How to Select an Architect
Selecting the right architect for your project can be a daunting task. It is paramount to hire the right architect for the job, since you will be working hand in hand through the duration of the project, and the designs that your architect draws will affect you for the life of the building or the duration of your use of it.
Often what architects do seems to be a mystery. What the public sees is that an architect pulls ideas straight out of their head, draws them, and then a building pops up according to their specifications. But in reality, an architect’s job is much more complicated than that. An architect must understand the purpose for the building, and must be able to see all the uses and problems to be able to design a functional building. In order for this to happen effectively, the architect and the client must be communicating their needs clearly to each other. The client must be able to give his or her vision to the architect, so he or she can then design a building that will live up to the client’s expectations.
The answer to this question is based on your individual needs, experience, and confidence in your own design and building abilities. Certainly, few people would aspire to design and construct a full-scale office building, but it is common for individual homeowners to manage remodeling and small add-ons. It is important to understand that even the smallest project can be intensely complicated. For instance, if remodeling a room in your home-involved alteration of a structural wall, then it might be risky to attempt without at least consulting an architect on the best way to approach the project.
In many cases, the only obvious aspect of the project is the current problem that the project is to rectify. For instance, perhaps your office is too small and needs additional storage space, but you have no land on which to build an add on, etc. An architect can help you form a solution to your problem.
The short answer is simple – as soon as possible! As mentioned above, an architect can be helpful, as soon as you have identified the problem to be fixed. Depending on your specific needs, the architect may be able to help by doing site studies, work to secure zoning and planning approvals, as well as many other items that should occur before the design is even formed!
It is important to realize that a construction project, especially a new construction, can take years to complete. It is not uncommon for two years to pass from the time one decides that construction is necessary until the ground breaking. Approvals must be obtained, designs must be drawn, land must be scoped, etc. Most architects are familiar with the pre-construction process and will help you reach the groundbreaking phase quicker, if you hire them right at the start of the project.
Talk to the owners of similar buildings or who had similar projects. They can give you references for the architects they interviewed, as well as the firm they ultimately hired. You should consider contacting the American Institute of Architects; they will have a referral list, and will likely be able to assist you in determining which architects and firms will be most likely to be able to help with your project. If an architectural firm you contact is not available or unable to assist you with your project, ask if they can refer another firm. Remember that hiring an architect is similar to filling any position – make sure to consider and interview a number of qualified firms.
Some of the main points of concern are easy to spot, things like years of experience and level of expertise. These sorts of things are usually paraded in front of anyone considering a firm. While these are important, just because one firm has more experience does not necessarily mean it is the best for your project. Look for a firm that has completed projects similar to yours. Projects similar perhaps in size of project, intended use of project, projects that conquered similar problems or difficulties, etc. Experience specific to your needs is far superior to general architectural experience. Look for an architect that puts your goals and ideas first, and will alter their thoughts to conform to what you are looking for. You will want to make sure that your personalities mesh well, since you will be working closely on the project for its duration.
The most common, reasonable, and fair method of interviewing an architectural firm is to make a standardized scoring system. By asking every interviewed firm the same questions, you will be better able to make an objective decision about the best firm for your needs. Some basic questions to start with might include years of experience, number of architects in the firm, how large is the current job load, what is the firm’s approach to scheduling, etc. Additional questions, especially vague questions may help reveal the personality of the firm. Questions like “How do you approach budgeting?” and “How do you work with clients?” These open-ended vague questions allow you to get a feel for how the firm works. Additional questions are obviously necessary, but these will be likely based on your individual needs and concerns. If you have thought heavily about the project before interviewing any firms, then you will likely have thought of potential pitfalls and limitations; ask each firm’s opinion on these to see how their problem-solving skills rank.
Different firms have different ways of arriving at the fee. If you have a small project, the firm might simply charge a set fee for their services. However, with a larger project, the firm might choose to charge an hourly rate of some sort. Sometimes, a firm simply charges a percentage of construction costs. Ask about this during the interview. The firm will likely choose some combination of the above options. They may even be able to give you a ballpark figure.
Selecting an architect or firm by competitive bid can sometimes be acceptable, but realize that price isn’t everything. Quality should be a huge consideration, and so you should choose your architect as carefully as you might choose a family doctor.
Interview a few firms you are considering. Find out exactly whom you would be working with, and what their ideas for the project are. Learn how the architect plans to make decisions and place priorities. Ask a lot of questions, and be frank. Let the firm know what you are expecting, and how comfortable they are in providing it. Remember that a good architect is a good listener; you are looking for someone who can understand your ideas and turn them into functional designs.
Ultimately, your decision must be based on your personal confidence in the architect, and your ability to work together effectively to achieve the final goal of a functional building that fulfills your needs and lives up to your expectations.
Choosing an architectural firm for your project, big or small, is a huge decision. There are many items to keep in mind when hiring an architect, and it can be easy to get confused. Be sure to keep in mind the key things. What is the problem that you are fixing with this project? Make sure the building addresses that specifically. If you have a specific budget, make sure you stay within it. Interview a number of qualified architects or firms, and remember that you need to be able to communicate well with the project manager, since he or she will be in charge of the outcome. Have confidence in whomever you hire. The project will affect you for the duration of its existence, so you need to have trust in the architect managing the project.