The Role of An Architect
If you are looking to build any type of building, an Architect should be involved in the project. They are the only professionals in the construction industry who are ethically bound to represent you, the building owner. Architects are also counselors, planners, designers, mediators, work coordinators, and business administrators, who will listen to you and interpret your wishes into your dream building.
Your Architect:
Sees the Big Picture.
Architects are educated to assist you in defining what you want to build, present options you might never have considered, and help you get the most for your valuable investment. They don't just design four walls and a roof - Architects create total environments, both interiors and exteriors, that are functional and exciting places in which we work, play and live.
Solves Problems.
Architects can assist you through the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors and permitting requirements for your project. They specialize in taking design dreams, community needs, environmental impact, and cost into consideration and creating a blueprint for the success of your build.
Coordinates the Project.
Architects coordinate the work of specialty consultants needed for your project, including structural, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers. They can also help you through the process of selecting a contractor through competitive bidding, and later in the project will keep construction on time and review and manage change orders throughout the process.
Manages Your Money.
Architects can save you money on your project in a number of ways. Having a single, complete set of architectural drawings to present to contractors allows you to review comparable bids on the project. When the contractors know at the start the expectations and requirements of a project, costly delays and change orders during construction are minimized. During construction, your Architect sees to it that any proposed changes are responsibly priced and in keeping with local costs, methods of construction, and building code requirements. Finally, the architect authorizes payment to your builder, giving you added peace of mind that both you and your Architect are satisfied with the builders performance and product.
Architecture Selection Criteria
Essential Questions to Ask Your Architect
Before starting your project, it’s important to have open, informed conversations with your architect. We’ve organized these essential questions into helpful categories to guide your discussion and ensure you’re aligned every step of the way.