The Dream Home Designer – Selecting an Architect
Perhaps you have envisioned the home you want. You can see the roof-lines in your sleep. Why not just map it out yourself with a builder?
A skilled architect can actually save you a bundle of cash. A professional designer can guide you through the maelstrom of zoning regulations and building codes. He can referee differences of opinions between contractors and subcontractors. He can develop house plans to meet all the requirements needed to pass the series of mandatory new home inspections.
Most important, an expert architect can help you to get the most living space and property value possible from your dream home design.
Finding the ideal architect
Architects abound, and each has his own favored style and capabilities. Do you want a glitzy home with glass and chrome? Would you like a traditional log-cabin with modern amenities? How about a hillside tri-level with meandering decks and skylights? You will want to find a designer whose capabilities and interests match your dwelling desires.
Begin by looking at homes you love. Participate in model home tours, parade of homes events, and other showcases. Stroll through a variety of home styles. Look at layouts and floor plans. Take note (and photos) of features that impress you. If you find a home you adore, find out who designed it.
Begin compiling a file of prospective architects. Include pictures of homes they have designed, if possible.
Ask friends and business contacts for referrals. If you have identified a contractor, ask him for a list of several architects he might recommend. (After all, you will want them to work well together.)
Check each name you receive. Look for Yellow Pages listings, and view websites. Make sure every candidate belongs to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). You certainly want to pick an architect who is both licensed and registered. AIA member firms have signed a professional ethics code. Also, AIA membership offers professional and technical resources and support that can be helpful on home design projects. You can even check with the AIA to determine the professional status and standing of an architect.
Find out whether each firm has professional liability insurance. This is essential, as you plan any construction project.
Paring down the list
Once you have a workable list of potential architects, contact them directly. Describe your proposed new home project, and determine if they might be interested.
Ask each architectural firm for examples of homes they created. Request portfolios, brochures, and photos and floor plans of work they have done. Above all, ask for personal references!
Make a separate file for each architect candidate. Review the materials you receive. Look physical evidence of professional skill, creativity, innovation, and relevant experience.
Try to whittle the roster of potential home designers down to the two or three strongest. These are the architects whose designs inspire you the most. Their work seems to be a good fit for your tastes.
Conducting interviews
At this time, you can begin to set up in-person meetings with the final candidates. Try to hold the first meeting in their offices. This will give you a first-hand opportunity to size up their organization. Make every effort to meet as many of their staffers as possible.
Evaluate the professional atmosphere in their offices. Are offices clean or cluttered? Do workers seem to enjoy what they do? Do they cooperate well with one another?
Browse through their workplace, and look for photos of projects they have completed. Do they display design awards on their walls?
You might plan for at least an hour-long conference with key personnel at each firm.
As you meet, ask specific questions about your project and their capabilities. Try to determine exactly which individuals might be assigned to your job. Will you have access to the senior personnel, or will a junior staffer be doing your design?
If you have specific questions, or if you require clarification of issues or terms, do not be afraid to ask. This is the time to get all the answers you can. Be wary of firms that try to talk over your head with technical terminology. If they cannot communicate clearly with you, then you will likely wish to select a group of professionals who can.
Find out what timetable they might be able to achieve. Ask about pricing and billing. Can they provide an estimate up-front? Will they charge a per-project amount or an hourly rate? When will payment be required?
Inquire about potential design changes and plans for client approvals. When might you see initial plans? What add-on fees might be assessed, if alterations are needed?
Be aware that the cheapest initial bid may not turn out to be the cheapest project, as many firms will present a low-ball estimate and then assess add-on charges throughout the assignment.
Choosing a Firm
After interviewing a few key firms, you can contact a couple of the personal references they have each provided. Ask these former clients about their level of satisfaction with the architect they used and the home they designed. Was their project completed on-time and on-budget? Were they pleased with the results? How would they rate the professionalism of their architectural firm?
Ultimately, you will have to trust your own instincts. Most likely, one firm will earn your confidence with their professional capabilities and personality. When you are sure, you will need to let them know immediately, and inform the runners-up that you have selected an alternative.
As soon as possible, you will be asked to sign a written contract with the architects of your choice. Standard contracts are available from the AIA, although most professional firms can provide their own. These forms generally include details about the project specifics, a proposed schedule and completion date, a working budget, and the architect’s fees.
Congratulations!
You will begin an important partnership, as you work with your new architect to design your dream home. Although you have commissioned the professionals, you will want to take an active role in the process. You know what you like, and you can add helpful suggestions and information throughout the entire time-line, from the drawing board to the initial ground-breaking to the final touches on your home.
Before you know it, you’ll be moving into your brand-new house!
