How To Engage An Architect
Found an architect you’d like to work with, but not sure how to begin the process?
The good news is engaging the services of an architect is relatively simple. In this post we’ll run through the initial commission process in a few easy steps and show how providing your architect with some additional background information early on in the project can help things flow smoothly.
Pinterest is a great app for collating an inspiration mood board to share with your architect.
Whether it’s a renovation of an existing house or a completely new build on a ‘green field’ site, having a good ‘brief’ and an idea of how much you want to spend can help your potential architect tailor their services to your particular needs.
So, what is a ‘brief’?
It can be a list of specific spaces (and sizes) that are required (i.e three bedrooms, new bathroom, laundry and open-plan kitchen/living/dining) or it can be more descriptive and open-ended – we need more space but don’t want to extend!
Ease into the process by following these four steps:
1. Provide your architect with briefing info
Certificate of Title
Your architect will need to see this to check for any easements or encumbrances.
Original Drawings
Are there any drawings of the existing structure (if applicable)?
Budget
Do you have a Budget you’re aiming towards? Your architect can help with some 'opinion of cost' advice once they’ve established the scope, and also help break the project down into ‘stages’, if required.
Brief
Are there any specific requirements or 'must-haves' as part of the renovation? Are there key priorities that set the groundwork for the design? For example: piano location, dining table size, walk-in pantry, new combustion stove, fire pit, etc. This could also be collated as a set of images or ideas on Pinterest. Your architect can flesh-out the brief as part of the first design phase, but the more info you can give them the better the design outcome.
Background
Write about you. Your architect wants to know who you are. What makes you tick and what’s the motivation behind the project?
Program
What's the anticipated timeframe for your project to be completed?
2. Chat with your architect in person
Whether it’s a Zoom Meeting or an on-site visit, it’s best to meet your architect to ensure the personalities are a good fit. Typically, architects begin by discussing your project with you and explaining the design process to ensure you’re on the same page as each other.
3. Your architect will supply a fee offer
Your architect can now prepare a Fee Offer outlining the proposed services based on an agreed scope of works. This should be supplied in writing and will include costings for all relevant project elements, so you can assess your project plans and viability.
4. Review & approve fee offer
Once you’re ready to approve the Fee, your architect can get started on the design process!
Feeling inspired?