Christopher Timm asked:


If you are planning a project that involves new construction or significant building work (i.e. moving or removing walls) you are probably wondering whether to find an architect to help you. A registered professional architect will have over seven years of training, which covers all aspects of the creation or alteration of a building. When this is combined with the experience they have gained during professional practice, you end up with a lot of knowledge at your disposal!

The cost of using an architect can be significant, but done well you should recoup all or more of that cost by the savings you can make in other areas.

Saving Money:

Your architect will have an awareness of, and experience with, the latest construction techniques and materials, meaning build costs for your project can be significantly reduced by using economical design.

Your architect will have an existing network of contacts within the construction industry – landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders etc. and because they provide a consistent source of work for these trades, they are able to engage them at preferential rates.

Your architect will also be able to save you considerable time and therefore money by managing the project, and those specialist consultants.

Finally, a well designed building can have an immediate impact in reducing utility bills.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Architects are trained to identify potential problems in the concept or design phase of a project, and can solve those problems creatively, before they become costly mistakes.

Of course surprises do happen and problems do arise, but a your architect will be able to call on his or he training and experience to overcome them creatively and cost effectively, often providing a range of possible solutions.

The architect will handle the planning application process on your behalf and get it right first time!

However, don’t be tempted to use an architect for planning and then hand over the drawings to a builder for construction. Planning application drawings are different from detailed construction drawings. Don’t cut the corner and hope for the best – you’ll end up paying in the long run.

Adding Value:

A good architect can design flexible buildings that can adapt with the changing needs of your life or business, maximising both space and light. Also, an attractive and distinctive design can increase the long term value of the building.

Of course, all of this relies on you finding the right architect, as it is largely the relationship between you and your architect that will get the best results out of them.



Danny

Nazim Nice asked:


If you’re looking for an architect you’ve probably read the 20 things to ask an architect article published by the AIA by now. While this is a good list, it doesn’t address all the issues that need to be considered today. Architecture is a rapidly changing profession, especially in the realm of software. Many firms have yet to make the significant investment necessary to be at the forefront of their industry. It is also a profession that balances art and science, and requires good communication and organization skills. While it’s difficult to assess whether a particular architect will meet your needs, here are nine ways to help:

1. Visit the architect’s office.

An architect’s office can say a lot about their design aesthetic and creativity. Typically, though, first meetings with a client will be at their project site, so you may not have an opportunity to see the architect’s office. Consider scheduling a visit at the architect’s office within a few days of the initial meeting.

2. A disorganized architect’s office might be a red flag.

An architect has to organize hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of information, and a disorganized office might be a big red flag. However, don’t confuse artist creativity with disorganization. Models or model building supplies, trace paper and sketches can be a sign of real creativity, but project information is normally stored in binders and filing cabinets. Large piles of unsorted paper are probably not a good sign.

3. Ask your architect if they are using 3D software (the answer should be ‘yes’ – then ask them if they are using BIM).

The latest architectural software is called BIM (building information model) and the more sophisticated architects are using this. A house or project designed in BIM is completely or almost completely designed in three dimensions (3D). In addition, in many cases the software can help eliminate errors in coordination of drawings since the two dimensional drawings are all ‘extracted’ from the 3D model. The software also keeps track of things like sizes of each door and window, and when a size is changed in one drawing, it is automatically updated in another. This can be a real help in reducing errors.

4. Education is the foundation of an architect’s experience.

While attending a good school can help assure your architect has a good foundation to build upon, usually a better indicator is how an architect did in the school they attended. Many architecture instructors will tell you that 10%-20% of students are really talented designers and few students who weren’t got significantly better as they went through school. To get a sense of how an architect performed in school, ask about design awards they may have won or exhibitions they may have participated in. If you ask about academic performance, differentiate between design studio classes, and non-design studio classes.

5. Know who you are going to work with.

If you are hiring a multi-person firm, find out who you will actually be working with. Many times the person you are interviewing with won’t actually be doing much work on your project. If the person you are going to be working with isn’t in the interview, ask to visit the architect’s office and meet the person or people who will be on your team. Ask to see the credentials of those team members as well.

6. Architects communicate with drawings as well as words.

Look at the architect’s drawings and ask questions about them. It may be challenging to read or understand drawings if you haven’t done this before, but if you can’t understand them after an architect explains them, then either the drawings are not very good, or the architect has a hard time communicating. Both may be red flags.

7. A complete set of construction drawings includes specifications.

Not all architectural information is communicated within drawings. Plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, finishes, expected quality levels, and other information that is easier said in words than in drawings are communicated in written specifications. If your architect doesn’t prepare specifications, then you’ll likely be answering many questions during construction and may be hit with large change orders.

8. Look at the architect’s website.

A well designed, well organized website can communicate that an architect is organized and can assemble information in a clear format. If their website is out of date or they don’t have one, this might be a hint that they are behind the times.

9. Find out how well the architect works with building departments.

When you or your architect submits your drawings to the building department, they are typically reviewed and a revision/correction notice is issued. A good architect can easily get a residential or small commercial project through with no revisions or one round of revisions. Since each round of revisions takes time to complete, fewer rounds of revisions means you get your permit sooner. Incomplete or low quality documents could hold up construction. If you’re trying to get your project framed and weather-tight before the rainy season, this could push the project into a season with unfavorable construction conditions.

Hiring an architect is challenging because you can’t ‘test drive’ the end product during the interview. You will only know how the project turns out at its completion. So spend the time to choose a good architect. Interview several and see who you think is qualified and a good personality fit for you. You will be spending a lot of time with him or her so choose wisely!



Ronnie

Robert asked:


ou’re simply adding on a room or two, redesigning an existing space or building a new home from the ground up, you’ll most likely need professional help. The first professional on your list should be an architect – someone to take your dreams and visions and turn them into a plan that can become, in reality, the home of your dreams. Choosing the right architect for your project takes a bit of time, research and effort on your part, but it’s the first step in ensuring that your dream home becomes reality. Try to come up with a list of what you want and need in your new living space. Do you need more storage? Do your kids want a play area? How about room for your family to grow? What activities will your new space be used for – entertaining, relaxing, working? What types of architecture already exist in your home or neighborhood? Is there a particular type of floor plan or home design you especially like – open, modern, Georgian, Victorian, environmentally friendly, northwestern? Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers, or can’t think of everything. Your architect can help you find them and clarify everything before the final plans are drawn up. Once you have an idea in mind of what you want and need, do a little research. Check out new housing in your area to see if anything is close to what you have in mind for your home. Find out which architects are designing what you like. Consult with family and friends who have had building done. Contact your state or province’s architectural association or institute, too, to ensure that the architect you choose follows professional and ethical standards. As these are voluntary organizations, not all “good” architects will be listed, but a list from the association or institute can serve as a starting point if nothing else. Compile a list of possible choices. Contact each architect firm on your list. Briefly describe your project and then ask if they are available to take it on. If a firm says they are available, request literature outlining the firm’s qualifications and experience. If they say they can’t take on your project right now, ask for referrals for other architects who may be available. Usually, they will be happy to refer you to another firm or two that they consider reliable and competent. After you receive the literature, brochures, and whatnot from your available firms, review all of it. Look past the glitz and advertising hype to the qualifications and experiences. Read the biographies of personnel. Pay close attention to past and current projects. Contact as many of these prior clients as you can to get personal references. Most former customers will be happy to give you some sort of review, be it good or bad. Finalize your list to two or three of the best qualified, highest recommended architects and set up interviews with them. The interview is essential to the selection process. You’ll be working very closely with this individual or group of individuals for a long time. You’ll want to be comfortable with them, have a bit of chemistry. Face to face interviewing is the only way to really know if that sort of relationship can exist between you and the architect. Allow at least an hour for the interview. Some architects prefer for you to come to them. This is helpful because you will get to see where your project will be completed. Some prefer to come to you, perhaps even to the building site. This is helpful because they get to see your needs and any possible challenges they may face as they complete your project. Expect to see slides or photos of previous projects and perhaps examples of current work. Ask lots of questions. How busy is the firm? Who will handle your project? (Insist on meeting with the actual architect who will be working on your project.) What is the firm’s design philosophy? How will your project proceed? Is there a timeframe for completion? Discuss your budget and what range of services your budget will be able to cover. Ask to see an actual project, either completed or near completion. If at any time, you don’t understand something or need clarification, ask for it. If you can’t understand your architect, or if he or she can’t communicate with you on any question or concern, then it’s a good bet your working relationship will be fraught with miscommunication and misunderstanding. It might be best to eliminate all architects that make you feel intimidated, uncomfortable or that leave you confused about something they’ve tried to explain. Before requesting the interview, ascertain whether or not the firm charges for interviews. Some do. Some don’t. After the interviews are completed, make the final selection. The right architect will be the one who can provide the creative skills, personal chemistry, and technical expertise at the most reasonable cost to help you plan a project that fits your needs as well as fulfills your dreams. Once you have found your perfect architect, sit down together and finalize the terms of your agreement. Include scope of work, services provided, schedule, budget and the architect’s fees. Architects are paid in a multitude of ways – hourly, by the project, fixed rates, or by receiving a percentage of the construction costs. Fees per project vary also, depending on the size and scope of the project, the nature of your needs, and the services your project requires. Most firms have “kill fee” policies, too, to ensure that should you cancel the project at any point in the process, they receive some sort of compensation for the work they’ve done. Be sure that your architect explains exactly how his or her fees are established, and what sort of payment arrangements can be expected. Designing a building project can be fun and rewarding. It can also be a confusing, intimidating process. If at any time, you are uncomfortable with how things are going, you’ll want to discuss your concerns with your architect. You don’t want to lose all control over the project so that it is no longer the answer to your dreams. You also don’t want to be so restrictive with your poor architect that you lose the creativity along the way. Working with an architect to design your dream home should be an exciting, challenging, positive experience. Choosing the right architect can ensure that it is.

Dorothy

Jim Brown asked:


If you should do home improvement whether for beautification or raising your home’s value purposes, you will depend on creativity and skills. If you have what it takes to do-it-yourself the probably you would not need any expert at all. Otherwise, you will need every good architect you find to help you to improve your home and here is why.

1. Architects are trained for beautification processes. They know how to manipulate things, add something for the overall view and they can create a building that can be pleasant which can be enjoyed by every person occupying it or the public, namely your visitors.

2. Architects want to please you and to do this they are concerned with what their client wants so they need to get your attention and squeeze from you exactly what you want. They use this knowledge to put up a plan that will meet a unique requirement of beauty and creativity.

3. Architects know how to understand every single project they have at hand. They are in every position to be involved with the work right from the start and will stick to it right to the very end. And during the process they may be able to share creative solutions for your home.

4. Architects are professionals who have the exact knowledge of affordable materials you could use for your home and they are the materials commonly seen in the market. They know how to build a plan according to the budget you have given no more, no less.

5. Architects know the codes and laws. It is what they are trained and taught to do. They have ethics to go on about your project and what permits you need to have the project be a step higher.

6. Architects know their way around. They know a lot of contractors at their disposal who are reliable and efficient. If you let your architect choose his or her own contractor then perhaps it will be a better coordinating team and having this will result in a very healthy working environment.

7. Architects know how to anticipate future requirements to design and be able to beautify your home and they are able to be flexible enough to meet you or your family’s needs.

8. Architects know how to create a pleasing and beautiful but functional environment that will suit just fine to the people who are going to stay in them. They have access to almost everything to make any location a better place to stay or live.

9. Architects are nature friendly. They will use everything in their knowledge and power to preserve the environment before and after the improvement has been made.

10. Architects know how to manage your project very well without you tailing them from everywhere. They can even provide you solutions of your home improvement problems which will make you save time and will ease any burdens or agitations in you mind.

After all is said and done, it will still be your choice that will matter. If you feel you can create a wonderful environment for your home, no one will stop you.



Phyllis