How to Select an Architect Washington DC

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

Atect LLC
1.888.845.2721
5099 Bluehead Court
Waldorf, MD
Atect LLC
1.888.845.2721
5099 Bluehead Court
Waldorf, MD
Edwin Lee Architect, LLC
410-269-7575
100 Lakeview Ave.
Edgewater, MD
Anchor Construction Corporation
(202) 269-6694
2254 25th Pl, NE
Washington, DC
Devrouax & Purnell, P.C
(202) 483-2878
717 D St., NW
Washington, DC
Edward M. Johnson & Associates
(202) 526-3610
3612 12th St., NE
Washington, DC
McKissack & McKissack
(202) 347-1446
1401 New York Ave., NW Suite 900
Washington, DC
Mancini Duffy
(202) 463-2340
1627 K St., NW
Washington, DC
BHI International Inc
(800) 214-1014
P.O. Box 1470
Washington, DC
OPX
(202) 822-9797
21 Dupont Cir., NW
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

Atect LLC

1.888.845.2721
5099 Bluehead Court
Waldorf, MD
www.atectllc.com

Related Articles
- Shear Wall System Washington DC
On one recent project the architect and engineer wrangled about a suitable window-to-wall ratio. The result was a system with massive timber columns, interior and exterior plywood, full-height steel rods, and about every size hold-down in the universe. It was costly and complicated, and we were installing hardware for weeks.
- How to Build a Log Home Washington DC
- Structural Insulated Panels Houses Washington DC
- Remodeling Systems Washington DC
- Concrete Masonry Units Washington DC
- Architects - Top 5 Firms to Work For Washington DC
- Finding an Architect Washington DC
- Finding Architectural Services Washington DC
- On-Site Working Relationships Washington DC
- Custom Home Design Tips Washington DC
Related Articles
- Shear Wall System Washington DC
On one recent project the architect and engineer wrangled about a suitable window-to-wall ratio. The result was a system with massive timber columns, interior and exterior plywood, full-height steel rods, and about every size hold-down in the universe. It was costly and complicated, and we were installing hardware for weeks.
- How to Build a Log Home Washington DC
- Structural Insulated Panels Houses Washington DC
- Remodeling Systems Washington DC
- Concrete Masonry Units Washington DC
- Architects - Top 5 Firms to Work For Washington DC
- Finding an Architect Washington DC
- Finding Architectural Services Washington DC
- On-Site Working Relationships Washington DC
- Custom Home Design Tips Washington DC
Related Local Events
CMBR Board Meeting
Dates: 11/12/2009 - 11/12/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

HBAM Remodelers Board Meeting
Dates: 11/17/2009 - 11/17/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

Executive Committee Meeting
Dates: 11/18/2009 - 11/18/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

HBAM Board of Directors Meeting
Dates: 11/18/2009 - 11/18/2009
Location: HBAM Conference Center
Baltimore, MD
View Details

Howard County Chapter Board Meeting
Dates: 11/19/2009 - 11/19/2009
Location:
Ellicott City, MD
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