What's it really like to work with an Architect?

Embarking on a journey to build or renovate your home is an exciting but complex process, and working with an architect is a crucial part of that adventure. In this blog post, I want to shed light on what it's truly like to collaborate with an architect, providing you with insights into the different phases of the design process and the dynamics of our working relationship.

The design process is an emotional roller coaster for both homeowners and architects alike. It's a journey of exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. From the initial spark of ideas to the final realization of your dream home, emotions can run high. As your residential architect, I understand the importance of guiding you through this process with empathy and expertise.

The chart above describes the typical involvement of the architect (green) and the client (blue) of a project.

Schematic Design

This is where the excitement begins. During the Schematic Design phase, our collaboration is at its peak. We work closely to explore design concepts, discuss your vision, and refine the overall aesthetics of your home. Your input is invaluable during this stage as we shape the fundamental ideas that will set the tone for the entire project.

Design Development

As we move into the Design Development phase, your direct involvement may decrease slightly. Now, I delve deeper into the technical aspects of the project, focusing on building systems such as structural, HVAC, and electrical. Coordination with structural engineers becomes crucial, ensuring that the design not only looks good but functions seamlessly.

Construction Documentation

During this phase, the drafters are hard at work creating detailed drawings for contractors to bid on. My role transitions to meticulously reviewing and redlining these details, ensuring that every aspect aligns with our vision. While my direct involvement may seem lower, rest assured that I am meticulously overseeing the process to guarantee precision and quality.

Bidding

The bidding phase is a collaborative effort between us. We review drawings together and engage with contractors to clarify any questions they may have. This ensures that the bids accurately reflect the project's scope and expectations. Clear communication at this stage is essential for a smooth transition to the construction phase.

Construction

As construction commences, your involvement becomes more prominent, and yes, it can be stressful. The contractor takes the reins, and I am there to provide clarification on drawings and design intent. My role is to be a supportive guide, ensuring that the vision we developed together is faithfully translated into the physical structure.

Working with an architect is a dynamic and collaborative process that involves intense phases of interaction and periods where our behind-the-scenes efforts come to the forefront. Throughout this journey, effective communication and mutual understanding are key to a successful partnership.

Remember, your dream home is not just a structure—it's a reflection of your lifestyle, aspirations, and individuality. As your residential architect, I am here to navigate the complexities, celebrate the triumphs, and ensure that the final result exceeds your expectations.

Selecting an Architect

Embarking on a home building or remodeling project is an exciting journey, and one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the right architect to bring your vision to life. As a residential architect with years of experience, I understand the importance of this decision and the impact it can have on the overall success of your project. In this blog post, I aim to share valuable insights and guidance to help you make an informed choice when choosing an architect for your home.

Define Your Vision

Before reaching out to architects, take the time to clearly define your vision for your home. What are your needs, preferences, and lifestyle requirements? Having a solid understanding of what you want will help you communicate effectively with potential architects and ensure that they can align their expertise with your goals.

Research Architects

Start your search by researching local architects who specialize in residential projects. Look for portfolios, testimonials, and case studies on their websites to get a sense of their style, versatility, and the quality of their work. Personal recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have undergone similar projects can also be valuable.

Check Credentials and Experience

When evaluating architects, pay attention to their credentials, licenses, and professional affiliations. A qualified and experienced architect brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Consider their past projects, especially those similar to your own, to gauge their expertise in handling specific challenges and design requirements.

Communication is Key

Effective communication is fundamental to a successful collaboration between homeowners and architects. During initial meetings, assess how well the architect listens to your ideas, responds to your questions, and articulates their own thoughts. A strong and open line of communication ensures that your expectations are met throughout the entire process.

Understanding the Design Process

Ask potential architects about their design process. A well-defined and transparent process helps set expectations and ensures that you are comfortable with each phase of the project. Understand how decisions will be made, timelines, and how the architect addresses any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Budget Considerations

Discuss budget considerations early in the process. A skilled architect will work with you to create a design that aligns with your financial constraints. Transparency about fees, additional costs, and payment schedules is essential for a smooth and stress-free collaboration.

Visit Completed Projects

Whenever possible, visit homes or spaces designed by the architect. Seeing completed projects in person provides a tangible sense of their work and attention to detail. It also allows you to gather insights into the functionality and aesthetics of their designs.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, trust your instincts when choosing an architect. A successful partnership relies on mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision. If you feel a strong connection with an architect and are confident in their abilities, it's a positive sign that you've found the right fit for your project.

Choosing an architect is a significant decision that goes beyond technical expertise—it's about finding a professional who understands your vision, communicates effectively, and shares your passion for creating a home that reflects your unique lifestyle. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the selection process with confidence and embark on a rewarding collaboration with the perfect architect for your project.

How long will it take?

It depends on the scope & complexity of your project and how quickly you can make a decision. Not an easy answer. Let’s start with the design timeline:

For a typical project with a balance of standard and custom design, you can plan on the following time frame

Schematic design 8-12 weeks

This depends a lot on how quickly you’re able to make a design decision. We usually design several options that address your needs in different ways. Your feedback helps inform the next version of the design. Sometimes we’ll show some creative and unusual options to get the discussion going and help refine the designs so in the end you get exactly what you want.

At the end of this design stage, you’ll have the size and location of your spaces laid out, the flow from one space to another, and the 3D vision of the project.

Design development 10-12 weeks

Design development is when we add in all the building systems.
1. Structural Engineering (how to keep the building up). This can take some time, depending on how complex the design is so we like to involve our engineering team as early as we can.
2. Energy Calculations. This will tell us what the required performance of your windows and glass must be, how much insulation we’ll need, the size and efficiency of your heating and cooling system, to help keep your home sustainable for the long term
3. Mechanical strategy (how to heat, cool, and exhaust to keep your house cozy and comfortable.)
3. Plumbing fixture location (Exactly where does the sink go? Do we want a shower or a tub?)
4. Electrical layout, which includes lighting, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, switches, which switches turn on which lights, outlet locations, TV locations, you’re getting the idea…
5. Fire sprinkler layout (if applicable). We always use one of our trusted consultants for this.
6. Interior Design (If you have a designer) starts during design development.

At the end of Design Development, we have a permit set and we submit to the city or county.

Permitting 12+ weeks

Yep, and this timeline is out of the Architect’s control. We always submit your plans for permit, or join you when you do. Then the only thing we do after we submit is wait for their comments and feedback. They’ll send their comments, we’ll enter them in our system, amend the drawings, send the revised drawings to you, and then we’ll resubmit. Each time the resubmission takes between 1 week and 4 weeks, depending on how many comments are received and how many engineers are involved. Some jurisdictions and projects go through quite quickly (4 weeks is quickly) and others take longer (Sometimes 10-12 months, depending on complexity).

But not to worry! While your project is in permitting, we’ll be hard at work on your Construction Documents.

Construction Documents 10-12 weeks

Construction documents are the drawings that show the contractor how to build the project: i.e. custom details, specifications (exactly which window system?, how does the door threshold work?), schedules. This takes the longest out of the 3 phases of design and we rely heavily with our interior designers and drafters during this portion.

At the end of Construction Documents, you’ll have your “Bid Set.” This set is important, because it is what the contractor is legally bound to build.

Bidding (pricing from contractors) 4-6 weeks

Bidding is when we send the Construction Documents to different contractors to get a price so why does it take them so long to give you a price? On HGTV they’re throwing out numbers on day one!

Because to properly bid your project, they will need to send the drawings to various sub contractors (the framer, concrete contractor, roofing company, window installer, etc. etc.) to get them to read and understand the drawings, and then prepare a bid and review it with you. This is time consuming on the contractor's part.

At the end of bidding, you’ll select your contractor, sign their contract, and construction will start!

Start of Construction

A lot of clients ask how long construction will take. This is entirely up to the contractor.

Construction is often the longest and most trying time of a project, so it’s important that the Architect is there to be your advocate. We know the design better than anyone, and the contractor is bound to build whatever is in the Construction Documents. .