We own property and are looking to build a rural home in the near future. We have concepts and definite preferences but couldn’t find a stock plan even close. Looking to form our concepts into a cohesive whole, we researched architects and have interviewed three. PROBLEM: they were all personable, had impressive portfolios that seemed to match our values, listened as though they have no personal agenda or attitude problems, and all references have checked out positive.
I’m guessing we were either real lucky on the ones we chose to interview…or we may just be too new at the process to know any better. We’re in the process of combining second interviews with a site visit (all seemed amenable to that), and hopefully that process will see one move ahead of the others.
Many in our family are in construction trades, but no one has any experience with architects. Any suggestions on how to make the best selection when they all look strong?
–Kev
Replies
ask for references and check the references
see what their experience was...
Don't reject the one that seems a little against something you offer as an idea. That would be the one that isn't necessarily a "yes man". While you want to get what you want, you also might need some direction.
Their credentials are important but so is the feeling you get from the face to face.
After that, a little luck, and a good builder and nirvana should be just around the corner.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
You must have one of those buttons from Staples - That was Easy !!
While we were designing this abode we "shopped" around with a couple architects I knew in passing. We had the size, orientation and "ideas" of rooms we wanted in our house. We had a gorgeous lot in a nice small city-a chunk of rural just 5 blocks from the ice cream store and 6 from the bar. Cool thing was it was wooded and hillside (this in NW Oh where an overpass is considered a ski hill. 500 ft off the road, no jehovah witnesses in 20 yrs...........just so you get some background.
At any rate, we chose one to take our "plans" and put it together into a house. We couldn't be happier.
And that's the whole point isn't it Walter?
You're right-easy!A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I had much the same experience when we built.
Good set of plans to take to the CU - made some changes as we went , since we built it ourselves.
Good experience all around .
It's a pity when those that build don't have a good time.
Damn shame.
And usually avoidable.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Dale's Bar? The ice cream place on Dudley Street?
Not to mention furniture, bait and the MD fun home nearby. No need for a car.
Edited 3/11/2009 10:19 pm ET by shtrum
Dales would make it 6.5 blocks. Village Idiot is a fuzz closer. And not so much sports and burgers. More cleavage and ...........unusual.
Varied tastes on different nites.
Yup, we got it all.
Lately jobs across the street and across the ravine and a block-Harrison. In a month, end of the drive. This is getting too convenient.
I think I'm in love.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
They had no attitude problems? Can't be architects then . . . must be engineers. :)
(speaking as a member of the first group)
A good problem to have. Plenty of data in the archives about this too. Just some ephemera off the top of my head:
-- don't worry about cost (they're supposed to design to your budget)
-- quality trumps size/less is more
-- see if you can talk with some former clients
-- ask questions
-- go with your gut
>> -- don't worry about cost (they're supposed to design to your budget) <<
Is there a way to make a architect responsible for a building budget?
Not familiar with specific numbers, but one way is to hold an estimate within something like 10% of the bid. If it's over that, the architect has to bring the design within the bid, on his/her dime.
One good reason to have both an architect and contractor working together during the design phase.
Thanks for all the input. (As is often the case) I was overly concerned about something new and different. Following up on all of the references leaned things slightly in one direction, and the site visit (including contractor) made the choice easy. I'm guessing I'll be back with more questions as we move forward.
"One good reason to have the architect and contractor working together during the design phase"
Listen to shtrum.
I'm an architect and this is the only way I work. Even though I'm very knowledgeable about costs having just completed building my third house as the GC last summer, it's best to start with a contractor on board. I have relationships with several and when a client calls them up, they bring me along and we interview as a team (or they call me and I bring one along as the same team).
You should be looking for a contractor now who has connections to creative minds.
Just as I recommend not going with creativity without the builder, don't go with a builder where one guy is the "design/build". Exceptions of course but generally the design/build guys are heavy on the "build" side and weak on the "design" side. For many (but not all) a "monopoly" house is just the ticket because, after all, it's the easiest to build.
The best of luck.
Runnerguy
"Is there a way to make a architect responsible for a building budget?"
The most recent AIA Owner-Architect agreements may include such provisions, if the architect agrees to design to a fixed limit project.
Jeff
Edited 3/15/2009 11:24 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
Re-interview each architect. Does he or she really listen to you? Or is the architect more interested in creating a space to show off his/her talents? While the architect has to be a good listener, he/she must also be willing to be straightforward, about what is feasible and especially concerning a budget. The best choice is not the most experienced or the person with the best credentials, unless you have big bucks to spend. The best person is one who is out establishing a name for himself or herself because that person will really work hard for you.
As an architectural designer, I am on the other end of where you are. When I go to meet new clients, I spend a lot of time with them. Number one for me is that magic called chemistry, because we will be spending so much time together. In fact, I become a part of the family. Today, for instance, we all went out to buy flowers and trees for my client's garden. It was not part of my job, but it was fun.
Bonnie
Do the next interview at their house.
I met clients at my office and at their sites, but why should I have to meet them at my house? We were not getting married, we are trying to decide whether to do business together.
In the course of designing and building their projects I have become friends with many of my clients, but the idea suggested by another poster that your architect should become a member of your family is an extremely odd one.