Do I need an architect?
J. Glenwood
2 years ago
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Mark Bischak, Architect
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Do I need an architect for floor plan?
Comments (17)If your contractors are like the ones I've hired, they're not going to follow the plans anyway. It'll be generally the right size and shape, but unless you're there verifying each measurement it's not going to match the plans. If you've got guys like that doing your work there's not much point to paying for an architect. The only exception seems to be electricians, who will put things exactly where you want, if you give them measurements. Another issue you're going to face is that you can't know exactly how the addition will structurally fit into the existing building until you start removing parts of the building. At that point the contractor will probably start modifying the plans to fit what's already there, rather than rebuilding things. The later option is a lot more expensive and time consuming....See More2nd floor remodel. Need designer? Architech? Who?
Comments (2)Do you have any friends who've remodeled? I think word-of-mouth is the best way to get contacts for design professionals. That way you can see the work they've done and understand how your friends' experience went. We ended up using both a designer and an architect for our remodel. I'm sure there are designers who are comfortable with architectural issues and vice versa, but it turned out that the team we chose didn't overlap too much. We used the architect to help redesign our roof and raise our ceilings. We also moved a couple of walls and had to bring a structural engineer in (referred by the architect). We used our designer to plan kitchen layout, a new DR and family room and guest room (sizing, lighting, door placement, etc.). I was unpleasantly surprised at the cost of the designer, but I think a lot of that was due to how long it took my DH and me to choose between styles and colors. Good luck!...See MoreDo I need an architect or a designer?
Comments (6)I'm on the peninsula. It sounds like my scope of work is in the ballpark of yours. I ended up getting, via my realtor (who is well known and leader in my neighborhood), a designer and a GC that know each and have worked together. And they both know the custom cab maker. I talked to multiple GCs and designers before settling on these two. Finding folks through a deep referral (multiple projects) that have worked together makes everything seem less problematic/complex/risky. She's been great (so far; submitting permits soon.) Worth the money, for me. The GC's been clear about the division of responsibilities, what he needs from the designer and design. Certainly he needed things I didn't know how to answer. There is a little structural work on my project, possibly less than yours. The designer's working with a structural engineer to get the necessary plans to support the permits. It's a relatively small part. I'd guess there are great architects out there that would take on the work. I figure it's less about the title (for this scope of work) than it is the person. The designer's willing to be as full-service as I'd like, beyond plans and permits. I figured I was looking for folks that have worked together and that have contacts. I have a really good friend who's a GC but not local. Seemed too risky to have him come do the work on this scope: too many subs/suppliers/etc. needed that he had no connections with. I think having a separate GC and designer (could have been an architect) is working well. I guess with a different GC, they might be able to do the design but in the end, I kind of like having two sets of eyes on things. Not for dishonesty or anything, just more possible ideas to choose from. I have a very good friend who's an architect and who I've talked about the project with a lot. He's very happy with the plans the designer's created. She doesn't do landscaping ... but has contacts, of course....See MoreDo i need an architect or a designer?
Comments (5)I suggest you think about your needs in terms of the competencies required for the design task rather than the job title(s). 1.) You need someone to help translate your lifestyle needs into a liveable floor plan, 2.) you'll need someone with enough structural background to ensure the plan can be implemented without it becoming a major civil engineering project, and 3.) you'll need someone who can help assess the cost early in the design phase to ensure it can be realized within your budget. I've worked with both architects and designers who brought high level competencies 1.) and 2.) to projects as well as some who brought neither. With regard to assessing cost, you'll be well served to pay a remodeler to develop a line-item estimate of materials and trade labor for any portions of the construction you will not be doing yourself. Best wishes for a successful project....See MoreJ. Glenwood
2 years agoVerbo
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2 years agoJ. Glenwood
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2 years agoSabrina Alfin Interiors
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2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoJ. Glenwood
2 years agoJ. Glenwood
2 years agoJoseph Corlett, LLC
2 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
2 years agoVerbo
2 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
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2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoJ. Glenwood
2 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
2 years agoDiana Bier Interiors, LLC
2 years agoworthy
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
2 years agoSabrina Alfin Interiors
2 years agoWestCoast Hopeful
2 years agoDiana Bier Interiors, LLC
2 years agoWestCoast Hopeful
2 years agoSabrina Alfin Interiors
2 years agoJ. Glenwood
2 years ago
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