How to Select an Architect Bethesda MD

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.


1 . Local Companies

O'Neil & Manion Architects
301 654-7004
6931 Arlington Road
Bethesda, MD
Anderson & Associates, LLC
(202) 841-4209
1338 Geranium St., NW
Washington, DC
Landis Construction
202-489-1516
7059 Blair Rd.
Washington, DC
Bowie Gridley Architects
(202) 337-0888
1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Washington, DC
Genis Design, P.C
(202) 674-5265
2320 20th St., NW
Washington, DC
OPX
(202) 822-9797
21 Dupont Cir., NW
Washington, DC
SKB Architecture & Design
(202) 332-2434
1818 N St., NW
Washington, DC
Group Goetz Architects
(202) 777-0444
2000 L St., NW
Washington, DC
Perkins + Will
(202) 737-1020
2100 M St., NW
Washington, DC
Edward M. Johnson & Associates
(202) 526-3610
3612 12th St., NE
Washington, DC

2 . What Does an Architect Do?

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.

3 . What Should I Hire an Architect For?

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.

4 . When Should I Start Looking For an Architect?

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.

5 . Featured Local Company

O'Neil & Manion Architects

301 654-7004
6931 Arlington Road
Bethesda, MD
http://www.oneilandmanion.com

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