Selecting an architect

Some items to keep in mind when pondering or comparing
architect’s fees:

• the jist of the scope of services provided;
• the qualifications of the architect;
• is this person a licensed architect?;
• is this person especially qualified for your particular job?;
• the amount of time the architect intends to spend on the job;
• the assessment of the interpersonal chemistry between the architect and you, the client.

The job performed

Many remodeling jobs may not require an architect. An architect can make valuable contributions however, whether or not an architect is actually required is something else. In a recent online conversation, one of our listserve members made the following observations:

• DRAWINGS: Consider what a builder or contractor could do from 8.5 x 11 clipboard work sheets in a checklist format, in contrast to full architectural drawings, specifications and engineering calculations from an architect. What scale/scope of work will the architect or other person provide: a detail level and style ranging from "clipboard" to "architectural drawings?" What is appropriate for the job?
• AVAILABILITY: How available will the arcchitect or other person be during the finish and hardware selection or constrution-administration phases? How necessary or useful will that person be during these phases? Perhaps a builder or handyperson only has the time to do a limited job, or certain aspects of the project's potential, and leave the rest out of the discussion, preliminarily or entirely.
• ROLES: In the case of a remodeled kitchen or bathroom, when does the architect hand over the project to a designer if there is one involved? If there is to be a kitchen/bath designer, what are the respective roles of the architect or designer?
• SERVICE: What level of quality services should be requested, expected or received?
• RELATIONSHIPS: Has the architect or other person worked with the builder or subcontractors before, and did they work together well?
• SCOPE: An architect might give the client a better idea of the potential for a building because the builder might not have the experience, training, confidence or initiative to see beyond the client's first couple questions.

In conclusion, it’s important to know that an architect may not always be required or appropriate in some cases. Just as importantly though, an architect has made a fundamental and career-long commitment to making projects go smoothly, and in the sense of pride in professional services, the architect feels their services will make the project a better project—adding value to it that no other person or profession can. As architects, we hope to improve the value and roles of all of those involved in the development, design, construction and associated industries and professions in the days and years ahead of us, as we build and improve our homes and communities.

One last comment

The St. Louis Regional Green Building Council, a regional chapter of the U.S.G.B.C., was recently formed. In addition to finding an architect experienced with rehab, you should make sure that person is versed in sustainable design.This way you can be sure that your final product is healthy, durable, and has minimal impact on our planet. And most important, your long-term cost of owning the building will be reduced due to increased energy efficiency.

To read the St. Louis Regional Green Building Council's brochure, click on the PDF link in the sidebar or call chapter coordinator Deb Chollet at 577-0220.

For more information, see our Green Building page.