David,What's the scope of work you hired the architect for?

An architect that I recently sold something to on craigslist spoke to me about it just out of curiosity and said that due to location adjacent to the freeway and close to bart, it would likely qualify for some sort of transit oriented density bonus, possibly allowing me to build even more units (though logistically I'm not sure how I would add more than a single unit without dramatically altering the structure of the building by raising it or something similar). 

More than likely he will be an Architect.  

AMlegal and ChicagoDecoded are my go-to's, sometimes on confusing items the city will have a clarification letter issued, but if none of those work for me I put the question to an architect.

(previously, Dr X was given 3600 sq ft of space with all of the 1900 sq ft of shell space). 2) Dr X will be responsible for getting her own architect and certified contractors to get the build out/modifications completed.

A good architect that knows how to get projects approved, and a reliable contractor help immensely.

I’d definitely come take a look and give my opinion as to what might be going on as well as be able to recommend architects, etc that might be needed.

I'm in the building industry (architect) in the area and have been trying to get my head around actual renovation costs vs what I'm getting out of "cost vs value" charts and the like. 

As for hiring people, wouldn't you rather just hire one person (a GC) who can handle it all, including the architect, engineer, etc.?

I am I'm in network with quite a few architects and contractors.