Choosing an architect
If you are planning to design and build your own home, choosing the right architect is absolutely essential to a successful project. So, it's very vital to find an architect who listens and understands your style and needs. But if you have already worked with a specific architect in the past and feel at ease with him, it makes perfect sense to call him again. If not, you may have to do a little work. There are many types and sizes of architecture firms that specialize in one or more project from in-house engineering (structural, mechanical, electrical, etc.) to specialty design (urban design, landscape architecture, interior design, etc.). Most architecture firms bring their own selection of skills, knowledge, interests and values to their work.
First, decide on what you want to see done by hiring an architect. How much are you willing to spend on your project and how are you planning on financing the entire project? Do you plan on doing some of the work yourself? Don't stress out if you don't have all of the answers right away. Talking to an architect can sometimes help you see how much your project will cost you.
You can start by getting recommendations from friends, family members or co-workers to help you build up a list of potential architects to call and set up appointments to meet with them. Check to see if the architect that you are interested to hire is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Any architect who is a member of the AIA simply indicates that he subscribes to a professional code of ethics and has access to an array of professional and technical resources. When calling each firm from your recommendation list, make sure you describe clearly the project you want done and ask if it is in their area of expertise and qualifications. If they can't take your project for whatever reason, you could ask for their recommendation for someone to help you.
You could ask those who are interested in taking up your project to send you brochures, pictures of their work, letters of recommendation and so on. As soon you receive the materials, try to narrow your list down to two or three architects that you wish to meet in person for a personal interview. The interview is very important because this is your chance to meet the people who will design your project. You can plan on meeting each architect either at your home or office. Meeting each one of them where the project will take place can be very helpful because it gives the architect the opportunity to learn more about your project and needs. By the way, before you meet with the architect, ask if they charge a fee to meet with you. Ask him to bring his personnel portfolio. It can be a slideshow of photographs of past work. Also, remember to make sure that you feel comfortable with him, as you'll be working with the architect for a long time. If possible, spend at least an hour interviewing the potential architect.
During the interview, ask as many questions as you can regarding his expertise, experience, skills, creativity, the ways he's intending to approach the project and the final cost including his fees and materials. Make sure that he tells you all the people involved in completing the project. Choose the architect that makes you feel comfortable and that you trust. The right architect will be the one who can provide the best creativity, judgement, skills and knowledge at a reasonable cost, to help you realize your dream. Once you have found the architect for your project, you are ready to put in writing the terms of your agreement. Most architects are as interested in a successful project as you are, and they know that good architecture results from a productive cooperation between architects and clients.
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Tags: architect architecture American_Institute_of_Architects AIA engineering design build home project interview portfolio
