Residential Experience:Most people have a vague notion of what an architect does. And most people think that an architect can design any type of building. But the fact of the matter is a residential project is vastly different than a commercial project, and therefore you want to hire an architect that specializes in the type of project you intend to build.
An architect that mainly works on commercial projects will not have a grasp of the unique needs of a residential client, nor a technical understanding of this construction type. Hiring an architect outside of his or her specialty can result in serious project delays and unnecessary costs. A talented architect that specializes in residential architecture can provide you with the proper guidance to achieve your ultimate goals and make sure that your time will not be wasted and the money you spend will add value to your property. Also, architects that are specialists will work in various locations. Depending on your desires, you may be best served with hiring an architect that is not necessarily close to your project.
Does the architect have significant experience in working with individuals specifically on residential projects?
Can the architect show you a substantial residential portfolio and discuss some of the challenges in designing the projects?
Ask the architect for a list of client references and ask those references questions that are most important to you.
If the project is not in the same location as the architect, ask him or her what their experience is in working in various locations and what are the unique challenges?
Professional Training: Being a licensed professional architect demonstrates a level of competency in the field and also illustrates a commitment to continuing his or her education for the betterment of the client’s projects. In addition, legal building requirements for designing your home will vary city by city. However, you need a person that is an educated and trained licensed professional that can effectively guide you through one of your largest emotional and financial investments.
Is the person you are considering a state licensed architect in good standing?
Is the architect a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and in good standing?
Passion and Personality: Your home is where your heart is. Your home is where you and your family live, sleep, work, and play. It’s a place where memories are made. The architect designing your home should be as passionate about your home as you are. Since the process of designing your home is a personal experience, you should feel at ease with your architect and be able to communicate your true feelings as the project proceeds.
Does the architect exhibit a genuine interest in your project?
Is this just a project to fill any gaps in the architect’s work or is this their main focus?
Do you feel that you can easily communicate with the architect?
Does he or she genuinely try to understand your wishes?
Project Management: Architectural offices differ in size, organization, and how responsibilities are managed. For residential clients, your architect’s office should be able to accommodate a personal one-on-one experience while also making sure your project maintains satisfactory progress.
Can the architect accommodate your scheduling needs?
Who will be responsible for your project and communications?
Does he or she seem available and easy to reach?
Did you feel like a small fish in a big pond?
Did he or she seem distracted or not focused on you?
Design Philosophy: While an architect’s education and experience may be similar to another architect’s, their design philosophy may be as different as night and day.
Review the architect’s portfolio and see if his or her older projects look dated or if the renovations seem to be out of context?
Does the architect always work in one “style” or “ look” or do his or her design skills include a variety of styles that would be indicative of his ability to design homes that truly reflect your style?
Who does the architect really seem to be designing for?
What does the architect consider important in the design?
Technical Ability: The architect for your residential project should have the experience and proven knowledge of residential construction, materials, and building codes to help assure that your home is built to the highest quality standards, and is within established construction budget parameters. Experience in other project types does not qualify an architect to design your home.
Reviewing construction drawings most likely is beyond the knowledge of most clients. However, ask the architect to see an example of his or her construction drawings so you can get a general impression of the scope of work that will be completed.
Ask the architect to discuss or show you the method that he or she uses to help ensure that the quality of the drawings is at the highest professional level.
In addition to asking for references from clients, ask for a list of references from various builders.
Professional Fees: Nobody likes to pay professional fees. However, an architect’s fee represents a small percentage of the overall project cost and can be your best investment to help ensure that your construction dollars are well spent toward efforts that will increase your property value. Generally speaking, architects may base their fees on three methods: (1) expressed as a percentage of construction costs; (2) an hourly rate with an expressed anticipated range; (3) a fixed fee based on a fixed scope of work
Ask the architect to discuss how spending an adequate amount of time and fee on the planning and documentation efforts can help a project go smoothly.
Challenge the architect to describe examples of ways he or she has saved the client money.
Ask what method of compensation does he or she use?
Discuss what is included or excluded in that fee?
Is the method of compensation aligned with your best financial interests?
If the method is based on a percentage of construction costs, ask what is included in the construction costs? Land, landscape, hardscape, etc.?
Require the architect to submit a contract or letter of agreement that outlines their scope of work and associated fees.
Conclusion:
Designing a new home or renovation represents a significant investment of your time and money. As you have read, there are many factors that should be considered in hiring an architect. Selecting a qualified professional architect that is right for you is the critical first step that will have a tremendous impact on your experience and the ultimate success of your project.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brad Shapiro, AIA dreamed of being a residential architect from his early teens. With over 25 years of experience, he has organized his firm completely around the needs of his client base. Creating the place where his clients live is a huge thrill for him and it is his passion. He personally works very closely with each and every client in a collaborative manner to ensure that their home exceeds their expectations. Shapiro uses classical and traditional models that are updated to reflect modern family needs. His commissions range in sizes and locations from Maine to Colorado, from Michigan to Florida.
You can view a sampling of Shapiro’s portfolio and additional information about his firm online at:
www.shapiroandco.com
In addition, you can view this short video of a few of his clients as they discuss their experience in working with Shapiro:
Click here to view video
Additional resources:
www.aia.org
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