Each architect has his or her own style, approach to design, and methods of work. Therefore, it’s important to find an architect who understands your personal tastes and needs. If you have already worked with a particular architect and feel comfortable, it makes sense to call him or her again. If not, you’ll have to do a little work.

A LITTLE HOMEWORK GOES A LONG WAY

First, think carefully about your building needs and goals. Do you need more space? What activities will be housed in the space? How much can you spend on the project? How will you finance it? Where will it be located? Do you plan to do some of the work yourself? Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers. The architect can help you clarify your goals, if necessary.

Start building a list of potential architects. Find out who designed projects that you like in your local community. Get recommendations from friends, relatives, acquaintances, and utilize AIA’s Architect Finder.

Check to see if the architect is a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Membership in the AIA means that the architect subscribes to a professional code of ethics and has access to a variety of professional and technical resources. Visit AIA’s ‘Find an Architect’ feature on the web.

Call each firm on your list. Describe your project and ask if they are available to take on your project. If they are, request literature outlining the firm’s qualifications and experience. If the office is unable to handle your project, ask if they can suggest another firm.

The materials you receive from interested firms might include a letter of interest, brochures, fact sheets, photos of past work, and biographical material about key personnel. Look beyond the style of the brochure to determine which firms have the right experience and capabilities for your project. At this point, you should be able to narrow your list to two or three architects you will interview.

TALKING CHEMISTRY

The interview is crucial because it gives you a chance to meet the people who will design your project and to see if the chemistry is right. Remember, you will be working with the architect for a long time. You want someone with whom you feel comfortable.

Allow at least an hour for the interview. The meeting might take place at the architect’s office – helpful because you can see where the work will be done. Or the interview could be held at your home or office – helpful because the architect can learn more about your project and needs – whichever feels right. The architect may show you slides or photographs of past work and describe how the firm’s experience and expertise will help you. While many architects do not charge for this initial meeting, some do. Before the interview, ask if there is a fee.

During the interview, ask questions. How busy is the firm? Does it have the capacity to take on your work? Who will handle the job? Insist on meeting the person who will actually design the project. What is the firm’s design philosophy? How does the architect intend to approach your project? How interested is the firm in your job? Talk about your budget and find out the range of fees that the architect would anticipate for your project. Before making a final selection, ask the architect to take you to a completed project. It is proper to ask your architect for references from past clients. These references are invaluable.

If, during the course of the discussion, there is something you don’t understand, ask the architect for clarification. If you feel intimidated or if the architect doesn’t explain things in a way that you can understand, then he or she may not be right for you.

A WORD ABOUT HOW ARCHITECTS GET PAID

How architects charge for their services can be confusing to first-time clients. There is no set fee for a particular type of project. Fees are established in a number of ways, depending on the kind of project, and the amount and nature of the services best-suited to your unique needs.

As in most professions, the experience of the architect will determine the hourly rate an individual will charge. The size and complexity of a project is also a major consideration when an architect evaluates the scope of work involved. No two projects are alike. Every building project has its own unique challenges; therefore, an architect’s fee is not based on design work alone. It reflects design, project management, zoning and code reviews, and construction administration, among other potential contractual responsibilities.

Some projects are best done at hourly rates; others for a stipulated sum per unit, based on what is to be built (for example, the number of square feet, apartments, rooms, etc.). Some architects charge a fixed fee; others charge a percentage of construction costs. The architect may suggest a combination of the above methods. The basis for the fee, the amount, and payment schedule are issues for you and your architect to work out together.

Clients are encouraged to discuss with an architect the advantages and disadvantages of a specific fee basis for a particular project.

MAKING THE FINAL CUT

Ultimately, you will choose the architect whom you trust, and feel is right for your project. Unlike buying a car or a new appliance, you can’t see the final product and test it out. The architect provides professional services, not a product. The right architect will be the one who can provide the judgment, technical expertise, and creative skills at a reasonable cost to help you realize a project that fits your practical needs and goals.

GET IT IN WRITING

Once you have found the right architect, you are ready to put in writing the terms of your agreement on the scope of work, services, schedule, construction budget, and architect’s compensation. This written agreement can take many forms. The AIA has developed a variety of standard contract forms which are used industrywide.

TEAMWORK

The best building projects are created when the client and architect work together as a team. Take an active role. Don’t delegate decision-making to a spouse or business partner unless you are prepared to live with his or her decisions.

Designing a building is an exciting, creative challenge. The process can be fun, satisfying, and positive. If at any time during the design process you are uncomfortable, discuss your concerns with your architect. You don’t want the architect to control the project to the point that the building is no longer yours. But you also want to be careful not to restrict the architect so much that you are not getting your money’s worth in terms of design creativity.

WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST AN ARCHITECT FULFILL TO BECOME LICENSED?

The State of North Carolina requires a comprehensive combination of education and practical experience (internship) prior to sitting for the architectural licensing exam. A typical combination would be a five-year professional architecture degree or master’s degree from an accredited college and three years of practical experience working under the supervision of a licensed architect. After those requirements are completed an verified, the candidate can apply to take a seven-part examination administered by the North Carolina Board of Architecture. Upon passing the exam and paying the necessary fees, he or she becomes a registered architect who is licensed to practice in North Carolina. Licensure assures the public that the architect has received the necessary training to protect their health, safety, and welfare.

DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT?

While requirements can vary depending on the type of project, the scope of work and the location, construction documents prepared and sealed by a North Carolina-licensed architect are often necessary in order to obtain building permits. A call to your local building official will clarify the requirements in your area. Additionally, the zoning codes of many municipalities specify a number of conditions that must be followed when building a new structure or adding on or remodeling an existing structure. Architects are qualified to review these requirements and prepare the necessary documents for approval.

LOOK FOR THE AIA INITIALS

The American Institute of Architects, founded in 1857, is the professional organization for more than 65,000 licensed architects and associated professionals. AIA architects remain current with professional standards through continuing education and subscribe to a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that assure clients, the public, and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice.

Involving an AIA architect at the earliest stage in project planning allows for a better opportunity to analyze your needs, develop effective solutions, and propose more ways to control costs from the beginning. With a broad understanding of design and construction, an AIA architect can help guide you through the entire process more smoothly.