Builders and Designers Roles
Ray Finer
4 years ago
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atay284
4 years agoRay Finer
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Design/build vs. separate architect/designer and builder?
Comments (28)There were two separate contracts with the design build team. I only signed one for the design. I think I had them modify the design contract not to include final construction plans. We did not move forward to the construction plans as I opted not to go forward with them. All I got from them was a few 8x11 sheets of papers with sketches for the design plan, most of which were my idea as to changes I wanted to implement in the house. The quote for the build phase was very expensive. The architect has a design phase and a construction drawing phase. I am paying as we go along. I have changed course with the project from what I initially wanted to do with the design build team. I started off wanting to do a master bathroom remodel, but have decided to do a master bedroom/bathroom addition. The architect has produced large architectural drawings for every change in the design phase. We are now in the construction phase of the drawings. I took the design plans to a contractor who gave me a ball park estimate. Since it was in my budget (and I know the ctr. cannot give me a true estimate without seeing the final plans), I had the architect move forward with the contsruction plans. That is where the project is now. So far, I am much happier with the architect/ contractor route....See MoreHow to choose my designer and builder...North Houston Area
Comments (3)@Re:modern Design + Architecture - STOP spamming by bringing up old posts from 5 years ago. You've done this to several threads today. You knock current/newer threads to page 2 where they don't get the attention they deserve as new requests for help. Just stop....See MoreHelp understanding role of architects/interior designers/builder!
Comments (6)I used both an architect and interior designer doing the design/planning phase and am so glad I did! Our architectural firm had 2 architects on our project. Together they developed the floorplan and exterior facades/elevations, based on our wishes and input. Once we were past that phase, the architects continued to develop detained plans, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc. One of the architects focused primarily on structural elements of the plan, such as the framing plan, foundation plan, etc. The other architect focused more on what I called the "looks" of the house, such as window sizes and placement. When I said that I wanted to include an interior designer, the "looks" architect was concerned, suggesting that "too many cooks spoil the broth". However, that's the direction we went. We had weekly meetings while the plans were being developed with the architect and designer. Early on, I had the designer prepare a furniture plan, laying out where nearly every piece of furniture we have would go. This proved invaluable in finalizing the size and placement of such architectural elements as windows. The designer and I shopped for appliances and figured out how the kitchen would work best, while the architect provided input as to how to minimize noise and control costs. The architect drew the interior elevation plans, with consultation with the interior designer. Understandably, the architect did not want to prepare elevations for approval by the designer (with potential re-work), so the two of them and we met to discuss and collaborate. The interior designer was responsible for selecting the paint colors, flooring, components such as stairway materials, cabinet door design, and the like. I thought the combination worked well, which is a testament to the architects' and Designer's willingness to listen to each other and avoid ego issues. Once the detailed plans were complete, we put the project out to bid. During the bid process we met with each of the three bidders and asked them to make any suggestions they would like regarding changes that might help to control costs and/or improve the project. They all had good ideas, which we were able to incorporate in a bid amendment. When we started the building process, the builder took center stage. We continued to work with the designer to choose light fixtures and design elements, and the architects have been available to assist in resolving whatever issues have arisen that needed their attention. this is just one way to arrange responsibilities. This has worked really well for us but it is very dependent on the personalities of the architect, designer and builder. Luckily, ours have been great to work with and they have displayed appreciation of each other's insights, suggestions and ideas!...See MoreOwner builder - best resource for home design?
Comments (15)Interview several candidates and look for someone with a compatible work style and design sense to your own. (Compatible and complementary, not clonal!) Look at some of their projects and talk with their clients. Big bonus points if they offer an idea that changes how you're thinking about your project in a positive way. Choose an architect or firm where you will get the time and attention of the person you're interviewing-- it's fine (and desirable) for a lot of the work to be done by assistants and draftspeople, but you want the person you talk to to be the one driving the design, not have it handed off to a junior assistant you haven't met. Know your weaknesses and hire someone who will fill the gaps-- if you are extremely detail oriented you want an architect who can help you envision the big, sweeping overall vision, for example, or if you are very focused on function and efficiency you may want to hire someone who can add artistry and flair. Both of you, of course, then need to be able to engage in a conversation and make the compromises that produce a delightful outcome....See MoreRay Finer
4 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
4 years agoCharles Ross Homes
4 years agoriverrat1
4 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
4 years agoRay Finer
4 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
4 years agoSummit Studio Architects
4 years agolexma90
4 years agoRay Finer
4 years agodoc5md
4 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
4 years agoL thomas
4 years agoRay Finer
4 years agoL thomas
4 years agoCharles Ross Homes
4 years agoRay Finer
4 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
4 years agolive_wire_oak
4 years agoRay Finer
4 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
4 years agoGreenDesigns
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4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago
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