I studied art and architectural design and found a love for building after I had an amazing professor in construction management at Laney College in Oakland.

Architecture, floor plans, colour, structure and then compiling specific designs to capture the properties best features -- makes my heart sing. 

I asked my manager if I could convert the basement and attics into units but she said this was impossible (I believe something architectural or zoning)... she said I could turn it into additional storage space?

I'm actually a current freshman at the University of Notre Dame, pursuing a degree in Architecture and studying Finance and Real Estate on the side.

I have seen examples of GC's adding upwards of $1,000 to the architectural fee and passing it along to the investor. 2.

Regarding the deck that has been there for 25+ years - best case scenario is that an architectural firm would have to draft up drawings and a survey of it, and the town would have to inspect it and find everything up to current code.

I'm a draftsman and project manager working with an architectural services company in Southern California.

Is there a need from others to set up an area to discuss architecture?

The process involves getting architectural drawings, notifying the property owners on the same block as the property and then going before the variance board to obtain permission to make the property a legal 3 family.

I have even found a project that brings real estate and my software architecture/security background together.I had little doubt and still ... just a sec, lemme confirm .... yes, still little doubt that you will find your groove and get to sit in the big chair in your wheelhouse {that is, if your wife doesn't want to sit down}.