Working With An Architect

Starting your first remodel or addition project can be daunting. It opens a whole new world of details and procedures. Hiring a design professional to lead you through that process does wonders to streamline the project, saving time and money. You will find that even when you hire professionals to do most of the work, there are a surprising number of things you still have to do. At the very least, you will be required to hire the architect, hire the contractor, provide some of the site documentation, and approve the designs.

What Do Architects Do?
Architects are trained to be experts in the use or function of spaces, the aesthetics of spaces (look, feel, sound and smell), the construction of spaces, and the management of building projects.

They start by talking to you about your functional needs and aesthetic preferences. They produce design drawings for your approval, and produce documents for permit and construction. They negotiate the permit process, help you select a contractor, and remain available during construction to answer questions and make changes.

Architects also design kitchens and custom cabinets, consult on interior or exterior color palettes, and often lay out the building components in landscape designs. They do not generally help in the selection of furniture, carpeting, draperies or artwork.

Design projects come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you need to be specific about what part your architect will play. Most architects are willing to tailor their services to your needs.

When Do You Need an Architect?
Some projects are small enough that your contractor can get the permit with a simple drawing or even without drawings. If a project involves only one trade, that trade can generally get a permit over the counter. Projects that fall into this category are - roofing, finishes, window and door replacement, water heater or furnace replacement, electrical panel upgrades, and minor plumbing repairs or upgrades.

Most homes and residential accessory structures may be designed and drawn by non-professionals. The house must be an owner-occupied single-family dwelling of two stories or less. All commercial structures and more complicated homes are required to be designed by a Registered Engineer or Architect who must sign each drawings with his/her stamp and license number. Even when an architect is not strictly required, most homeowners hire an architect to streamline the process and improve the end result.

Finding the Right Architect for You
Your architect is someone who will work closely with you throughout the design and construction process. In addition to liking their aesthetic sense, you want someone who:

• has good communication skills
• listens to you and answers questions
• returns phone calls, meets deadlines, and generally has a professional manner
• has experience appropriate to your project

Good Sources for Finding an Architect:
Every architect has an individual style and approach. You should not rush this process, but take the time you need to make the right decision. A personal referral is always better than picking someone off a list. Places to start:

• talk to friends and neighbors who have done similar projects
• ask your Realtor
• ask local builders or trades people
• AIA (American Institute of Architects) database www.architectfinder.aia.org
• online services like Service Magic or Construction Deal
• for restoration projects, check with your local historical or preservation society

Plan to meet with several prospective architects, starting with a telephone conversation to weed out architects who don't have the time or interest in your project. You may pick three or four questions to ask over the phone, and expect to ask the others in a more lengthy interview. It is important that you feel comfortable working with the architect. They should be someone you feel you can trust, and someone who listens to you.

Questions to Ask an Architect:
Some of the questions you will probably ask on the phone before they even visit your project site. Others you will ask once you are talking to them in person.

• describe the project, ask whether they do this type of work
• how busy are they, and do they have the time to do your project?
• is a fee for an interview at your home (or job site)?
• request literature that describes the firm's qualifications and experience (often a web site)
• confirm that the architect you are meeting is the person who will actually work on your project
• what is the architect's design philosophy?
• how long will the design part of the project take?
• how does the architect establish fees?
• how does the architect organize the process?
• what does the architect expect you to provide?
• what is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?
• what will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? will you see models, drawings or computer animations?
• ask for references from past clients. find out how past clients feel about their new home
• verify that your architect holds a current license. The California Architects Board www.cab.ca.gov/ is responsible for licensing. Membership in professional organizations like the AIA (American Institute of Architects) or the ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) is not required for licensing.
• if your designer is not a licensed architect he/she can still do design and permit drawings for a single-family home of two stories or less in most jurisdictions. how will the architect handle signing permit drawings?
• does the architect have a list of past clients that you can contact?

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