Hiring an Architect
What does an architect do?
> An architect is someone who will help design your new home or building.
> An architect can take your ideas, budget, need, site and resources and turn them into a physical design. This is the conceptual or preliminary design phase.
> An architect can take the preliminary design and develop the detailed drawings needed for bidding, permits and construction. This includes not only the plans and elevations, but sections, details, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings and specifications.
> An architect can recommend contractors and help obtain bids and provide support as needed throughout the construction.
> An architect can also provide consulting services such as site selection, review of defective work and resolving structural issues.
Does it matter which architect I hire?
Yes. Selecting an architect is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the building process. For each of 10 different architects, you will get 10 different houses, with 10 different plans, elevations, design costs and construction costs.
Some homes will be beautiful and functional, some not so much. Some will go together smoothly and harmoniously, some will have constant delays, overruns and problems. Always pick the architect who will give you the best result.