Find Architects and Hire Architects
Finding any architect is easy. Finding the right architect that will work for you is another matter.
You see, most architects are not business people nor do they understand the value of professional client engagement. When you called an architect, did they take time out for you and really listen to your needs, big or small? Is their website all about how fancy their own designs are? Some architects are only after projects where they can push their agenda forward, regardless of client needs or goals. Finally, some architects just get overwhelmed with customer contact and project management. Finding the right architect for your project is simple: You are searching for a talented expert that will provide you with all your architectural needs for a reasonable price. When you find this architect, you can confidently hire this architect.
When should you start looking for an architect?
If you are planning to build a new home or start a large business or institutional development project, you should review the following list of preliminary project stages:
- Planning - making sure you know your development goals and that the proper financial plan is supporting the project
- Find and hire an architect that will bring value to your project. Taking the time to ask the right questions and to check references is a good place to start. Have experienced legal counsel review all contracts.
- Identify the property that will be developed. Your architect can help you select a reputable real estate agents.
- Select and hire a building contractor. Have experienced legal counsel review all contracts.
List of where you can find an architect in the Okanagan:
- Use Google to search for an architect. Contact them and make sure to evaluate them for how attentive they are to your needs.
- Talk to friends and family who are comfortable referring an architect. Remember, finding an architect is easy, but finding the right architect is a bit more involved.
- Talk to other professionals like your dentist, lawyer, or realtor about their architectural experiences. Again, everyone knows an architect, but are they the right architect?
- Local home design and real estate magazines may also feature projects or advertising for architects.
Once you have located potential architects, make sure to ask them these questions before you hire them for your project:
- What are the services provided by the architect?
- How busy is the architect?
- How is the architect uniquely positioned to provide quality service?
- How does the architect establish fees?
- What are the steps in the design process?
- What does the architect expect you to provide?
- What is the architect's design philosophy?
- What is the architect's experience with cost estimating?
- If the scope of the project changes later in the project, how does the architect adjust feeds?
- What services does the architect provide during construction?
- How long does the architect expect it to take to complete the project?
- Does the architect have a list of past clients that can be contacted for references?
- Can the architect help manage the project budget wisely?
- Does the architect have the experience to guide my green design and green energy goals?
- How can the architect help me during the early stages of decision making?
- How will my residence or commercial project grow with new needs?
- Has the architect completed projects like this before?
- Can the architect help me find a builder?
- Can the architect help me find a real estate agent that will help find land?
- What does the architect see as important issues or considerations with the project?
- What are the challenges of the project?
- What is the architects experience with working with local building code regulators?
- How will the architect establish priorities and make decision?
- Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly for the entire project?
- Who will lead the designing of the project?
- How interested is the architect in this project?
Finally, make sure to treat your decision to hire the right architect professionally. Check references and make sure clients were happy with the services rendered. Once you have confirmed your decision, contact your lawyer or find a lawyer that specializes in development law and have all contracts reviewed. Small contracts or contracts for small services may not require legal review, but larger design projects and projects where project management is involved should always be professionally reviewed.
