Why work with an architect?

Most people have not had the opportunity to work with an architect and may not be aware of the benefits of collaborating in the design of a new home or renovation. The major benefits of working with an architect on your next home remodeling project are:

1. Collaboration with the architect allows the client to view multiple design options prior to construction…….paper is cheap! Modifications are easier to make on paper and best made while working with an architect during the design phase.

2. After viewing multiple designs, the client is able to select the best features from each design to create their best, refined design approach.

3. The owner becomes an "expert" on the project by virtue of the close collaboration with the architect; design intent and background is shared between both parties as construction commences.

4. The architect will help develop a budget for the project and help the client identify reputable contractors.

5. Multiple phases for a project can be incorporated by the architect into the drawings to ease the financial burden for the homeowner; planning for future phases can be easily developed with an architect

6. The architect’s drawings allow multiple contractors to review the same documents in order for the owner to receive multiple bids; contractors provide bids on the same design, with much less room for interpretation. The architect helps analyze the bids to determine the validity of each bid.

7. The architect acts as the owner’s advisor during the construction process and will offer sound advice on any necessary tradeoffs required to maintain the budget. Deviations from the original design can more easily be evaluated against a base scheme.

8. There is a premium in a home’s resale value if a renovation has been designed with an architect. An owner can expect from 12% to 25% increase in home value after working with an architect and implementing recommendations on space layout, amenities and lighting features.

9. The design process is fun………why allow others to make decisions on the most important asset you have? Collaborating with an architect allows options, questions and possibilities to be discussed and considered that are not available when the construction process has begun.

10. The architect is trained to furnish the owner a polished, sophisticated end product that best meets the owner’s needs……..the goal is to make the owner delighted with the outcome of the design collaboration.