How to Work With an Architect
Architects blend beauty, function and structural integrity into a breathtaking package. Here's how to get the most from your collaboration
Lisa Frederick
July 19, 2012
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More
Whether you’re planning a simple addition to your house, a comprehensive remodel or a brand-new structure from scratch, the services of an architect can be a worthwhile investment in a home tailored to your specific site, taste and lifestyle.
What is an architect? Architects design buildings and often oversee their construction. Architects must earn a bachelor or master of architecture degree and complete a three-year internship that culminates in a rigorous multiday exam. The internships are managed through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB); all U.S. states and territories participate. Plans drawn up by architects are required to bear their license number, and they can be held liable for their projects’ structural integrity.
When to hire one: Architects work with their clients to develop unique home designs that meet the requirements of a building site, as well as their clients’ needs and lifestyle. If your plans involve building from scratch or altering your home’s footprint, building codes may require that an architect or engineer sign off on plans before construction starts, so check whether this is true in your city or state.
What it will cost: Architects’ fees vary widely according to the project type, location and many other factors. Although fees may be hourly (anywhere from $50 to $200 or more, depending on experience), they’re may also based on a percentage of total construction costs (often around 10 percent or more, depending on project and region), or a mix. Some architects will draw up a set of permitting plans for a flat rate.
When to hire one: Architects work with their clients to develop unique home designs that meet the requirements of a building site, as well as their clients’ needs and lifestyle. If your plans involve building from scratch or altering your home’s footprint, building codes may require that an architect or engineer sign off on plans before construction starts, so check whether this is true in your city or state.
What it will cost: Architects’ fees vary widely according to the project type, location and many other factors. Although fees may be hourly (anywhere from $50 to $200 or more, depending on experience), they’re may also based on a percentage of total construction costs (often around 10 percent or more, depending on project and region), or a mix. Some architects will draw up a set of permitting plans for a flat rate.
Seek architects from reputable sources. Houzz lists thousands of architects and designers in its professional directory. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), an architects' trade organization, also provides a directory and a referral service. A contractor you've chosen or have worked with in the past also may be able to recommend architects who would be a good fit for your project.
As with hiring any professional, schedule a first meeting to get a feel for whether the pro suits your style, needs and personality. Look at his or her online portfolio or ask to see photos of past jobs. Request references and be sure to follow up on them. The design and building process is fraught with unexpected events, so you'll want to hire someone who has a strong track record and with whom you get along and communicate well.
Keep in mind that different architects specialize in different styles and types of projects, so be sure you choose one who has experience with structures similar to the one you're planning.
As with hiring any professional, schedule a first meeting to get a feel for whether the pro suits your style, needs and personality. Look at his or her online portfolio or ask to see photos of past jobs. Request references and be sure to follow up on them. The design and building process is fraught with unexpected events, so you'll want to hire someone who has a strong track record and with whom you get along and communicate well.
Keep in mind that different architects specialize in different styles and types of projects, so be sure you choose one who has experience with structures similar to the one you're planning.
Do your homework. At the initial consultation, the architect will have a long list of questions about the ways you’ll want to use your space and the aesthetic and other goals you’d like it to satisfy. Be prepared to answer these thoroughly and thoughtfully. It can help to provide photos of homes or architectural features that appeal to you.
Make sure your ideas and the architect’s match. After getting your input about the project, the architect will draft a set of sketches to begin bringing your vision to life. Take your time reviewing these sketches and discuss anything that doesn’t jibe with your wish list for the space. It’s much, much easier to make changes at this stage than it is when the plans are firm and construction has begun.
After the sketch stage, the architect will draw up final, concrete plans. These often include a list of specified materials and other nuts-and-bolts items.
Don’t be shy about asking for help. Architects’ plans can be challenging for the untrained eye to decipher. Be sure you understand the details and ask your architect to explain any aspects that you find confusing.
See how to read a floor plan
Also, the process of gathering building permits can throw homeowners for a loop; your architect should be able to assist you and relieve some stress on your end. And an architect can ensure that the contractors’ work stays true to the plans for the space.
Seek input about fixtures, finishes and surfaces. If you aren’t working with an interior designer, ask your architect for guidance about paint colors and surface materials, as well as other features such as lighting. He or she likely will be able to offer good suggestions that will help the space to flow both visually and functionally.
Encourage site visits during construction. It will add to the bottom line, but having your architect on hand to be sure the plans are carried out correctly can save time, headaches and money in the long run.
Tell us: Architects and homeowners, please share your tips below!
More: Find architects and designers near you
Make sure your ideas and the architect’s match. After getting your input about the project, the architect will draft a set of sketches to begin bringing your vision to life. Take your time reviewing these sketches and discuss anything that doesn’t jibe with your wish list for the space. It’s much, much easier to make changes at this stage than it is when the plans are firm and construction has begun.
After the sketch stage, the architect will draw up final, concrete plans. These often include a list of specified materials and other nuts-and-bolts items.
Don’t be shy about asking for help. Architects’ plans can be challenging for the untrained eye to decipher. Be sure you understand the details and ask your architect to explain any aspects that you find confusing.
See how to read a floor plan
Also, the process of gathering building permits can throw homeowners for a loop; your architect should be able to assist you and relieve some stress on your end. And an architect can ensure that the contractors’ work stays true to the plans for the space.
Seek input about fixtures, finishes and surfaces. If you aren’t working with an interior designer, ask your architect for guidance about paint colors and surface materials, as well as other features such as lighting. He or she likely will be able to offer good suggestions that will help the space to flow both visually and functionally.
Encourage site visits during construction. It will add to the bottom line, but having your architect on hand to be sure the plans are carried out correctly can save time, headaches and money in the long run.
Tell us: Architects and homeowners, please share your tips below!
More: Find architects and designers near you
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This article isn't very insightful. It's very generic without any true "insights". Please improve this article because it ranks high is search results for "tips for working with an architect"
Anyone open to offering some advice?
We have been working with our architect who has not provided us with any designs within our budget and has completed construction documents for a design $100K over our budget. Even though he jumped the gun without knowing what potential construction costs would be he is now asking us to pay for another design within our budget and another set of construction documents. We are $10K in with him and don't know what to do. We feel this is his mistake and we shouldn't have to pay double. Anyone have any suggestions on how we should proceed?