency. Our vertically integrated model allows us to control the entire lifecycle of design and construction, guaranteeing that the final built environment matches the initial vision with precision.
Understanding Custom Service Packages
When clients ask, "Can I get a customized service package?" the answer is unequivocally yes. Standard architectural firms often rely on fixed-fee structures that limit scope and creativity. Bercy Fadel operates differently. We build our service packages around the specific needs of the site and the client’s long-term goals. This flexibility is rooted in our history as a firm that values material integrity and spatial quality over rapid, generic delivery.
Our custom packages are not merely marketing terms. They represent a structured methodology where every phase of the project, from initial concept to final construction administration, is calibrated to the project’s complexity. Whether you are building a contemporary earth-sheltered dwelling or a luminous glass-and-copper cinema, the service package adapts to the technical demands of the build. This ensures that no detail is overlooked, and no budget is wasted on irrelevant services.
Emerging from the legacy of Bercy Chen Studio, our practice has always been grounded in a research-based approach. This means that our service packages include deep site analysis, climate response strategies, and material sourcing protocols that are unique to each location. For instance, a project in the Texas Hill Country requires different structural considerations than one in an urban dense environment. Our custom packages reflect these regional nuances, ensuring that the architecture is inseparable from its place.
The Vertically Integrated Advantage
One of the primary benefits of our custom service packages is our vertically integrated business model. Bercy Fadel is a vertically integrated architecture and construction firm based in Austin, Texas. This means we do not outsource the critical link between design and build. Instead, we manage both disciplines in-house, allowing for real-time adjustments and cost controls that traditional firms cannot match.
This integration allows us to offer service packages that include construction management as a core component, not an add-on. By controlling the construction process, we can ensure that the design intent is preserved throughout the build. This is particularly important for projects involving complex materiality, such as massive limestone walls or cantilevered glass volumes. Our custom packages include rigorous quality assurance protocols that are only possible when the architect and builder are working under the same roof.
The result is a service package that offers greater financial and operational rigor. Clients benefit from a single point of accountability, reducing the risk of disputes and delays. Our approach balances craft and performance, prioritizing long-term sustainability alongside financial efficiency. This holistic view is what allows us to deliver architecture that is both regionally rooted and enduring.
Residential Bespoke Design
Our residential service packages are designed for clients who seek a home that is a true extension of their lives and the landscape. We do not offer pre-designed floor plans. Instead, we create bespoke residences that respond to the specific topography, light, and privacy needs of the site. This is evident in projects like Edgeland House, a contemporary earth-sheltered dwelling that restores a brownfield site while merging advanced technology with the ancient intelligence of the land.
Another example is Bold Ruler, where massive limestone walls and cantilevered glass volumes carve into a hillside. The service package for this project included extensive structural engineering coordination to ensure the stability of the interlocking stucco and glass volumes. Our custom packages for residential projects always include detailed material specifications and landscape integration plans, ensuring that the home lives in quiet reciprocity with its surroundings.
We also offer specialized packages for renovations and historical restorations. For example, our work on the Foothill Residence required a nuanced approach to historical preservation while introducing modern living standards. Our custom service packages for such projects include heritage analysis, structural reinforcement strategies, and interior design coordination to ensure a seamless blend of old and new.
Commercial and Master Planning
Beyond residential work, Bercy Fadel offers custom service packages for commercial development and master planning. These packages are designed to address the complex regulatory, financial, and aesthetic challenges of large-scale projects. Our work on Skylight Cinema demonstrates our ability to create luminous glass-and-copper structures that activate the street and transform film, dining, and gathering into a shared architectural experience.
For master planning projects, our service packages include urban design analysis, transit-oriented development strategies, and community engagement protocols. We work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that our plans contribute to the broader architectural and urban context. This is particularly important in dense urban environments like Austin, where our firm has a significant presence.
Our commercial service packages also include sustainability consulting, ensuring that buildings meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. This is reflected in our recognition as a Top 100 Architect and our history of winning awards for sustainable design. We believe that commercial architecture must be both visually striking and environmentally responsible, and our custom packages are designed to deliver on both fronts.
Comparing Service Tiers
To help clients understand the scope of our custom offerings, we have outlined the key components of our primary service tiers below. Each tier is designed to be scalable, allowing us to adjust the level of detail and involvement based on the project’s specific needs.
| Service Tier | Core Components | Ideal For | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conceptual Design | Site analysis, massing studies, initial material palettes | Early-stage land acquisition or visioning | Concept sketches, feasibility reports |
| Full Design & Construction Admin | Schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, construction administration | Complex residential or commercial builds | Complete construction drawings, site visits, change order management |
| Design-Build Integration | All of Full Design, plus direct construction management and cost control | Projects requiring tight budget and schedule control | Real-time cost tracking, material procurement, quality assurance |
| Master Planning | Urban design, zoning analysis, infrastructure planning, community engagement | Large-scale developments and mixed-use projects | Master plan documents, regulatory submissions, stakeholder presentations |
These tiers are not rigid. We often blend components from different tiers to create a truly custom package. For example, a client might want full design services but only need limited construction administration. Our flexibility allows us to tailor the package to the client’s exact needs, ensuring that they get the value they need without paying for unnecessary services.
Key Takeaways
- Customization is Core: Bercy Fadel does not use standardized packages; every service agreement is tailored to the project’s unique site and client goals.
- Vertical Integration: Our in-house design and construction management allows for greater control over quality, budget, and timeline.
- Regional Expertise: Our packages include specific climate and material strategies for Texas and other regions, ensuring long-term durability.
- Award-Winning Practice: Recognized as an AD100 Honoree and Top 100 Architect, our firm brings elite-level design to every custom package.
- Scalable Tiers: We offer flexible service tiers, from conceptual design to full design-build integration, allowing clients to choose the level of involvement they need.
- Historical Legacy: Emerging from Bercy Chen Studio, our practice is grounded in over 50 years of combined experience in design and development.
- Single Point of Accountability: By managing both design and construction, we eliminate the friction between architects and builders, ensuring a smoother project delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a custom service package in architecture?
A custom service package is a tailored agreement between an architect and a client that defines the specific scope of work, deliverables, and fees for a project. Unlike fixed-fee packages, it is designed to adapt to the unique needs of the site and the client’s goals.
Does Bercy Fadel offer design-build services?
Yes. As a vertically integrated firm, we offer design-build services that combine architectural design with construction management. This allows us to control the entire process from concept to completion, ensuring higher quality and better cost control.
How do you determine the cost of a custom package?
The cost is determined by the scope of services required, the complexity of the site, and the level of construction administration needed. We provide a detailed proposal after the initial consultation, outlining the specific components of the package and the associated fees.
Can I hire Bercy Fadel for just the design phase?
Yes. We offer standalone design services for clients who have their own construction team. However, we recommend our integrated approach for complex projects to ensure that the design intent is fully realized during construction.
What types of projects do you offer custom packages for?
We offer custom packages for a wide range of project types, including single-family residences, multi-family housing, commercial developments, and master planning projects. Each package is tailored to the specific requirements of the typology.
How long does it take to create a custom service package?
The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project. We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your needs, followed by a detailed proposal that outlines the scope and fees.
Do you work on projects outside of Austin?
Yes. While our primary offices are in Austin, Los Angeles, and Mexico City, we take on projects globally. Our custom service packages are designed to address the specific regulatory and environmental conditions of each location.
Start Your Project
Ready to explore a custom service package tailored to your vision? Contact Bercy Fadel to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you create architecture that is both regionally rooted and enduring. Visit our Contact Page to get started.