Full-Service Architecture: Why Integrated Design (Architecture + MEP + Structural) Saves Time, Money, and Headaches
- Juan Felipe Diaz
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
When most people hire an architect in Orlando or Central Florida, they imagine beautiful plans, inspiring spaces, and seamless project delivery. What they don’t always realize is that many architecture firms outsource essential parts of the process; mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and structural engineering.
At Markle + Diaz Architects, we take a different approach. As a full-service architecture firm, we deliver architecture, MEP, and structural design together in-house. This means one design, three professional signatures, and bulletproof plans that stand the test of time.
Here’s why that matters for your project.
The Hidden Costs of Fragmented Design
Hiring separate consultants for architecture, MEP, and structural may seem standard, but it introduces risk:
Delays in Permitting: Orlando and Central Florida municipalities require aligned, sealed plans. Disjointed documents cause weeks of delays.
Scope Gaps: A beautiful architectural plan may not integrate efficiently with structural systems. Redesign = extra costs.
Budget Overruns: Miscommunication between firms leads to change orders that pile up quickly.
💡 Example: A Winter Garden homeowner hired a separate engineer after architectural plans were complete. The engineer required structural changes that added $35K and 3 months to the timeline.
How Full-Service Architecture Solves These Issues
1. One Team, One Vision: We integrate architecture, MEP, and structural design into every project from day one. This ensures consistency across every drawing and decision.
2. Faster Permitting: With three professional signatures provided in-house, your plans move through city approvals more smoothly, avoiding costly back-and-forth.
3. Smarter Budgets: Because systems are coordinated upfront, surprises are minimized. Your budget is aligned with reality, not guesswork.
4. Bulletproof Design: Florida’s weather demands resilient structures. Our integrated team designs for long-term durability against heat, humidity, and hurricanes.
Real Estate Advantage: Designing for ROI
Unlike most firms, Markle + Diaz brings an additional edge: co-founder April Grimes is both a licensed architect and licensed real estate agent. That means every project isn’t just structurally sound, it’s market-smart!
We help homeowners and developers in cities such as Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Garden, and Lake Mary design properties that retain resale value, curb appeal, and ROI. In Georgia and Texas, we adapt this strategy to growing multi-family markets and luxury custom homes.
Real-World Example: Garden House, Duluth, GA
Our Garden House project demonstrates the power of integration. Because architectural, MEP, and structural systems were designed together, the result is a home that’s not only visually stunning but also efficient, code-compliant, and future-proofed against resale risks.
Why Choose Markle + Diaz Architects
Licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Texas
Architecture + MEP + Structural delivered in-house
Over 15 years of experience across luxury residential, multi-family, and boutique commercial
Boutique process: We sketch with clients during the first consultation, making visions tangible from day one
Expertise in real estate strategy to maximize ROI
Ready to Build Smarter?
Your dream project deserves more than just design. It deserves a full-service architect in Orlando who can deliver a streamlined process, from vision to permits to construction.
👉 Schedule your consultation today and experience how Markle + Diaz Architects saves time, money, and stress with integrated architecture.
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