The Architect on Call (AOC) program considers requests for services from owners of commercial properties located within Commercial Revitalization Districts. The program offers up to 10 free hours of professional architectural design services for exterior improvements to their buildings. After an initial site visit and meeting, the architect prepares a digital rendering of the building with design recommendations and a rough-cost estimate. This service is free when improvements are certified as complete within six months.
Eligible Improvements
- Façade
- Landscaping
- Signage and Awnings
- Parking lot
- Exterior lighting
- Windows/Doors
Improvements Not Eligible
- Interior
- Mechanical and Systems
Design Review Panel
If your property is located within the Pikesville Commercial Revitalization District, improvements to the façade are subject to administrative review by the Design Review Panel (DRP).
If your property is located within any of the following Commercial Revitalization Districts and you plan to include any new construction (additions to existing buildings or new structures) to your property, the project will require full review by the DRP:
- Arbutus
- Catonsville
- Essex
- Loch Raven
- Perry Hall
- Pikesville
- Towson
Learn more about the DRP commercial review requirements.
Program Process
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The Architect-On-Call Application must be submitted by the property owner to the program coordinator via email to mmougridis@baltimorecountymd.gov or mail to:
Maria Mougridis, AOC Program Coordinator
Baltimore County Department of Planning
Jefferson Building
105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 101
Towson, Maryland 21204 -
The AOC Program Coordinator will set up a meeting with the property owner and architect, typically within 14 days of the application review/approval. The meeting is held onsite with the property owner, architect, AOC Program Coordinator and area planner to discuss improvements to the property.
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The architect develops preliminary renderings and a "scope of work" outline, which are sent to the AOC Program Coordinator who presents these to the property owner for initial feedback.
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Based on any feedback from the property owner or AOC Program Coordinator, the architect revises the recommendations and produces the final AOC proposal containing:
- Before and after renderings
- Scope of work
- Cost estimate
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The property owner may be eligible for a low or no-interest loan by applying to Baltimore County's Building Improvement Loan Program. For large projects, this loan could be combined with the Commercial Revitalization Tax Credit.
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The property owner makes improvements based on the architect’s recommendations within six months of receiving the final AOC proposal.