Can you hire architects/designers just the drawings/renderings?

4 years ago

Hello. We have the most awkward shaped backyard/back of the house/roof. We would like to hire someone to design our future back patio extension. We need someone to look at the area and tell us how to best utilize the space, where to put the kitchen, furniture, tv, fans, outlets, things to avoid, etc. I want to be able to see the design.

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Comments (6)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Yes. But be prepared to pay for the design. And focus in on those designers that specialize in outdoor kitchens.
Chris
4 years ago
When looking for a designer, I would look for a Landscape Architect** or Landscape Designer specifically. A good outdoor designer, will consider issues of drainage, underground and overhead utilities, soil, planting, microclimates, and other existing site conditions when determining the placement, size and function of your outdoor space.

**Depending on where you live, a Registered Landscape Architect may be significantly more expensive. Some states and provinces protect the title "Landscape Architect" and require specific registration exams, university degree requirements, and work experience to be called a Landscape Architect. If you are in one of these locations, a good, local, landscape designer may be more feasible financially for a residential yard design.
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For a minimal drafting fee, an architect should not normally be willing to put his/her name on a drawing because all states hold architects to a much higher standard of liability for the design of any kind of building even if an architect's services are not required by law. The presence of an architect's name on a set of drawings could actually make him/her responsible for the mistakes of others if it is not made clear in the contract what parts of the design the architect is not responsible for especially if he/she was not hired to provide construction phase services. But even if the scope of services is clear in the contract, the architect can still be a sitting duck for 3rd party claims because of his/her liability insurance. Most claims are made against all of the insured parties regardless of responsibility or fault in the hope that the various insurance companies will settle within the various deductible amounts and then be able to raise their rates making a profit from everyone's loss. Therefore, what a homeowner might ask/expect of an architect and what a court might hold him/her responsible for can be quite different. This is why architects often will not provide drafting-only services unless they are either very inexperienced or desperate for work. In other words, it is much safer (in terms of liability for 3rd party claims) for an uninsured, unlicensed draftsman to try to expand his/her architectural services than for an architect to scale his/her services back to drafting only. If that makes sense, it might help to better explain why an architect's fee for a homeowner pre-designed structure might be higher than the market will to bear.
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We went through a similar experience with a design-build firm too - we came in 40% higher than our budget. We spelled everything out in advance and it was documented in our contract, so I felt that all parties were operating from the same page. We basically went back to the drawing board, took a hard look at the subs costs (most everything is subbed out) and our budget for this project. It was a compromise and took seven more months to get started. Luckily we had time on our side. At the end of the day I think it takes time, patience, knowledge and lots of research...and more patience.
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Or if you don't want a house that's a disaster because there aren't strict codes; codes that protect people from shoddy work or bad engineering. For example, I'm in FL. After hurricane Andrew, codes became much stricter and thankfully so since most of the homes that blew apart in Homestead wouldn't have if they were built to stricter codes with things like hurricane strapping. So you want to double your cost so that it shows hurricane strapping on the plan? You don't need an architect to add hurricane strapping, your builder can easily accommodate that. If you receive shoddy work, I recommend finding another builder. We're getting ready to do a whole house remodel and addition to our one story home. We've found a builder that we like and will be working with an architect to prepare our plans. I'm anticipating that working with an architect will give us the cohesive exterior look we want, as opposed to an addition that looks like it was just an afterthought slapped on to the original house. I'm hoping for a finished design that looks like a beautifully renovated farmhouse that was added on over time. I'm also hoping to achieve the most ideal layout, since the current footprint is so lacking. I know what I want but need help translating that into a workable design. I think you're making the right decision.
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Good golly, I never put enough info. In, as I rarely post my own... We've been taking a room at a time for 25 years, raised kids, and lived. I've done as much of the research as possible, including talking to the centurian who was cousins with the original family 10 years ago. I took lots of notes! We've improved and historically restored many features. When boards were rotted, DH had cutters made and remilled. When we did the back portion we milled the front trim work to match. I'm flummoxed about this particular transition space. It litterally connects the back with the front. This area is part of the 1898 addition. A few years ago I consulted a professional from UVA. He basically said, it's a Victorian farmhouse, there's no right answers, just wrong! I think we've done well with no wrong, now I'm looking for best ;^) The beadboard goes into center hall and under steps. So, that means I keep it, lower it to match center hall or out it goes? Doric columns stay or gets replaced with largeish round or paneled square posts, Victorian like..... There's a twin 15 minutes away to ours except it is 10% larger, just like you hit the 10% on the copier! I can't that you guys enough for taking the time to advise!
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Just a note but I am unaware of anywhere in the US where a Landscape Architect title can be legally used by anyone who is NOT a registered/licensed Landscape Architect. It is very much a protected title and a professional designation, much like that of a doctor or lawyer.

In my area, few LA's work on residential projects unless very high end. In most cases, licensed landscape architects plan and design public outdoor spaces, such as parks, campuses, public gardens, cemeteries, commercial centers, resorts, transportation facilities, and waterfront developments. They also design and plan the restoration of natural places disturbed by humans such as wetlands, stream corridors, mined areas, and forested land. Big projects, big fees.
Chris
4 years ago
That's great that the title is protected throughout the U.S. I'm not sure where Jennifer is from so I figured I would add the caveat, some places you can call yourself a landscape architect without registration, other places the practice and title are protected with specific registration, education, and exam requirements.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
In the US, the title, licensing and registration of landscape architects is overseen by the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA) and the Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Boards (CLARB). In much the same way that AMA the licensing and registration of doctors :-)
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
You can hire a LSA or a designer to put a plan together. You then can contact landscapers to bid the project based on the design. Generally LSA's work with landscapers and could recommend someone to bid.

We have worked many times with LSA's when they are working with a common client.

We have 3D capability so clients can see projects before starting. Most LSA's I believe, are using the same technology.

Can you hire architects/designers just the drawings/renderings?

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Chris

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