How Do I Choose and Work with My Architect?

Q. How do I choose an architect to design my custom home or remodeling project?
A. Compile a list of architects, using professional sources and references (see Chicago Luxury Home &
Condo and search architects on ChicagoLuxuryHomeandCondo.com.) See a new home you like? Ask around
and find out who designed it. Edit your list by carefully reviewing pictures on the architects’ websites
and visiting a home or two designed by the firms. Schedule interviews from the final list.

Q. In the interview with a prospective architect, what kind of questions should I ask?
A. Of course, you should feel free to ask absolutely anything – this is a test of the comfort level you
should be able to expect when working with your architect. But, to make sure you get the
information you need, here are some topics you should make sure you cover.

Q. What exactly should I expect from my architect?
A. Architects provide these basic services: First, they design the project. Second, they produce the
required technical drawings and specifications, and completely describe to the contractor what work
needs to be done. Finally, they will partner in the construction process with the contractor.

Q. Will the architect help me choose a contractor? Or, does it work the other way around?
A. Discuss the choice of contractor with your prospective architect. The creation of the architect-contractor
team can happen either way. Do you have a contractor in mind? Has the architect worked with
this contractor before – was it a good working experience? Would you prefer that the
architect refer you to contractors he has worked with before?

If you have a contractor in mind, he can refer you to architects he has worked with in the past.
Either way, the ability of each professional to work together as a team is crucial to the success of your project.

Q. I have been collecting pictures and ideas for years, looking forward to the day I build my dream
house. Should I bring these to the interview to show to the architects I am considering?
A. Absolutely! In fact, now is the time, if you have not done so already, to organize the pictures into your
Dream House (or Remodel) Scrapbook. Buy a three-ring notebook and fill it with acetate sheet holders and
graph paper. Using tabbed dividers, organize the information by room or product, and fill the scrapbook with
ideas. Inspiration is everywhere – take pictures (cell phones are good for this) of things you see,
scour magazines and websites (we offer the most images in the Chicago area here on
ChicagoLuxuryHomeandCondo.com) and use the graph paper to sketch
fast ideas of things you have seen or considered.

Bringing this scrapbook to the interview helps both you and the architect see if you
are on the same “wavelength” –are your aesthetics compatible?
Some architects prefer to specialize in one style – and not the one you dream in!

This “Dream House Scrapbook” will continue to be an important part of the designing and building process.
Pictures can show what is so hard to put into words. These pictures as a whole also offer an
overall view of what your taste in homes is. You may say you love traditional homes,
while your book shows a more modern, cutting-edge sensibility.

Q. How do I even begin to discuss money? Staying within budget is important to me,
and what should I expect when discussing the architect’s fee?
A. Everyone has a budget, and a good architect understands this. Being frank and honest about costs and
expectations is important from day one. Your prospective architect should be very open
about what kind of budget he is comfortable working in and how he will bill you.

There is no set fee structure for architects. Like other licensed professionals, architects are
not allowed to set fees as a group and standardize rates. They will bill you according to:

· Hourly rate
· Lump sum total
· Percentage of construction cost
· Dollars per square foot
· Job size
· A combination of the above

The difference between quotes will surprise you – they can vary tremendously between firms. Make sure
you are getting the same kind of bid across the board – are you seeing “basic” or “full service”? A very basic
contract budgets the architect’s fee at two to seven percent of construction cost: a more comprehensive
contract computes the architect’s fee at 12 to 18 percent. This more “full service” bid could include
contractor’s selection, bid procurement, field inspections, custom cabinetry, plumbing and
lighting design, and punch list. Make sure your bids are “apples to apples.”

One way to do this is by looking at what is specified for the architectural drawings. Check for differences
in the number of pages of drawings and the detail level offered. Are there extra sketchbooks with
drawings of all the construction details, including in-depth written specs? How about
three-dimensional scale models or computerized virtual walk-throughs?

The more detailed the drawings, the more accurate and cost-effective your construction bid will be.
This matters: The drawings are what your builder bases his bid and contract on.
In other words, any surprises and you will be billed extra for it.

As in all professional negotiations, make sure everything is clearly outlined in your contract.
A number of Chicago-area architects use a standard American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract,
in a long or short form. Others use a letter of agreement. Of course, have your attorney read the
contract. The level of service you desire should be what the architect is prepared to deliver.

Q. I worry about the communication process. How will I know that we understand
each other – will I always be working with my architect, or, down
the road, will I be working with other members of the team?
A. Good questions, and good to ask when choosing your architect. Some firms prefer a one-on-one
arrangement, others operate as a team, and you may be working with all members of that group.
Ask now, before you choose. What are your preferences? Ask why they work the way they do.
How many projects do they have in-house right now? Will that impact their responsiveness?
Will their system be comfortable for you? That’s what matters.

Ask for references, and when you check them, inquire about communication.
Was the firm responsive and timely in customer dealings?

And, as elementary as it sounds, think about the fact that you will be in a relationship with your
architect for a year or more. Do you “like” this person? Is there a personal connection
that will enable communication and understanding in the creative process?
It is a most important question, and one only you can answer.

Q. Okay, I’ve got my architect. How do I begin the process of working with
the this person designing my custom home or remodeling project?
A. The architect you choose will guide in the process. It’s what a professional architect does --
facilitate the realization of your dream. Even better: he or she will offer insights into
your project that only a professional can bring to the table.

Start talking! Ask every and all questions. Dream out loud, but also express concerns
when you have them. Refer to the clippings in that Dream House Scrapbook,
but be open to new ideas. Your architect will ask

the questions needed to determine your needs, desires and limitations. Be thoughtful
with your answers. These questions will concern everything from how often family members
take a bath to how many times a year Grandma visits. The design and
construction of this home is your dream – enjoy the process!

Photo Courtsey of: Charles Vincent George Design Group, Inc.
www.cvgdesign.com