I had an architect tell me today that because of fire codes in the city, they will not permit a 3rd unit the front door rear facing. 

Sure, there are a very few architects that specialize in certain types of building product and know these things really well too ... but in general this is one service that can't easily be bought. 

Geat news. 500 bucks to an architect we have an engineered slab and we are good to go.Lesson there is reach out to your inspector as you design.

Of course the majority of them may already have an architect and/marketing team but we'll see how it goes. 

But the studies are typically done by licensed engineers or architects. 

takes 18-24 months assuming you go under contract smoothly, have your GC and architect ready to go.

If you get an engineer/architect involved to create a preliminary site plan, these questions below can be answered. 

On a side note, my uncle who is an architect is helping us draw up a floor plan but he is not savvy with the application process. 

I've handled Perc, soil test, Septic plans and permits, and the architect.

How to navigate the design side of a remodel (architect, designer)3.