Featured Services

Example Of Qualified Activities

Designing Unique Homes
 

• Developing one-of-a-kind layouts to meet client vision while addressing unique site constraints such as sloped lots, limited footprints, or waterfront properties.
   
• Iterating on new floor plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, and structural integrity.
   
• Solving complex zoning and building code challenges through innovative design solutions.
   
• Energy Efficiency & Sustainability - Designing layouts that incorporate energy-efficient materials, systems, and technologies.
   
• Creating designs that meet advanced standards such as net-zero energy performance or LEED certification.
   
• Engineering/developing custom foundation systems to address challenging soils, high water tables, or steep grades.
   
• Designing unique load-bearing and framing systems for homes with large open spans or unconventional rooflines.
   
• High-End Custom Features - Integrating specialty materials such as stone, steel, glass, or custom woodwork into designs that require new detailing and performance testing.
   
• Developing indoor–outdoor living spaces with complex design elements like retractable walls, cantilevered decks, or advanced glazing systems.
   
• Resolving uncertainty around performance, installation, and long-term durability of high-end custom features.
   
• Design & Experimentation - Using 3D modeling, simulation, and CAD tools to refine architectural form, layout, energy use, and structural performance.
   
• Iterating on multiple design alternatives to resolve technical uncertainties before finalizing construction documents.
   
• Conducting a systematic process of experimentation to evaluate and improve design outcomes.
   
• Energy, daylight, or performance modeling.
   
• Non-standard connections or custom components.
   
• Redesigns due to unforeseen field conditions.
   
• Testing alternative construction or installation methods.
   
• Custom stormwater or drainage systems.
   
• Foundations for difficult soil or groundwater conditions
   
• Innovative utility, roadway, or traffic designs using modeling or simulation.
   
• Energy-efficient HVAC system design and validation.
   
• Custom mechanical or lighting systems.
   
• High-efficiency water systems and building automation controls.

 

Eligible Expenses
 

• W2 Wages: Wages for Architects, Engineers, Designers, Project Managers, Foremen, and Supervisors.
   
• Contract Research (1099s): Payments to the above referenced professionals via 1099.

 

 

Non-qualified Activities

 

• Purely aesthetic architectural design.
   
• Routine QA/QC.
   
• Code compliance checks when no uncertainty exists.