Wealth Architects, LLC

Wealth Architects, LLC is an independent registered investment advisor founded in 2005 by Mark T. Johnsen and Lois Cole. The firm specializes in comprehensive wealth management, planning, and consulting services for individuals, trusts, estates, retirement plans, and charitable organizations. Wealth management services are tailored to each client's financial circumstances and investment objectives, with a focus on long-term investment strategies. The firm's investment analysis is based on modern portfolio theory, and clients have the option to impose restrictions on investing in certain securities. Wealth Architects charges an annual wealth management fee based on the market value of assets under management, ranging from 0.30% to 0.85%, with a minimum annual fee of $10,000. The firm also offers wealth planning and consulting services on an hourly or fixed fee basis, ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 for fixed fees and $150 to $500 per hour. The firm acts as a fiduciary under ERISA for retirement plans, ensuring investment advice is in the best interests of clients. Clients have investment discretion, allowing the firm to buy, sell, and allocate securities on their behalf. Wealth Architects recommends using custodians such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity, or Cantor Fitzgerald, and clients receive account statements directly from the custodian. The firm has no disciplinary history and undergoes an annual surprise exam by an independent accountant to ensure compliance with custody regulations. Wealth Architects does not pay referral fees and does not have custody of client assets beyond limited power of attorney for investment management.