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Q: What really is an architect?
A
: The architect is the professional who is trained specifically to guide you through the design and construction process of building your project. An architect is a professional who is licensed by the state to practice
architecture. An architect usually has a minimum of five years of professional schooling and three years of
experience before becoming eligible for licensing. He/She is the only professional who is specially trained
to design the places we inhabit.
Q: How does an architect work?
A:
An architect is a skilled professional who interprets and helps realize your dream. An architect turns your hopes into sketches and building plans. An architect determines how the heating, plumbing, electrical and other
systems will fit. An architect does those things necessary to translate your idea into a reality -- your architect is a counselor, a planner, a designer, a work coordinator, a business administrator, an agent.
Q: What kinds of projects benefit from architects' services?
A: New homes
and other new buildings, additions to existing buildings, renovations, restorations, remodeling, planning, selecting a site, providing cost
analyses, designing interiors, analyzing energy needs, dreaming with you --
architects provide a broad range of services.
Q: How does an architect add value to your project?
A: An architect can provide value at each stage of the design process. First, he/she will work directly with you to assess and describe your needs in great depth. Next, the architect's
extensive study of design alternatives, some of which you may not have considered, allows you to choose the design most appropriate to your needs. By keeping abreast of the latest construction technologies and
materials, architects can recommend materials and construction systems to fit your design and budget. With his/her ability to define precisely the work to be done, you are ensured of accurate, competitive bidding by
contractors. An architect's knowledge of site planning and natural energy processes (the influence of wind and sun on the design; water flow; etc.) enables him/her to accommodate your site's characteristics,
including its urban or neighborhood context. During the construction phase of the project, the architect acts as your agent in dealings with the contractor and works to see that the project is built as specified.
Last but not least, the unique value the architect provides is his/her design -- including the aesthetic characteristics of your project. The fact that an architect has focused on your project's special characteristics
and created a uniquely appropriate design are evidence of this value.
Q: I could hire just a builder. Why hire an architect and a builder
instead?
A: Historically the architect functioned as "master builder". Today the architectural and building parts of the industry have
evolved into separate
disciplines. Most architects provide designs and drawings and are skilled at developing design schemes which are in your best interest with respect to
use, views, materials, site, and
environmental opportunities and constraints. Architects help you determine how to plan your building to best serve your lifestyle, living and working habits, hobbies and interests, changing family size, and your
fantasies. Builders provide construction services based on architects' designs and builders can offer advice on building methods.
Q
: Why not just hire a "design & construct" company?
A: A Possible disadvantages may include the lack of competitive bidding by builders.
Q: Are there different types of architecture firms?
A: There are
many different types and sizes of architecture firms, some of which specialize in certain building types. Some firms are very large, employing 100 to 200 people or more, and may have branch offices nationally or even
worldwide. However, most firms consist of fewer than 10 people -- and many architects practice (like doctors) in one- or two-person offices. Many larger firms do not design individual houses. Smaller firms usually are
in a better position to handle your needs if you are contemplating a residential or small-scale commercial project.
Q
: How do you make an intelligent selection?
A: There are many ways to select your architect. The most popular (and usually the best) way is by
interviewing candidates. A brief call to an architect can help you determine if his/her experience is appropriate to your needs. Once you determine that the architect does the building type you want, set up an interview
to discuss your project and review photographs and other samples of the architect's work. Check the architect's education, training, experience, references --
and personality. Your architect will need to know you
well so your architect should be someone with whom you feel comfortable. Be prepared; this
process will take some time -- and it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make.
Q: Why should you hire an "RAIA" architect?
A: The RAIA is the American Institute of
Architects, the national professional association of architects. (The BSA is our local branch office.) Members
of the AIA are licensed architects; however, there are some licensed architects who are not members of
the AIA. AIA architects benefit from the
AIA's focus on the professional needs of architects and the public service obligations of the profession. Members of the AIA have unique access to
continuing professional
training, timely access to information on new building materials and technologies and, perhaps most important, continual access to other AIA members who include the best practitioners in the nation. AIA architects are
also guided by and must adhere to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
Q: When is most appropriate to hire your architect?
A: The earlier the better. Your architect not only will help you design your dream but also will help you anticipate design and construction problems
and will save you time and money.
Q: How is your architect rewarded for his/her services?
A
: Architects are normally paid in one of three ways. One method specifies a percentage of the total construction costs. This percentage will vary in proportion to the size and complexity of
a project. A second option is payment of an hourly fee plus expenses. The third method is a "lump sum" fee.
You and the architect should agree upon fee method, conditions, and pricing parameters before
any design work begins. It is customary for the architect to be paid in several stages or monthly rather than payment-in-full at the end of the job. In most cases, the architect's fee also includes compensation for
structural, mechanical (heating, plumbing, air-conditioning) and electrical engineering consultants the architect may need to hire.
Q
: Should you enter into a written contract?
A: Yes. We strongly recommend that you and your architect begin your relationship with a written
letter of agreement or contract that details your
expectations, the architect's services, fees, schedules, and everything else you and your architect consider important. A good, clear, written agreement no doubt
will help prevent later misunderstandings or disappointments. A brochure you may find helpful in this regard is "Owner, Architect, Contractor Relationships: A Project Guide"; it is available for $5.00 from the
BSA. Sample contract documents also are available from the BSA; call 617-951-1433x221 for our AIA Documents List and Order Form.
Q
: Now that you have hired an architect, what is the next step?
A: The architect will meet with you to develop your "program"
(description of your needs) and go back to his/her office and start designing your
facility. He/She will meet with you as many times as required throughout the process to ensure that the design fits your needs and
budget.
Once the design is approved, the architect will prepare detailed drawings and other documents upon which construction firms will base their bids. To
prepare these documents, the architect may need to
enlist the help of structural, mechanical, electrical, and other special consultants to help design
specific parts of the building and to identify the materials to be used. The architect will coordinate all of these
specialists and integrate their work into
one comprehensive set of documents. At the same time, the architect will see to it that the design complies with relevant building codes, regulations,
and accepted building practices.
Q: How do you select a building contractor?
A
: Usually, if you haven't already selected a general contractor, you will invite contractors to submit bids. Usually three or more general contracting companies should be invited to review the documents prepared by your
architect and submit total construction-cost bids. Usually (but not always) the responsible contractor with the lowest bid is hired.
Q
: What is the architect's role during construction?
A: During the construction phase, the architect performs "contract
administration" (not "inspection" or "supervision"). He/She will visit the site as appropriate, prepare supplementary drawings as required, and review the contractor's progress and workmanship
in order to determine if work is proceeding in accordance with the contract documents. The architect will review the contractor's applications for payment and issue orders for changes that you may authorize in the work.
The contractor, not the architect, is responsible for adherence to the construction documents; the architect will keep you abreast of unauthorized deviations from the design, if any. The architect serves as your eyes
and ears throughout construction.
Q How are overall costs determined?
A
: Think through your project carefully at the outset. Budgeting the costs of design and construction is an important first step -- it will help you avoid
surprises and frustration. |
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