When you are planning a construction project for your business or personal use, you are set to build a lasting, well-functioning space that will serve the purpose you have in mind. Coordinating all the operations is a crucial part of your project’s success, and an architect is one of the most important experts to work with from the moment your vision starts to materialize.
Choosing the right architect for your project takes the ability to envision the final result, and to communicate efficiently with your teams. Read on to see what to look for when choosing the architect for your project.
Check AIA Architect Lists
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a very useful directory of certified architects in the US, and it’s a good starting point when making your shortlist. You can browse licensed architects and refine your search based on the type of projects they specialize in. A good filtering criterion is the size of the projects they have in their portfolio, as it’s an indicator that they won’t be on new ground when working with you.
Look For Peer Recommendations
Peer recommendations are always useful, whether you’re planning a residential or commercial project, but especially for the latter. One way of finding good recommendations is to contact business owners who have developed projects similar to what you have in mind. Ask them what architecture firm they worked with and note these listings as verified ones.
Start Contacting Architect Firms
Ideally, you should get proposals from at least 3 different architects. It’s better to have direct contact with these firms and get to a preliminary direct discussion about your project. This will also give you an idea of how well you communicate if they fit your personality or not, and what to expect from your collaborations.
The main points of discussion should revolve around project delivery methods, contractors they usually work with, and the cost of service and timeline.
Finding The Right Architect
The right architect for your project is one who understands your needs, the purpose of the space you want to build, and who can manage the resources you will invest. You can choose from small or big firms, general and specialized ones.
If you are planning to build a gathering place or avenue for social gatherings or a business bringing people to your location, contact Henderson Architect via our online form or by calling 707-237-5240. We are the ideal partner for ambitious projects in hospitality, industry, commerce, and retail, and we are ready to show you what we can do.