One of the most exciting and rewarding things in life is building a new home or renovating your current home around your lifestyle. The person who will have a large influence in the outcome of your project is usually the Architect.

The selection of an Architect is not something that you do on a whim. An Architect is a trained professional that is schooled in design and construction. The person you choose to design your project will be the innovated thinker , an invaluable problem solver, a good listener, and the one keeping your budget on track.

 

Style

To select an Architect you may want to ask if the person has a signature style. Most Architects do strive to be adaptable to many design styles. But others do favour a particular design philosophy such as sleek modern, conservation of historical buildings, traditional etc.

Search for an Architect who’s existing examples of work you like.

 

grahicstock.com

 

Calculating fees

Architects may charge different cost depending on experience, reputation and demand. Architects may also charge significantly different amounts for their services depending on how engaged you want them to be with your building project. Architects may offer different levels of involvement, such as  design, landscape design, and/or project management, obviously the more the architect does, the more you’ll pay.

Generally speaking, there are three ways that architects will charge:

• Hourly
• Percentage
• Fixed

As with all contracted building professionals, fees for architectural work can easily increase if you’re changing things at later stages of the design process and/or want additional work  outside of your Client and Architect Agreement (the contract you’ll sign with the architect). It’s very important that you’re both are very clear about what’s required before you sign.

 

Client-Architect Relationship

It is important that you are able to communicate openly with the Architect. Having a custom built home requires a very personal relationship with your designer, involving discussions of your habits, your hobbies, your tastes, and even your relationships. Building a house is a big (and sometimes emotional) endeavour, and a good working relationship and having compatible personalities with the architect you engage is absolutely essential to ensuring that the process goes smoothly as possible.