How to Select an Architect Virginia

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

Herring & Trowbridge Architects
703.742.4074
690 Center Street, Suite 200
Herndon, VA
Bridlewood Custom Homes
804-305-6238
132 Riverside
Charlottesville, VA
Mather Architects, P.C.
540-442-1400
373 Neff Ave.
Harrisonburg, VA
Main Street Architecture, P.C.
540-955-1669
37 East Main Street
Berryville, VA
Samuel S. Cleveland, Architect
434 296-5100
213 Bennington Road
Charlottesville, VA
Aaslestad Preservation Consulting
540-447-4405
120 South Augusta Street
Staunton, VA
Candace M.P. Smith Architect, P.C.
434-963-4500
202 6th St. NE
Charlottesville, VA
EngineerSupply.com
206-202-3647
4435 Cumberland Dr
Christiansburg, VA
Gorman Architects, plc
434 978-2004
1701D Allied Street
Charlottesville, VA
Kerns Group Architects
703 528-1150
Arlington, VA

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

Herring & Trowbridge Architects

703.742.4074
690 Center Street, Suite 200
Herndon, VA
http://www.htarch.com

Related Articles
- Custom Home Design Tips Virginia
The one thing better than buying a brand new home for you and your family is having a brand new home custom built. A custom built home gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your new home has been tailor-made to meet your needs, desires and lifestyle. In short, building a new home means that you get to create your dream home.
- Shear Wall System Virginia
- Concrete Masonry Units Virginia
- Finding Architectural Services Virginia
- Remodeling Systems Virginia
- How to Build a Log Home Virginia
- On-Site Working Relationships Virginia
- Architects - Top 5 Firms to Work For Virginia
- Finding an Architect Virginia
- Structural Insulated Panels Houses Virginia
Regional Articles
- How to Select an Architect Alexandria VA
- How to Select an Architect Annandale VA
- How to Select an Architect Arlington VA
- How to Select an Architect Ashburn VA
- How to Select an Architect Bassett VA
- How to Select an Architect Blacksburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Bristol VA
- How to Select an Architect Burke VA
- How to Select an Architect Centreville VA
- How to Select an Architect Chantilly VA
- How to Select an Architect Charlottesville VA
- How to Select an Architect Chesapeake VA
- How to Select an Architect Chester VA
- How to Select an Architect Chesterfield VA
- How to Select an Architect Christiansburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Colonial Heights VA
- How to Select an Architect Culpeper VA
- How to Select an Architect Danville VA
- How to Select an Architect Dumfries VA
- How to Select an Architect Fairfax Station VA
- How to Select an Architect Fairfax VA
- How to Select an Architect Falls Church VA
- How to Select an Architect Farmville VA
- How to Select an Architect Fredericksburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Front Royal VA
- How to Select an Architect Galax VA
- How to Select an Architect Glen Allen VA
- How to Select an Architect Hampton VA
- How to Select an Architect Harrisonburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Herndon VA
- How to Select an Architect Hopewell VA
- How to Select an Architect King George VA
- How to Select an Architect Leesburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Lorton VA
- How to Select an Architect Lynchburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Manassas VA
- How to Select an Architect Martinsville VA
- How to Select an Architect Mc Lean VA
- How to Select an Architect Mechanicsville VA
- How to Select an Architect Midlothian VA
- How to Select an Architect Newport News VA
- How to Select an Architect Norfolk VA
- How to Select an Architect Petersburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Portsmouth VA
- How to Select an Architect Powhatan VA
- How to Select an Architect Radford VA
- How to Select an Architect Reston VA
- How to Select an Architect Richmond VA
- How to Select an Architect Roanoke VA
- How to Select an Architect Salem VA
- How to Select an Architect Spotsylvania VA
- How to Select an Architect Springfield VA
- How to Select an Architect Stafford VA
- How to Select an Architect Staunton VA
- How to Select an Architect Sterling VA
- How to Select an Architect Suffolk VA
- How to Select an Architect Vienna VA
- How to Select an Architect Vinton VA
- How to Select an Architect Virginia Beach VA
- How to Select an Architect Warrenton VA
- How to Select an Architect Waynesboro VA
- How to Select an Architect Williamsburg VA
- How to Select an Architect Winchester VA
- How to Select an Architect Woodbridge VA
- How to Select an Architect Yorktown VA
Related Articles
- Custom Home Design Tips Virginia
The one thing better than buying a brand new home for you and your family is having a brand new home custom built. A custom built home gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your new home has been tailor-made to meet your needs, desires and lifestyle. In short, building a new home means that you get to create your dream home.
- Shear Wall System Virginia
- Concrete Masonry Units Virginia
- Finding Architectural Services Virginia
- Remodeling Systems Virginia
- How to Build a Log Home Virginia
- On-Site Working Relationships Virginia
- Architects - Top 5 Firms to Work For Virginia
- Finding an Architect Virginia
- Structural Insulated Panels Houses Virginia
Related Local Events
Washington DC Area Design-2-Part Show - Fredericksburg, VA
Dates: 9/30/2009 - 10/1/2009
Location: Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center
Fredericksburg, VA
View Details

Construction Education Committee Meeting
Dates: 6/9/2009 - 6/11/2009
Location: The Homestead
Hot Springs, VA
View Details
Rate Article
     
Articles Insider

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History