Choosing the Right Architect The client-architect relationship is pretty personal, involving discussions on your tastes, your hobbies and habits, and even your most intimate relationships. Hence, you want your choice to be right the first time. The tips that follow will help you check the personality, design principles and communication skills of your prospects. In the end, you want to find the architect who best suits your situation, your preferences and your budget. Referrals Like most other professionals, architects get good portion of their business from the grapevine. Ask friends, relatives and coworkers for referrals. But don’t feel restricted to your community. In this day and age, it’s not surprising for an architect to work remotely on a project.
Learning The “Secrets” of Experts
Profile
Learning The “Secrets” of Experts
An architect’s profile or website must provide complete information on their previous projects, as well as give you a vibe for the principles that govern their design practice. Sustainability? Blending into the neighborhood? Making a bold statement? Talk to professionals in a related field. For instance, general contractors and interior designers can be great sources of referrals. A contractor and an architect who work well as a team is probably the most crucial ingredient of a successful project. The American Institute of Architects The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and other organizations also make good sources of prospects. Architects vs. Designers As you look for design help, you may encounter people who refer to themselves as architects or designers. Here’s the difference. Licensed architects hold a degree from an accredited college or university, have done thousands of intern hours under a licensed professional, and have taken a series of eight rigorous exams with flying colors. Designers, on the other hand, have experience consisting of a drafting class at a city college — or they can actually hold a master’s in architecture from Harvard and have 40 years of experience as a principal at one of the most prominent architectural firms in the country, but just didn’t get their license. Initial Consultation After finding one or two seemingly good prospects, interview them. This first meeting must cost you nothing, or go find another candidate. Ask a lot of questions. Can I take a look at some examples of your work? What is your approach to my project? How much do I pay you and how? How long will it take to finish this project, including design, permits and construction? Obviously, there are more questions than that, but the above should start you off on the right foot. Budget No matter how much you plan to spend, be upfront from the get go. A great architect can always create something great for your buck. Lastly, a great architect may be more expensive than your average one, but certainly, he’ll be worth it.