Top Ten Things to Look For in an Architect

Hello, readers! Welcome to the Architecture Plus blog! We provide useful information concerning architectural design, unique trends, and essential aspects of the residential and commercial building process in the Charleston area. Our previous article is an interesting introduction to post-war architecture, including feats designed by the likes of Jonas Salk and Lina Bo Bardi. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next project or simply want to learn about different styles of architecture, our last article is waiting for you! As well, we’d love for you to return and check out our next article, ‘Drafting Architecture: From Blank Page to Finished Design,’ an overview of the entire design process!

Choosing an architect to execute your vision—whether residential or commercial—can be an involved, stressful process. Architects must be knowledgeable about key engineering principles and international standards, while also exemplifying the aesthetic vision of an artist. Translating your ideas onto paper is a challenge not every architect is prepared to face. We want to equip you with a few benchmarks with which to judge your numerous options. Before we move onto our list, we want to encourage you to compare multiple firms before committing to one. Pitting firms against one another, compiling pros and cons lists, and comparing prices can help you pin down what you’re really seeking in an architectural firm. While you’re comparing, here’s what you want to look for! 

Compatible Preferred Styles

Every firm has a design philosophy, or a set of principles by which they begin conceptualizing any project. While one firm may lean toward minimalist design, another may prefer complex design pieces. Or, an architectural firm may lean toward classical design as opposed to modern design. This distinction in style may even be a split amongst individuals on a single design team. This is why it’s important for you to have a clear understanding of your own preferences before seeking an architect. If you envision yourself living in a traditional home, an architect whose style leans more towards geometric shapes and sharp lines may not be the best option for you. The design process should be seamless and collaborative. If one or both of you is constantly trying to convince the other to change their design sensibilities, then you’re setting yourself up for headaches. Just as you would seek compatibility within any other relationship, you’ll want to do the same when searching for an architect!

Availability

Though an architectural firm may take on your project as soon as the deposit has been paid, this doesn’t mean they have the time and resources to complete your project in a timely manner. When searching for an architectural firm, you’ll want to inquire how large their team is and how many projects they’re currently juggling. If a firm only has one chief architect and more projects than people, chances are they aren’t in a position to devote the necessary time to your project. This consideration is especially important for those who are working on a tight schedule and need their designs within a set window. Ask each architect upfront how long they anticipate the entire process will take. 

Clear Procedures

This tip refers to the set of steps a firm will take to complete your project. During the initial interview, the architect can and should be able to walk you through, step-by-step, how they will approach your project. This includes what they’ll need from you, when they’ll need it by, and when you’ll receive certain documents from them. Having a clear set of procedures allows you to hold the firm accountable. From schematic designs to design development to construction documents—a firm should have a clear plan for who will complete each aspect of your project and when these documents will be run past you. 

Special Services

Certain firms offer special services outside of what’s required or considered standard among architects. For example, in addition to 2D designs, a firm might also offer a 3D mock-up. Select firms specialize in designing eco-friendly or sustainable buildings. There are even firms which design bespoke furniture and negotiate building regulations on behalf of your project. This consideration implies you’re looking for an architect who will go the extra mile to ensure you have the home or commercial space of your dreams. 

Examples of Past Work

This consideration is perhaps the most important of the ten listed here. This is because there is no greater gauge of a firm's ability to formalize artistic vision into a cohesive design. Examples of past work will give you an accurate sense of a firm’s dominant style, as well as the average scale of their projects. If you’re a fan of their past work, that’s a pretty good sign the both of you would make a successful pair! If you’re not a fan of their past work, that’s an even better sign their services wouldn’t be conducive to realizing your vision. If they lack history and struggle to provide examples of past projects, this indicates you should be extra attentive to the other aspects mentioned on this list. A firm without a strong history isn’t necessarily a bad firm and they might still be able to help you achieve your dream!

Price

While price will remove two or three firms from your list, this isn’t the main determining factor for deciding on an architect. The truth is the price of an architectural firm's services will be determined by their level of expertise and years of experience. Therefore, a higher price tag can indicate an architect is confident in their abilities and will be able to accomplish the task. Conversely, some architectural firms overcharge because of their prestigious reputations or simply because they can. This is why comparing firms is particularly important. Instead of immediately going for the lowest price, calculate an average price for your area and try to stick within this range. 

Familiar With Local Codes

As we mentioned earlier, an architect will need to be knowledgeable about engineering standards and housing regulations. Depending on where your project will be built, local codes may stipulate certain specifications. Will your architectural firm tailor designs to your area (e.g. state, city, town) or will you need to have your design plans altered by a local engineer? This is an important question to ask before committing to a firm, as outside consultants cost extra and add onto your overhead costs. 

Good Communication

There’s nothing worse than an architectural firm that’s not communicative and struggles to provide you with even the most basic updates concerning the state of your project designs. An architectural firm with a dedicated client relations manager is more likely to be prompt and detailed in their response to your inquiries. You want a firm with enough time and resources to keep you updated on each emerging aspect of your project. You can either request regular updates upfront or ensure the firm already has a plan in place for updating you (i.e. progress reports, weekly check-ins, etc.). 

Only Necessary Fees

Certain firms charge extra fees for preliminary services, such as an initial interview, or for optional services, such as three-dimensional designs. You should be in control of how your money is spent, up to a point. If you’re not interested in a particular service then you should have the option to decline. As well, the firm should be able to provide you with an itemized list breaking down exactly what your money is going toward. 

Interest

Last but not least, you’ll want to choose a firm with a genuine interest in your project. Your forever home or commercial space isn’t something to be taken lightly. An intense level of care and attention should be paid to each detail within the design process. Alterations to the design should be completed to your satisfaction and in a timely manner. Interest can be a hard thing to gauge within your potential architect, but we encourage you to trust your gut! 

We here at Architecture Plus pride ourselves on our high level of service and extensive history of providing top-notch architectural services to the city of Charleston. Our website hosts a gallery of both our residential and commercial projects, filled with high-quality photographs of both interiors and exteriors. Our firm consists of two principal architects, two associates, and two support individuals working towards licensure. We’ve executed projects of various sizes and done so with consistent care. On your quest for the perfect architect, we hope you’ll consider our firm!

For more information on architectural design and building, keep up-to-date with the Architecture Plus blog! Our next few articles on what to look for in an architect and the future of residential architecture are sure to be wonderful resources! If you’re ready to sit down with an experienced team of designers and hash out the elements of your next project, reach out to us! We’re eager to hear from you. Until next time, thank you for reading!