Portfolio, Perspective, and Process
I attended a lunchtime seminar about firm marketing sponsored by the AIA a couple of months ago and learned something! But, that’s not the only news. The presenter – an apparently successful marketing consultant for professional service companies in the northwest – made the pretty basic point that an architect’s project portfolio is not the […]
The Value of an Architect
Through education, training and experience, an architect is the one professional person who is equipped to guide you through the design, permitting and construction of a building or renovation project. Unlike other specialized professionals (that may also be needed) such as structural engineers, mechanical engineers, geotechnical engineers, an architect is trained to be a generalist, […]
Distinguishing Profession From Business
Recently, I was reminded of a good article by Richard Farson, a former AIA Public Director, from arcCA, the journal of the AIA California Council. The paragraph that resonated most with me – and should with any professional – is (emphasis is mine): “(The AIA) has to make a distinction as to whether architecture is […]
What services should I expect the architect to provide?
The services provided by architects and their consultants can vary according to numerous factors, such as the project type and complexity, the client’s needs, the city’s permitting requirements, the way in which the contractor will be selected, and the budget. The contract between the owner and the architect should clearly list what services will be […]
How much does an architect cost?
Hiring an architect is expensive, but not as expensive as not hiring an architect! By helping you anticipate, evaluate and solve problems before they become built problems, the up-front cost of an architect can pay for itself many times over. As a very general guideline, an architect’s fees can range from 8% to 15% […]
Selecting an architect
Architectural firms come in many types and sizes and are not all appropriate for your project. Most firms specialize in only a few project types. Some have engineers and interior designers on staff, but most use outside consultants for each specific project. Each architectural firm brings a different combination of skills, experience, interest, and values […]