Find an Architect
Architects provide the education, training and vision that homeowners need when designing and contructing a luxury home. They can help you define your project in terms that provide meaningful guidance for design. Hiring an architect will lay the foundation for your entire home-building experience, so it's essential to examine your options and choose wisely.
Architect Selection
Consider what you want from the design of your home, both aesthetically and functionally. Talk to individuals who have similar high-end homes and inquire about whom they interviewed and ultimately selected. Many local chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) maintain referral lists. Visit aia.org for resources. Once you have narrowed your selection, contact the firms and conduct a formal interview. Ask about qualifications and references, and request photographs of projects they have designed. The last step is to interview two or three final contenders to see whether your personalities and project concepts mesh. Lastly, look at relevant experience, technical competence and time frame. The result will be a home that is beautiful, original and distinctive.
5 Questions To Ask Your Architect
What sets your design philosophy apart from others? What are the steps in your design process?
What do you see as important issues or considerations for my project? What are the challenges of the project?
What will you show me along the way to explain the project? Does your philosophy incorporate the use of models, drawings, and/or computer animations?
What services will you provide throughout the process? How long will my project take to complete?
Who from your firm will I be working with directly? Is this the same person who will be designing and overseeing my project?
Define Your Project
Ask yourself these questions before you contact an architect. Then you will have a clear vision of what you want.
- What are your design aspirations? What thought have you given to the design message and amenities you are seeking in this project?
- Has a site been established, or will this decision also be a subject of discussion with the architect and others?
- Have you fixed a construction schedule and budget?
- How do you make decisions? Will a single person sign off on decisions?
- How much experience do you have in design and construction? Have you done this before? If so, where have you been most successful, and where were you disappointed?
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
aia.org
800-AIA-3837