What is an Architect?

An architect is somebody who understands, both aesthetically and logistically, how homes are built, how they are lived in, and how they function. 

Architects focus on the architectural design, structure, and space planning of a home or building, as opposed to interior designers who will focus on the material selection and interior aesthetic. 

An architect is necessary if you plan to expand the footprint of your home, add a second floor, or make significant interior modifications that will result in load-bearing walls moving and adjustments to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. 

When do I bring an architect on to the project?

We recommend bringing in an architect immediately, right from the start! 

Most people mistakenly start with a contractor when they are interested in doing a renovation project. Contractors can answer a lot of questions, and will ultimately build the project, however, if you begin with the contractor, they most likely will hire an architect in addition. 

Additionally, a contractor will most likely not have an eye for design or an understanding of design codes to guide the aesthetic and functionality of the design plan. We don’t recommend choosing a specific contractor at the beginning of your project because they may not be the right person or company for the specific project that you want to build. Instead, choose an architect for your project first and let your project be managed by someone who specializes in architectural design.

Working with an architect allows you to develop a design and gather the necessary information to start a new project. Your architect can also introduce you to highly qualified contractors throughout their process since architects typically work with several builders and can recommend a contractor that will be the right fit for your project. It’s vital to be matched with the right General Contractor for your project and your budget and your architect can help to ensure that you are matched with the best option for you. 

How do you find the right architect?

There are all different types of architects out there. Finding the right architect for your project comes down to understanding what kind of job you have. Some architects will be better suited for commercial jobs or large-scale projects. Others might be a one-man show and can provide great service and quality work, but may take longer to complete your project. 

Some people may feel that they need to find an architect who fits their style, but that’s not always the case. A good architect can interpret your wants and needs and provide a design solution regardless of style and aesthetic. A good architect should also have a well-established process that contains various design milestones and offers a high level of direct collaboration with you, their client. 

What do I need before I hire an architect?

You should prepare some ideas of what you’re looking for and understand what your budget and timeline limitations are. We often ask our customers to send us inspiration photos or create a Pinterest board to help us understand what style and design elements they are interested in and envision for their project. 

It’s important for an architect to visualize your existing home, property, or commercial space and to understand your needs. Depending on your project you may need to provide a Civil Engineering Survey so the architect can start designing. Oftentimes an architect can coordinate with a surveyor, but occasionally, a plat, or simplified survey, may be available from your local building records department. 

It’s also important to understand what architectural design services might cost. Architects price their work in all different ways, which can make it difficult to compare one firm to another. Customized architectural plans can cost anywhere from $4,000-$40,000 depending on the needs of your project. Factors such as your budget, the scope and size of your project, and what you will be getting for the fees will determine what kind of architect you will need and who will be able to manage your project best, so consider all of these as you’re making this decision.