WHY TO HIRE AN ARCHITECT
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1. Pre-Design: Services of the Architect provided prior to the customary basic services, including services to assist the owner in establishing the program, financial and time requirements, and limitations of the project. This includes: Due diligence and evaluation of existing conditions, site selection, programming and fundraising activities (i.e. Feasibility studies, renderings/models for brochures and events, Marketability studies etc.)
2. Schematic Design: Services in which the Architect consults with the owner to ascertain the requirements of the building project and prepares schematic design studies consisting of drawings and other documents illustrating the scale and relationships of the building components for approval by the owner. The architect also assists the owners in preliminary estimate of construction cost based on current area, volume, or similar conceptual estimating technique based on the Architect’s previous project of similar scope and complexity.
3. Design Development: Services in which the architect prepares the design development documents from the approved schematic design studies for submission to the owner for the owner’s approval. Design decisions made in schematic design are worked out at a scale that minimizes the possibility of major modifications during the construction documentation phase.
4. Construction Documents: Services in which the architect prepares the construction documents from the approved design development documents and assists the owner in the preparation of the building documents. These instruments of service include drawings from the following disciplines: Architectural, Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical.
5. Bidding and Negotiation: Services in which the architect prepares the documents required to bid or negotiate the construction contract, including the bidding requirements, contract forms, contract conditions, specifications, drawings, and addenda. The procurement of construction services brings together the team and resources needed to translate building plans into physical reality
6. Construction Administration: Services for the architect’s general administration of the construction contract(s). These include reviewing and certifying amounts due the contractor, approving the contractor’s submittals, preparing change orders, making site visits to observe progress of the work and conducting site inspections to determine dates of substantial completion and final completion.
7. Project Close-Out: Services initiated upon notice from the contractor that the work is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the contract documents, to permit occupancy or utilization for the use in which it is intended.A good Architect can bring a lot to the table. The most valuable asset that an architect can bring to a construction project is creativity and design acumen. Even if you have a good design sense, an experienced architect can bring you educated design ideas that are usually never thought of. Creative input at this stage can elevate your design from the merely functional to something really special. When architectural decisions are incorporated early in the design phase, projects are able to take a life of their own. They can be timeless and create a sense of personal satisfaction for all parties involved.
Pros of hiring an Licensed Architect:
- Owners have an agent to monitor the contractor and his workmanship throughout the project. The architect has a fiduciary responsibility to the owner (under a full service contract) to build a structure that conveys the design intent.
- Educated design. An architect often produces more interesting and creative design work, a highly functional floor plan, good natural lighting and ventilation, and good integration with the building site. This comes with years of education and a rigorous licensing process.
- Avoids design errors with inexperienced designers or draftsmen with no formal education or financial backing to their designs.
- Detailed plans and specs provide a clear guide to contractors and clients. Contractors know what they are bidding on and you know what you are getting. Transparency is key.
- Well-written specifications require that materials and workmanship meet or exceed industry standards.
- The architect can recommend qualified contractors to bid on job.
- The AIA construction contract favors owners (and the architect) over the contractor.