How to consult with an Architect By Shabnam Arab

How to consult with an Architect

Choosing an architect is a critical part of any building project. Making sure you have the right architect to design your house is essential. In this article, we will tell you how to consult an architect and setting up a pricing structure for your project.
The popular architect Frank Gehry once said “I don’t know why people hire architects and then tell them what to do” This is likely a fair place to begin an article about how to interact with builders and architects - especially because it is not usually clear where your briefing must stop and where the designer’s feedback starts.

But i actually know what i need ?

Building a home is a very crucial subject for most people. Not only because it is about to be their own personal, sacred space, but also because for most, it is possibly going to be the greatest investment they’ve ever made. If you are at that stage where you are ready to speak to an architect or a builder, it’s also expected that ideas have long since begun to percolate in your head regarding how the house should be, how it should look, what form it will take, what sorts of materials you want for construction and so forth… At this point though, it is a good idea to take inventory of how determined you are to the things you want and need also understand that a very considerable part of an architect's tasks is to utilize their own creative vision and technical knowledge to design your project. If you are thoroughly devoted to a very comprehensive set of distinct design suggestions, you may be able to find an architect who appreciates and shares your vision. The majority of us are not actually aware of how little we know about practical challenges and a good house design.
We know what we prefer (e.g. a blue kitchen) and what we require (e.g. three bedrooms), but there exists a coherent gap between recognizing these things and truly implementing them into a functional, appropriate and efficient house.

How does briefing work ?

If you never had the experience of working with an architect, do not worry. Having a home designed for your own needs is probably something the majority of us will ever do once in a lifespan – no one expects you to be an expert. It’s typically up to your architect to gather all the right information from you to design a house you will be satisfied with. Getting it perfect is as critical for them as it is for you. Architects and builders will each have their own briefing procedure planned to carefully flesh out your requirements, your budget, and any preferences or tastes you have in terms of general style or specific features. Remember that you are hiring your architect because of their technical knowledge and their creative aptitude. Certain information (like options of particular materials) are better left to the architect or building designer, both for practical grounds to make sure that they are ready to develop a complete, cohesive style.

Setting a pricing structure

Architects and building designers will typically charge in one of either three ways, based on how they function, and what tends to make the most sense for your project. Broadly speaking, there are three ways that architects will charge:

Percentage fees – architects are usually employed on the basis that they will get paid a percentage of the total cost of the project or assigned budget. The specific percentage charged will usually differ based on the entire cost, with increasing percentages being charged for smaller projects.

Fixed price projects – If you are obvious about what you need from the briefing stage, then the architect could possibly modify a fixed fee for your project. Although it’s more likely to keep a little ‘fat’ added on to the cost, this strategy helps to protect you against costs spinning out of control if something unexpected occurs.

Hourly rates – While working without a fixed budget might sound challenging, in some cases it’s better for both you and the architect. Provided that vigilant records are retained, it’s a better way to make sure that you are only paying for the quantity of work that’s been done. It also means the architect is not focused on committing effort in addition to a given amount.

As with all contracted building experts, charges for architectural work can certainly snuff out if you are aiming to have modifications made outside of your Client and Architect Agreement. It is very essential that you both are very clear about what’s required before you sign.

Featured Architects

Mustafa Naeem Architects

2nd Floor, 20th Avenue, Jamun Stop Near Nawaz Sharif Interchange, Service Lane Ring Road, Lahore.

DB Studios

.Ground Floor, H#19, Street # 33, F-8/1, Islamabad

Suhail & Fawad Architects

319, Nazimuddin Road, F-11/1, Islamabad.

Featured Vendors

Mustafa Naeem Architects

2nd Floor, 20th Avenue, Jamun Stop Near Nawaz Sharif Interchange, Service Lane Ring Road, Lahore.

DB Studios

.Ground Floor, H#19, Street # 33, F-8/1, Islamabad