Hiring an architect is a significant decision that can greatly influence the outcome of your new home design or renovation project. Here are several important factors to consider before hiring an architect:
Levels of Architectural Service: Write down all of the things you want. An addition, a renovation, both, an accessory dwelling unit, or maybe a new home altogether. While an architect has more technical knowledge that may make them a great candidate for the difficulty of renovating or adding onto an existing structure, the artisan level thinking that goes into a fully custom new home is on a whole different playing field that requires domestically keen, sculpturally sensitive, geniusly thoughtful planning that exceeds your expectations. This Old House put together a wonderful article that breaks down their take on hiring the right person.
Credentials and Licensing: Each State in the USA has their own oversight to the requirements needed to be allowed to draw the construction documents of a new home. Many States, like Massachusetts, Hawaii, Rhode Island or Vermont do not require construction drawings needed for permitting a single family (home) residence to be stamped by an Architect under a certain square footage. Always check your State requirements for the law in your area.
Collaborative Approach: A good architect should be willing to collaborate with you. In an age of information readily available for our use, a modern architect or home designer should shepherd the clients through an early design process by showing them ways to collect visual information that can help them decide on the details of the dream custom home design, like using Pinterest. Many firms use standard designs as a marketing tool to help give clients the feeling of having a head start. Our team has experienced this working and not working before- customizing is at the heart of why we dare to dream. Customizing a standard design will usually result in just as much time spent as a from scratch design. Working with an architect or home designer near you who has the time to converse and interface extensively may be an asset to your overall most positive experience in this once in a lifetime decision.
Before making a final decision, it's a good idea to interview multiple architects, ask them specific questions related to your project, and assess their responses based on your priorities. This thorough approach will help you find an architect who is the right fit for your project and can turn your vision into reality.
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