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News & resources

Tips for hiring an architect

7/24/2014

6 Comments

 
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Whether your next project is a simple renovation, a major remodel or a custom designed home, hiring an architect is an important first step.

There are plenty of factors to consider in hiring an architect, who each has their own style, techniques and portfolio. Regardless of whether your project is large or small, once you have made the decision to bring in help, it is important to hire an architect who is right for you.
Put In A Plan
An architect can only help you when they understand the details and scope of the project. Clarify what your needs are, what work needs to be done, the timeline, and what your budget looks like. The more the architect knows about the project, the easier it will be to determine their prospective fees and whether they can meet the requirements.

Do Your Research
No two architects are exactly the same, so do your research. Your local chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a great place to start. Ask friends for references, browse websites, review portfolios and visit previous projects to get a feel for their style. It’s good to interview at least three firms at their offices to make a comparison, because you will be working with them closely.

What Is The Vision?
References and portfolios are great, but that doesn’t indicate how an architect will approach your project. Ask how they envision the solutions to what you need, what currently works, and what needs to be improved. Learn how they think and work. Get a strong feel for their signature style to ensure it can be tailored with your project.

What To Ask
No question in your hiring process should feel insignificant. Understand the fees involved, the terms of the contract agreement, and what the contract does and doesn’t cover. Many architects offer many other services during construction, so understand what is included. If you are considering hiring a firm, know who will be designing the project, who will do the work, and what contractors will be hired. Be sure to consult the AIA owner-architect agreement and have a signed contract before work begins.

Be Clear
Above all else, be candid and clear in your communications about your expectations. Ask about anything you do not understand. Take the time to work closely with the architect on pre-design services before any work begins; the due diligence in the beginning will help avoid a whole host of issues that can arise.
6 Comments
Taylor Hicken link
10/5/2020 03:54:30 am

Thank you for sharing the tip to interview at least three architectural firms and make a comparison between them. There are several factors that need to be taken into account such as the fees and style of the designs. I would like to think if a company needs to hire a firm, they should do proper research and ask all the necessary questions to ensure they find the best one to work with.

Reply
kate hansen link
10/4/2021 01:37:44 pm

It was helpful when you said to ask about the fees involved! My husband and I want to look into getting a custom home built for our family in a couple of months, and we want to make sure that we can find the right architect to help us with designing. We'll make sure to keep these tips in mind as we search for an architect to hire.

Reply
Paulo Gil link
2/24/2022 05:12:50 pm

Request references from friends, browse websites, review portfolios, and visit previous projects to get a sense of their style. Because you will be working closely with them, it is a good idea to interview at least three firms at their offices.

Reply
Charlotte Surveyor Group link
3/10/2022 01:07:26 am

Several factors must be considered, including the fees and the style of the designs. If a company needs to hire a firm, I believe they should conduct thorough research and ask all pertinent questions to ensure they find the best one to work with.

Reply
Christian link
3/23/2022 03:25:10 am

If a company needs to hire a firm, I believe they should do extensive research and ask all relevant questions to ensure they find the best one to work with. The more the architect understands about the project, the easier it will be for them to determine their potential fees and whether they can meet the requirements.

Reply
Landscaping link
10/16/2024 10:38:18 pm

Hiring an architect is the crucial first step to any major project. This applied to constructing a new structure. And we even recommend involving a landscape architect for the property design. This part is often overlooked, but it is a great opportunity to enhance the new construction or remodeling project with a well design landscape with trees, flowers, and other vegetation. Often times this even involves removing trees, or pruning ornamental trees.

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