4 Reasons Not to Hire an Architect
Starting a new project can be daunting and challenging. Selecting a contractor is crucial to the project, but I would argue that selecting a quality architect is as much or more important. A good architect can make or break a project; they will help and communicate with the contractor throughout the process. A bad architect or designer will draw plans with little information and not be available throughout the construction process. There is so much that goes into the process of developing a fully fleshed out floor plan, exterior visuals, construction methods, and details. If you don’t feel the need to hire a licensed architect though, here are four reasons why I would not hire an architect to do such a demanding project.
“My Architect just saved me too much time.”
Architects take the load off of their client’s schedules. Often they respond to dozens of emails about minutia that many people don’t know exists; the idea coefficient of friction (COF) rating for exterior tiles, the type of roofing membrane to select (TPO vs PVC vs EPDM), or the door hardware requirements for certain spaces based on their use. Managing all of these details can be time consuming and architects become a centralized project manager, overseeing the response and design of every facet of a project.
For our clients we perform the following services to save them time: feasibility study at the outset of the project; initial conversations with the city to verify all needed documentation; comparing varying bids from engineers and consultants; addressing contractor’s questions in a timely manner; taking notes of meetings and interactions to make sure everyone is on the same page, etc.
We want help make this process exciting and simple. Desiging a home, office, building, or development is stressful. We act as a crucial part of the team to help reduce that stress and ensure the experience is intentional and exciting.
“Their design process was too helpful and too engaging.”
While designing a space, we use various tools and resources to investigate your needs and desires. These activities help progress the design into a perfect fit for their budget, taste, and use. Often architects act as psychologists, using games and conversations to better understand things that are easy to miss. We try to shape these conversations and activities to engage you and educate you.
A large part of our philosophy is dedicated to the idea of phenomenology in architecture. That huge word (which I remember from associating it to “Mahna Mahna”, an old muppets song - “pheno-mena”) refers to the idea of shaping phenomenon in architecture. In other words, how we shape the experiences we have in a space.
Years ago, I visited Notre Dame in Paris. The intricate designs, vaulted ceilings, and stain glass windows all create a reverential feeling. We try to use architecture to shape the feelings you associate in your new project. The activities that we employ all go toward investigating what features to influence you in the architecture.
“Their construction drawings were too full of helpful information.”
When we design your home and create a series of plans for you, we act as thorough as possible. Our standard set of drawings contain 20-30 pages, containing various information: floor plans, sections, elevations, details, renderings, window and door schedules, site plans, grading and drainage details, code analyses, and much more. Your contractor will have helpful information to refer to so you can more closely control the design of your space. Because we are a full-service architecture firm, we will be with you throughout the entire process. As the contractor has questions concerning the drawings, we will adjust and clarify as needed.
This meticulous attention to detail helps greatly when the time comes to apply for building permits. Cities often respond positively to architecture plans with plenty of information. This signals to them that we as architects know what we are doing and can be trusted with all aspects of the project, not just the ones they are able to review.
“They saved me too much money by streamlining the design and construction process.”
Sometimes clients can see a benefit in not hiring a licensed architect and instead opting to select a designer, or a stock set of plans. In our experience, the cost savings of going this way are negligible. For example, a set of inadequate drawings provided a designer leads to multiple Change Orders throughout the project. One change order can easily be more expensive than the cost of hiring a proficient architect. In the short run, going with a designer will save you money, but over the course of the entire project those changes from the lack of information on plans will cost you more.
We want to provide you with the best services possible, not only because we find satisfaction in serving you, but because getting your project built is our ultimate goal. We could design the Taj Mahal, but if your resources don’t allow for its construction, then it’s just a pretty set of architecture drawings. Architecture is how we leave our mark on the world and we take your trust in designing that building very seriously.
