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Luna Design Group
You’ve got the idea for a project, you’ve got the money, you’ve done your homework and found the perfect architect. Now what?
You are about to trust someone to take you through one of the most exciting and challenging times as a homeowner.
To keep everyone smiling at the cocktail party two years later in your fabulous home, here are my top 16 sixteen tips on developing and preserving a successful relationship with your architect.
Here are the 16 tips for working with an architect:
1. Have a clear understanding of the achitect’s scope of services in the contract.
Although many a building was built on a handshake, many a relationship has been ruined because of a failure to actually understand the agreement. Have a written contract identifying what the architect’s role is in your project. At a minimum, any agreement should address the following:
• What are the services to be provided throughout the project?
• What are the costs?
• How will changes be addressed?
• How long will it take?
• What is excluded?
• How will mistakes be handled?
• How will disputes be resolved?
• What are the architect’s responsibilities with the builder?
2. Meet before the start of any design work.
Spend a couple of hours with the architect, before he or she begins work, to talk in detail about the project. At least one visit should be spent walking the site or your home (if a renovation/ addition) to talk about opportunities and challenges. Have pictures of homes you like and be ready to explain why they interest you.
3. Manage your expectations
Rank the three main components of any project -- scope/ size, quality, and budget -- in order of importance. A clear understanding of what is paramount lays the foundation for a successful project and keeps your expectations reasonable.
4. Be open to new ideas
You are hiring someone for their conceptual talent; let them show you what they are capable of within your project’s parameters. Try to dispel any preconceptions of what you think the project should be.
5. Make sure you and your architect understand permitting requirements.
Your architect should have an understanding of the required permits before starting the project. However, regulations vary substantially by community. Understand the process and timing for permitting. Nothing will derail a project faster than a failure to understand the permit process or failure to obtain necessary approval.
6. Make sure you understand what the architect is explaining to you.
Architects are visualizing three-dimensional form and space but, typically, presenting their ideas using two-dimensional drawings. Make sure you understand what you are looking at. If you don’t understand, tell the architect immediately and ask for another means to view the proposed design (i.e. 3-dimensional or computer models, artistic renderings, etc.) If you don’t like what is being presented, tell him or her. Don’t be shy about expressing your feelings.
7. Determine who will be the day-to-day spokesman. If there is a disagreement between you and your significant other, come to a consensus outside the meeting with the architect.
Determine who will be the point person in relaying information to the architect, so there is a clear channel of communications. If you and your significant other disagree, work it out between you before directing the architect to continue work. As an architect, nothing is worse than watching a couple squabble at a meeting. Have a united front. You are paying someone for his or her time, so use it wisely and economically.
8. Understand costs as early as possible.
Once you have an acceptable conceptual design, determine preliminary costs before proceeding. I typically recommend involving a builder(s) at this point. Always add a design contingency with the first cost. My office typically recommends a 30% design contingency.
9. Meet regularly to discuss the development of the design and cost implications.
Design extends beyond floor plans and building elevations. Understand what is going in to your house according to the architect’s design, and what will be left up to you and the builder.
10. Allow time to digest what is being presented to you.
Beginning construction as soon as possible is always desired. However, don’t let this rush you into making decisions too quickly. Allow yourself time to fully understand your choices and make informed decisions.
11. Make a decision, and stick to it.
Once you make a decision, please try to keep it. The architect is preparing final drawings and specifications to give to the builder based upon your choices. Making changes costs time and money and will quickly raise the frustration level among all parties.
12. Have the architect help you find the right builder.
Once the project moves into construction, the builder becomes the dominant player in moving the project forward. Whether you involve your architect in construction or not, have the architect help determine if the builder is qualified for your project. If the architect is involved through construction, it’s extremely important everyone works well together. Construction is the worst time to deal with power struggles.
13. Have the architect assist in the preparation of and/or review of the builder’s contract.
Just as you prepared the right contract for hiring your architect, have the architect help you with the builder’s contract. There are numerous industry standard contracts available to help you negotiate the right construction contract. Your architect should have access and a working knowledge of these agreements.
14. Meet regularly throughout the construction process.
If your architect is working with you and your builder through construction, meet regularly throughout the process. This allows the architect to monitor the progress and quality of work, as well as address any field concerns. No matter how detailed, no set of drawings is perfect. The architect’s involvement in the field will be an invaluable resource in resolving problems. The architect can also assist in approving payments and changes in the work.
15. Run all field changes through the architect first.
Most homeowners make changes once they physically see their home built, and my office regularly expects this. However, some changes are based on an initial emotional reaction to seeing something for the first time, and not understanding what comes next or what is affected by changing it. Run your proposed changes by the architect so he or she can tell you what these changes will entail and possibly cost. Let the architect be your spokesperson in presenting these changes to the builder.
16. Lastly, enjoy the process.
You and your architect will develop a close relationship through this process. As with any relationship, being a good listener/communicator, having a sense of humor, showing respect for one another, and being willing to compromise will build a relationship that extends well beyond the completion of your project.