Do I need to hire an Architect?
Since most of us may only choose and work with an architect once in our lives the process of choosing an architect may seem overwhelming for some. What are the important considerations to keep in mind when selecting an architect and how does one begin the process? Following are some guidelines to follow when embarking on a search for an Architect that may be helpful to your efforts.
First, decide if you need an architect and what we mean by that is, does the size and scope of your project justify the professional services of an architectural firm. Consider these points when making that decision:
Hiring an Architect might be a good idea:
* When building an Addition: architectural professionals can blend existing spaces to new ones, research setbacks, and usher your project through any architectural board reviews.
* When a Professional opinion counts: When you are needing space in an area that doesn’t appear to have any options to add space, adding energy saving alternatives to your current layout, making changes to a stock floor plan, or style adjustments to your home’s exterior
Hiring an Architect is not really necessary for:
* Small projects like adding, fixtures, cabinets, flooring, or any combination of the above do not require the use of an architect and can be planned by the homeowner
Prepare ahead of time before contacting any architects to arrange an interview. You should prepare for those upcoming meetings by knowing what you want the architect to design and being able to communicate your vision in both words and pictures. Whether you have to draw a sketch of what you like or better yet, you have photos of other similar structures to what you ultimately want, you need to have something tangible for the architect to begin with. Some architects also suggest clients bring to the first meeting pictures of things they don’t like. This allows an architect to zero in on a tighter focus of what the client truly wants and also allows both clients and architect to determine more accurately if the clients needs mesh well with the architects design style and capabilities.
To find an architect in your area, visit the planning department in your community for a list of architects who have worked on residential projects in your community. Alternatively, visit the website of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and you can find your local chapter by starting with the national organization at www.aia.org
