Architect Tips 1 - Get referrals of the architect's work. Ask friends or family members who have dealt with the architect previously. Most likely, they will be truthful about their experiences. Also, ask realtors in your area as they may have extensive experience with some. You can also get a feel for the styles that the architect prefers. Most architects, while having a wide portfolio of styles, will still have particular methods that they utilize every time.

Architect Tips 2 - Check out open house or "home shows". Some housing communities will host events for prospective home buyers to check out the designs of newly-built homes. It can help you decide on features that you would like to include and may also lead to contacts for you to the architect who built the home.

Architect Tips 3 - Make sure the architect is suited for your needs. Some architects only prefer certain styles or larger projects. Find one whose work is comparable to the work that you need done. Call them and pitch your idea to them to see if it's something they might be interested in.

Architect Tips 4 - Set up some face-to-face time with the architect before you being. Call to set up an interview and be sure to ask if there are any charges for this service beforehand. Prepare your questions ahead of time to best manage your time and be sure to hit all the important points such as their cost, how long they think the project will take to complete, and will the architect you are speaking with will lead the project. You will need all the information available to make an informed decision.

Architect Tips 5 - If you specific ideas concerning the design for the project, be sure to voice them to the architect. How the architect handles your ideas is a very telling sign. You want an architect who is open to your suggestions since you are the one paying for the project and who will be ultimately living with it. If your architect is hesitant to accept your ideas, you may wish to find another one.

Architect Tips 6 - Meet with more than one architect. Even if the architect is highly recommended, you will want to speak with several architects to ascertain the entire field that is available to you. You may find that another qualified architect can do the project cheaper or their design philosophy is more in tune with yours for the project than the initial architect.

Architect Tips 7 - Always have a contract drawn up. This will assist you greatly down the road if there are any issues concerning the project. You can easily refer to the contract to see what options were agreed upon. Be sure to have a lawyer review the document before signing.

Architect Tips 8 - Just like you can check out business through the BBB, architects also have a organization called the American Institute of Architects. Check out there website for numereous resources on architects including locating ones in your area, searching by architecture style, assistance with hiring an architect, and more. With over 77,000 members, you are sure to be able to find help. Members are also held to the strict ethical and professional codes of conduct of the AIA.

Architect Tips 9 - The AIA is also a great place to check for any complaints against architects. Just like the BBB, the AIA looks into any complaint made against a member. If a complaint is found to be valid, then the AIA will issue punitive actions and a record will be kept of the offending party. You will need to contact the AIA for a list of offenders.

Architect Tips 10 - Take your time with finding the right architect. Rushing the process can lead to making hasty decisions that can cause your project to not meet your expectations. For the amount of money you are going to invest and the fact that you will have to live with the project, you want to insure that you find the best possible architect.

Links
Architect Online Magazine

The American Institute of Architects

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