skip to content

Why Hire an Architect?

An architect can save an owner time and money by determining the most appropriate solution to a given set of requirements. Planning and building space in today’s marketplace is a complex undertaking requiring many different products and skills. Architects provide clients with the essential information and guidance to navigate successfully through the many potential pitfalls that can cause delays, waste money or lead to undesired results.

What Does An Architect Do?

An architect is a trained and licensed professional with expertise in space planning and building design. To design a building, many elements must be considered such as planned building function, behavior of occupants, space use, building materials, site-environment, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, life safety and fire codes, bidding and construction methods, budget requirements and aesthetics. The Architect’s skill is to sort through the many requirements and potential solutions to find options that best address the client’s needs.

How do I know if I need an Architect?

Most larger projects require an architect’s stamped drawings as part of the life safety, building permit application process. However, virtually all projects can benefit from an architect’s involvement to ensure that the client’s needs have been effectively met. This includes questions and answers aimed at confirming that the client has fully considered the “big picture” as well as the more detailed project requirements.

At what point in a project should you call an Architect?

As early as possible. The most important stage is the project definition and conceptual planning stage. It is here that the key elements of a project are defined and goals established. A small oversight here can have a large impact on later planning efficiency, cost and ultimate project success. Architects can evaluate your ideas, assist in defining the project goals and develop an approach to transforming those visions into reality. Architects can also do site studies, review planning, zoning and permit requirements and prepare early budget estimates.

Are they worth the fee?

A building is typically designed for a 40-50 year life. The life cycle costs of owning and operating a building include initial construction (20%), maintenance and operation (30%) and often financing (which can be as much as 45%). The architect’s fees represent approximately one (1%) percent of the life cycle cost of a building. It is usually best to hire a competent design professional and have them provide a full range of services which will result in a building that is well planned, well documented, functional and cost effective in the long run. A well planned building can provide savings to the owner in construction costs, maintenance costs, operational costs and functional efficiency.

What Does An Architect Do? An architect is a trained and licensed professional with expertise in space planning and building design. To design a building, many elements must be considered such as planned building function, behavior of occupants, space use, building materials, site-environment, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, life safety and fire codes, bidding and construction methods, budget requirements and aesthetics. The Architect’s skill is to sort through the many requirements and potential solutions to find options that best address the client’s needs.