Every team member in a construction project is essential to a great outcome, but your Architect is where it all begins. They are the key to making sure your space feels the way you want it to and functions the way you need it to. No matter the size of your project, your Architect has a big impact on your project success.
Your success is our success, so we put together our top 5 steps to selecting the right Architect for you.
Step 1: Consider your project needs and wants.
Maybe you know exactly what you need and maybe you only have a rough outline. Either way, thinking through some of the basics will help you have a better understanding of what you are looking for in both a new space and in an Architect. This will also help the Architect have an understanding of where you are starting.
Some questions to consider:
What are your budget requirements? Are you looking for additional programming? Do you need more space? Are you focusing on employee retention/attraction? Have you gotten any feedback from employees? When do you need your project completed by?
Step 2: Determine if they will bring value.
Hiring an Architect goes far beyond whether or not they can design a space. You want to hire an Architect that will design a beautiful space and bring value to that space. Sometimes this may mean that they challenge you on what you think you want or need – but that is exactly what you want.
Some questions to consider:
What are your project priorities when designing a space? When is a time you have avoided risk due to your ideas and planning? What are some examples of you bringing value to a project?
Step 3: Ask the right questions.
Whether you are meeting with one firm or three firms, knowing the right questions to ask will give you insight into working with them. It will also give you the chance to get to know them a little bit and establish a baseline trust. You want to be able to trust your Architect…and you want other people that trust your Architect.
Some questions to consider:
Do you have a good relationship with local contractors (bonus points for references)? What are your company values? What is your favorite project you have designed and why? How did you handle a situation where you knew what a client was asking for was not the best path?
Step 4: Reach out to past clients.
The best way to know what you can expect from working with an Architect? Pick up the phone and give their past clients a call. If you can, cold call. Be open and ask for honest feedback on their experience. They have first-hand knowledge about a very important decision for your project so listen well and ask questions.
Step 5: Is there Chemistry?
While this one may sound unusual (we aren’t saying you have to be best friends), you want to have good chemistry with your Architect. You are going to have many conversations with that person over the course of your project and you want to make sure that they are willing to get to know you and answer your questions as well.
Whether you are thinking about a project in 5 months or 5 years, finding the right Architect is essential to your project’s success. It’s never too early to start looking. Our Architecture team would love the opportunity to answer any questions or talk through any future plans. Reach out today to start a conversation!