Mitch, our principal architect, was educated at some of the top architecture schools in the United States. He received a master’s degree in architecture (focus on design) from the world-renowned University of Urbana-Champaign, and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the legendary HBCU Tuskegee University.

Additionally, Mitch prides himself on remaining an eternal student. A few of the many courses and certifications completed by Mitch include Contract Law from Harvard Law School; Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certification from Management and Strategy Institute; Barrier-Free Design and the 2010 ADA Standards Certificate from NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards); and the NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code® Certification. NFPA 101 is the most widely used source for strategies to protect people based on building construction and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and related hazards. It is also the only document covering life safety in both new and existing structures.

To learn more about Mitch’s credentials, visit our About page

Just as our clients should feel confident about the architect they choose, we want to feel confident that we can meet your needs and expectations. Thus, the first step is to have our prospective clients complete our Client Compatibility Assessment

If the services requested align with M. Ramseur & Associates’ capabilities, we will follow up with a fee proposal. The fee proposal describes the services we propose along with corresponding fees that would be charged to take on the project.

It was truly meant to be. From a young age, our principal architect was creative, which manifested itself through the arts. As an accomplished musician (trumpet) and artist, he naturally migrated into architecture. Architects blend science and art and, like an artist, treat the landscape and sky as their canvas with their architectural designs.

To learn more about our principal architect’s background, visit the About page

Construction is an exciting but expensive undertaking.

Please bring a firm understanding of your project scope of work, project schedule/timeline, and your realistic budget. These three items are critical in any agreement and for the successful execution of a project between an Owner and Architect.

Know what you want, and do not waiver. If something cannot be done all at once, consider doing it in phases. We are firm believers in if there is a will, there is a way.

Think about other areas of your life. When you have a toothache, you consult with a licensed dentist. If you have legal issues, you consult with a licensed attorney. If you have a health condition, you call a licensed and certified doctor. An architect should not be an exception.

Retaining a licensed architect will benefit you in many ways, which is why an architect should be involved in the design and construction process from the outset. An architect will filter your vision through the lens of their years of architectural training and experience in the industry. This may include site and zoning analysis; understanding the impact an occupant load can have on the overall design (i.e., restroom count, number of exits, etc.); building code analysis, which lets you know from the outset if your vision is possible per the code or if it will require modifications (such as installing a sprinkler system to the scope of work); and more.

Working with an architect can help you avoid costly errors and delays. Think about it: would you rather find out you need another restroom during permitting or, worse, inspections? Or would you rather know early in the design process? It is much easier and cheaper to make a change on paper than it is out in the field when walls may need to be torn down and the general contractor sees dollar signs because a change order, which typically includes a 10% upcharge for profit, is on the horizon.

As the adage goes, “Proper planning prevents poor performance.”

It varies by client. You can be as involved or as hands-off as you’d like to be. The most successful projects strike a balance, where the client is involved but defers to and trusts the expertise of the architect.