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How to Select an Architect California

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

2. What Does an Architect Do?

3. What Should I Hire an Architect For?

4. When Should I Start Looking For an Architect?

5. Featured Local Company

1. Local Companies

C+A Architecture
415 733 2576
130 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA

ModernFurnitureClassics
415-4641154
336 Bon air Center #112
Greenbrae, CA

RGM Architect
805-482-1836
350 N. Lantana Street
Camarillo, CA

Sun Architecture
415 546-5652
601 4th St., #202
San Francisco, CA

SB Architects
415-673-8990
One Beach Street
San Francisco, CA

Robert Mittelstadt Architect
415-397-6895
1736 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA

George Randolph
909 382 0280
165 W. Hospitality Lane
Redlands, CA

H.R. & ASSOCIATES
(951) 536-9833
3752 ELIZABETH STREET
RIVERSIDE, CA

a 3 Com Engineering & Architect
(415) 424-3000
4319 Irving st
san francisco, CA

KMA architecture + design
(408) 999-6622
255 N. Market Street
San Jose, CA

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

Robert Mittelstadt Architect

415-397-6895
1736 Stockton Street
San Francisco, CA
http://RMArch.net

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How to Select an Architect California

1. Local Companies

2. What Does an Architect Do?

3. What Should I Hire an Architect For?

4. When Should I Start Looking For an Architect?

5. Featured Local Company