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How to find an architect that is a good fit for you and your project.
Hiring an architect can be a daunting task especially when you don't know where to start and you don't know much about the architectural process , planning approvals or construction. This article aims to break down the essentials of hiring an architect , demystify some frequently asked questions and provide some guidance in the process.
Before you engage an architect
It is important as a client to have your ducks in a row before engaging a professional. Knowing or having some basic idea of what you want will go a long way in helping your future architect come up with a design that best suits you and your vision. This does not mean you have to conduct extensive research or start drawing up plans , it just means asking a few basic questions :
Project checklist
What is the aim of my project ? Is it to make better use of the space I have or create a new experience?
What type of architecture do I enjoy or not enjoy? e.g. Do you like open plan spaces or prefer niches that are less busy.
What style of architecture do you enjoy ? You can look for specific examples on websites like Pinterest or Houzz for inspiration and ideas. This will give your architect a better idea of your individual personality and what you like.
Have a rough idea of how much quantifiable space you will need . This is important for estimating cost.
What is your budget and do you need additional financing ?
Are there any potential big ticket items that you really want ? e.g A big pool , a new fireplace etc.
What is my timeline ? When do I hope to start this project and are there any time constraints involved in my project.
Speaking of constraints. If your property is within a housing estate , find out what their rules and regulations are and if they need to approve your designs.
If your are altering an existing property , do you have the previously approved plans for the property? Do you need to request them from the city council ? If you don't have approved plans this may significantly increase the time your project will take as new plans will need to be drawn from scratch.
Finding the right architect for you
Before you open up the 'googler' and start requesting quotes there are a few things to consider. Architecture is a very cutthroat business many architects will offer a lower price simply to undercut their competitors and get the job. Many of the people who offer the lowest price possible may not even be fully qualified or may be working under the supervision of another architect. Always remember 'you get what you pay for' , the lowest quote may not be the best . Always ask the professional what qualification they have and ask for some evidence of this.
Here are a few questions that you can ask your future potential architects:
How do they charge , is it per m² or is it proportionate to the project cost ?
Ask them what their design process is ?
Ask them for a portfolio of previous work , a CV or a link to their website or social media architecture posts.
Ask them for a their professional registration no. You can search the South African Council for the Architectural Profession's registrations index for specific individuals to confirm their registration : https://sacap.site-ym.com/search/
Ask them to meet with you or visit your site before quoting on your project. This will often yield a more accurate quote and you will also get a better sense of who they are face to face.
Ask them what planning permissions are involved and how long it would take. This is a good way of measuring their experience .If they can't answer this question , chances are they haven't completed many projects.
You may also think that reading online reviews of specific companies on platforms such as Yelp might be helpful .However , architectural services are not something that people often think to review , so you will not find many. You will also not find reviews of specific individual professionals on such platforms. Due to the varied nature of different projects that an architect might be engaged with the reviews that you will find , what little there are, are generally not very helpful.
Where to find an architect
Most architects are hired though word of mouth by friends or family based on previously completed work . Failing that , other channels such as google or social media might be utilized . Design is a deeply personal process ; remember that wherever you find your architect it is important to find an architect that is right for you and your project needs. For example , hiring a very busy commercial architect for a small house alteration may not be a good fit as such a professional may not be able to give you the time that your project needs.
Here are a few ideas of where you can find potential architects:
Through the connections of family and friends as mentioned above.
Go to a construction site of a similar project as the one you are embarking on in your area and find out who the architect is . This is also beneficial as you can see the quality of the architect and builders work first hand unfiltered.
A google search for local architects in your area. This may often direct you to the top architecture firms in your area. These generally are well established medium to large practices. However , depending on the project you are doing , these may not necessarily be a good fit for you and their prices could be entirely out of your price range .
Social media such as Facebook , Instagram and Youtube. As architecture is a visual art these platforms are very useful to be able to see the professionals work and gauge their experience.
You could also try one of many sites that offer free quotes , like Procompare for example (http://www.procompare.co.za) . These sites will enable you to get a much broader spectrum of professionals to choose from and compare quotes with all in one space.
When you've found the 'one'
Ok so you have been through all of the above and you are happy with an architects price and the quality of their work , now what ? Despite your best efforts to be thorough in your architect vetting process above , there are many professionals who aren't as they a appear. Working with a professional or a company the first time can be risky and there are many professionals who will fall short of their professional responsibilities . The proof is in the pudding and you will only truly get to know how someone will perform in the craft of architecture when working with them firsthand in a real situation.
Here are some things you can do to protect yourself against unsavory professionals:
Do your research on the professional before formally appointing them (as per the above section on finding the right architect).
Never pay the full fee amount upfront. If the professional requires an upfront payment , always ask for a part payment of the service upfront. Agree a percentage with the professional based on the overall professional fee agreed and do so before commencing the project . Insist on having this in writing.
Sign a contract that protects you and the professional . This will ensure that you have agreed terms should there be a dispute. You can ask your professional for a standard contract with standard terms or find one here : www.sacap.co.za & www.saiat.org.za
If there are any approvals necessary for your project , always get the approval in writing . Often the body that grants the approval will stamp your plans ; always insist on getting the original or a copy of the relevant approved plan. Keep this copy safe and ensure that you have a digital copy of the same.
As mentioned hiring an architect is a deeply personal choice .Finding the right fit may take time and effort on your part , however having the right fit can elevate and enhance your ideas and you may end up with a finished product that exceeds your expectations. Furthermore an architect can only produce their best work when you as the client have a clear vision of what you need. Your project is a reflection of you and your architect . If you are indecisive and unclear that will translate into your project and cause delays and unwanted stress. If you are architect is lacking , that can also hinder your vision.
That about wraps up todays post. If you are in need of a quote or advice , please reach out to Studio-T or use the request a quote tab in the site menu. If you have any questions , comments or feedback please feel free to leave them down below.
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