If you want a first-class design for your house, then hiring an architect could be the best way to move forward. However, they work a lot more for you than just drawing pictures for your project. A good architect has a high-level skill set to deal with the rules and regulations. They ensure that your design is cost-effective and practical, find the best local builders, and manage the construction on your behalf. In this blog, we will discuss how you can find the best architect for yourself.
Steps to Choose the Right Architect for Your Home
Find the Real Architect
In Pakistan, there might be some professionals who become design professionals but understand the difference between an architect and a designer. In Pakistan, an architect is one who has a degree in architecture and is practicing as a professional.
Only a degree in architecture is not enough; ensure that the chosen one has proper experience in this field. Moreover, he must have experience in using architectural technologies. Tech knowledge and experience will help you to get the best services.
A Shortlist of Architects
First of all, you want to make sure you are searching for the right match for your project or house. You are looking for those with a proven track record of success on multiple projects. If you are on a budget, then avoid large practices because they won’t consider small-scale commissions.
The best option is to get a personal recommendation from someone trusted. However, most people search online. This will also help you to see examples of a work and understand it closely. You will be able to see the pitfalls of the architects in doing the work.
Sometimes the computer processing power available shows the illustrations of the buildings, but they are not real. These sometimes suggest that a designer is experienced when in reality they may have built only a few houses in real life. So, beware of any of these bluffings.
Moreover, it is okay if you have seen some of this kind of finished and refined mixture of pictures in the portfolio. Try to research further about the project details and see if the person is actually an intelligent and experienced one.
Meet Different Architects in Person
It is always a good idea to not rely on online data in search of good architecture. Once you have shortlisted 3-4 good candidates with an attractive portfolio, you can take your conversation further on the phone. You are going to dedicate your valuable time and money to your architect, so every stage is crucial for you.
Once you start your conversation over the phone, you can schedule your in-person meeting with the candidates. Prepare a checklist of key questions to ask from the candidates, and be confident. Ensure that your question-and-answer section does not turn into an unnecessary interrogation. Try to be polite and see for yourself if their portfolio and skills match your requirements.
You can ask them to show you some of their construction drawings and also ask for more specifications about their previous projects. You might spend a couple of hours discussing your ideas with them to work out whether they show interest towards you and the way they show you how they will work on your project.
Get a Quotation for their Services
Once you see that this candidate is better for you than the others, you must ask for their fee quotation. If the quote is over your budget, then you ask them to negotiate. Ensure that the quotation you have in your mind matches the level of skills and service that you need from the candidate. You can always choose the second-best option if your budget does not align with the first one.
Sign Appointment Letter
This is the most daunting step, but a very important one to get on the right track. Your construction project is not going to last for just one day or two. You need complete planning and procedures. If one step has gone wrong, there can be a delay in the construction or even a loss of money as well. Now, we have discussed enough about hiring a good architect.
10 questions to ask your architect
When you are meeting your shortlisted architect, you will ask questions to know if they are the right talent for you.
- What are the values and principles they will keep in mind while designing your home or project?
- How will the architect gather information about your goals, needs, ideas, or visions?
- What are the steps in their architectural design process?
- What will the architect show you while working on your project to visualise it?
- What does he see as a possible challenge in the process of working?
- How do they finalise the plans?
- Is the candidate already working or having any workload? Will he manage your project with feasibility?
- What is their fee structure, and what is included in their services?
- If the project notion or scope changes in the future, will they charge extra?
- Can they provide a list of references to further validate their skill set and experience?
Lastly,
The architect is the most important resource in your new construction project. Without proper planning and structure, your project cannot come into reality. You can hire a good architect by carefully evaluating their qualifications, reviewing their portfolio, and having an in-person meeting. A wisely chosen architect will not only bring creativity to your project but also ensure a streamlined construction process. However, don’t forget to discuss their fee structures and finalise a formal agreement before moving forward. Take your time; there is no rush in hiring an architect, but when you do keep all this expert guidance in mind. You can also partner with the best real estate developers to give you the best and most trusted references, or you can avail their services as well.
