Who would you hire, what would you look for?
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...If you were looking for an architect?
I know several folks here are house designers/modelers/architects, so I figure this is a good place to ask. I've been working on a fairly unique house design for years, and the time is approaching where I'll have to go looking for an architect to turn the design into plans (if he/she doesn't fall off the chair laughing at my ideas/Sketchup model).
So, for a private home, what should I look for in an architect? What should I put together that would best aid the architect in creating what we want with the minimum expense of time and money - the budget is tight (isn't it always?) As an architect/designer, what do you wish your customer had approached you with initially, if a completely custom not-off-the-shelf plan or design was proposed; and what would any of you suggest to keep the costs down?
Consider also that I'll be doing some of the work on the construction myself, and possibly will be the contractor on the job as well.
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While some of your respondents will be able to give you good information here, in this forum, may I also suggest visiting American Institute of Architects website aia.org and search for information on selection of an architect.
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Jeff, there is no real reason that you actually need an architect for the whole project (although you will need to understand building regulations as well as maximum and minimum sizes allowed, and to know your beam calculations (like I=bd2/6) etc etc). You will eventually have to have your plans passed by a qualified architect, but most of the stuff, with a good measure of common sense, you should be able to do most of it yourself.
You could otoh, just emigrate to Canada (where there seems to be no building regulation law, or there didn't when I lived there?), and build your dream house out with the bears in the woods!!
I've got a brilliant little book which I always use called "The Architect's Pocket Book", by Charlotte Baden-Powell (RIBA). It's British, so therefore, everything is in millimetres and to BS, but it's an amazing little book, which has almost everything you need to know about practice. Recommended!!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Architects-Pocket-Book-Charlotte-Baden-Powell/dp/0750647647
I hope that helps at least.
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Jeff -
Look for an architect who is well versed in residential design - particularly production housing. They understand the economics of stud spacing, reduced material waste, etc. They will also be more attuned to how residential is done (contrary to most structural engineer's beliefs, you don't build a house like a concrete-tilt-up commercial warehouse!).
You'll also want to find an architect who understands that this is YOUR house and not their personal design statement. My philosophy is that I will give the owner my opinion about their desires, but in the end THEY will be living in the house - not me!
Good luck, and be thankful you're not building this in California! Structural engineering is pert-near required for ALL residential projects now. I just completed a 2-phase addition to an existing house that increased the square footage by a whopping 427 sf and had engineering fees (structural calcs ONLY - no drawings) of $2,250. No new walls - just tucking a 2nd floor under an existing 10/12 pitched roof on existing walls and footings. $5.26/sf for the structural engineering - I wish I could get those kind of fees for the architectural!
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The most important thing is to find someone you are absolutely comfortable with. Ask to interview them, and bring your design as a starting point. Remember that you are working with someone that is experienced, and go with a empty cup.
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mitcorb offered an excellent suggestion; the AIA offers advice on choosing an architect. Also, if you know anyone who has worked with an architect, get their input.
It sounds like you already have a design. Most architects will want to do the design themselves (after all, this is their profession), so you might have to hire an architect as a consultant while you do most of the work (or hire a draftsperson).
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@ mitcorb
Thanks for that suggestion re: the AIA. I'll contact them. We're going to look for a local firm because we don't want to deal with someone through email, or someone that we can't walk in and talk to. The area is rural, so that limits the pool - but we have done an internet search and found a couple of local architects that have some good-looking portfolios on their sites.
I've done some construction, but not enough to know exactly how things are done. OTOH, I excel at reading plans, that's why I'd like an architect up front with a set of detailed plans. I won't be doing the heavy work (slab, walls, roof) but I can plumb, run wires, wallboard, floors, trim and the rest no problem. As far as Canada goes, I've lost count of how many times I've been there - BC is my favorite so far - but the commute to work would be a pain!
I'll see if there's an American version of the book.The property is in NY, so it may be almost as difficult as CA - but luckily it is rural, so I'll escape some of the absurd "permitting" required by urban areas. Still plenty to be done though. RE: architects and their own design... I'd like to maintain control of the design as much as possible, including copyright. As much work and re-work as I've done, I don't want to hand it over to someone to paste on their website. Plus, due to the design of the house, I don't need tourists stopping by to have a look. Do you think it will be a difficult proposition to get someone to clean up/plan out my design rather than trying to sell me something of their own?
Good advice.
I'd still like to know from everyone, in your profession, if a client approached you with their own design, what do you wish they had done or what would have made the process go more smoothly? Or is being approached with a customer-designed home an entirely uncommon event?
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I would welcome an informed client, and be willing to work with his ideas to the fullest extent possible. This results in his satisfaction in the finished product.
Best wishes, mitcorb -
Would these books be sufficient? (I couldn't find a US version)
Surprising that there weren't any reviews of the books.
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