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Are you considering
an architect for a building, remodeling or renovating project? Great idea!
Now you have another
decision to make – which architect? How
can you find the right pro for your job?
Of course, you want
someone who will provide the best judgment, technical expertise and creative
skills – at a reasonable cost – to help you build or remodel a home that
fits your practical needs as well as your dreams. So should you just open
the Yellow Pages and pick a name, any name?
Nope.
There's a better way. Follow these steps to help with your search.
Start
your search at Homestore.com's "Find
an Architect" service.
Also use the American Institute of Architects' "Architect
Finder" to locate professional architects who can handle your
type of project. Contact the nearest AIA
chapter for details on firms that interest you. Many chapters have
directories containing information on local architecture firms and photos
of their completed projects. Also consult your local chamber of commerce,
and get recommendations from friends, neighbors and coworkers who have
worked with architects. Drive around your city, and look for house designs
that catch your eye. Ask the homeowners for referrals.
Make sure that the
architects on your list have “AIA” after their names. AIA membership means
they meet all state and local licensing standards and they follow a strict
code of professional ethics to protect clients like you. Furthermore,
AIA members are required to complete a specified amount of continuing
education as a condition of membership, so they are kept up to date on
the latest trends, codes and materials.
Call each architecture
firm’s offices and describe your project. Request literature that shows
their experience and most recent work. After you have reviewed each firm’s
background, schedule an appointment to interview the architect in person.
Also check with your local Better Business Bureau (find the nearest office
in your telephone directory), or check the BBB online at http://www.bbb.org.
Interview the architects
you are considering. Set aside at least one full hour for the visit –
preferably at the architect’s offices, so you can see where your work
will be done. (Some architects charge a fee for the initial interview
– don’t forget to ask upfront.) Here's what to ask:
- What challenges
or issues do you see in my project?
- Who from your firm
will deal with me directly, and how busy is that person?
- What are the steps
in your design process?
- What do you expect
me to provide?
- What services will
you provide during construction?
You'll find more questions
at http://www.aiaaccess.com/residential/r20Qs.asp.
Hire your architect
as early as possible in the design process for your new home. Allow at
least 60 days to find the most qualified architect and to reach a written
agreement.
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How
Can AIA Help Me?
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Like doctors
and lawyers, architects are licensed professionals. In fact,
only individuals who possess a license in your state to practice
architecture may legally call themselves “architects” (instead
of “draftsmen” or “designers”).
The American
Institute of Architects (AIA) is the world’s largest professional
organization that helps architects serve the public’s needs
and insures the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
AIA is your best resource for finding qualified architects,
with more than 63,000 licensed architects and associated professionals
in nearly 300 local AIA chapters.
AIA architects
must have a college degree from an accredited school of architecture
(usually a five-year program of study), followed by a three-year
internship with licensed architects and the successful completion
of a rigorous five-day national examination. They also complete
18 hours of annual continuing education courses, including
at least eight hours of courses aimed at protecting public
health, safety and welfare. They must obey the AIA Code of
Ethics and Professional Conduct – tough professional standards
that protect
your interests.
Always
look for the “AIA” initials after the name of any architect
you consider for your project.
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Equal Housing Opportunity.
