An architect Chester can help you determine the best possible approach to designing your new home, especially if you’re not sure what to do yourself. However, all too often, homeowners fail to get the most value from their architect and end up regretting it later on. To avoid this situation, follow these tips on how to get the most value from your architect.
Finding an architect
Good architects will often have a good understanding of needs you might not even know about yet. The best way to find an architect for your project is through word-of-mouth. If you have a friend or colleague who has just gone through a big project, talk with them and see who they used. Alternatively, you can ask other professionals in your area, such as builders or designers, if they could recommend an architect, they’ve worked with in the past that they would hire again. When calling architects, keep track of when and how long it takes for someone to respond; there are plenty of reputable contractors out there but getting one who doesn’t communicate well can be disastrous for any project.
Choosing an architect
Architects do more than just draw up blueprints for new homes, buildings, and additions; they act as a client’s general contractor. To make sure your project gets completed on time and on budget, there are several things you can do before choosing an architect. First off, read reviews online to see if anyone has any complaints about past projects. You can also ask potential architects how they handle clients who want too many changes during construction or those who seek value-adds or custom design features that drive up costs without providing added benefits.
Working with an architect
When working with an architect, it’s important to remember that they are not there to tell you what you can and cannot do—that’s up to you. Architects are experts in efficiency and function, which is why it’s wise for clients to involve them early on in their process. If a client wants a wall painted a certain colour or furniture installed where there isn’t enough space but does not want any major changes made based on these wishes, then working with an architect would be unnecessary. However, if a client wishes for anything outside of his/her comfort zone (such as enlarging openings or changing existing systems), then having an expert on board is vital.
Dealing with disappointment in the building process
Architectural designers and building professionals, reported to have witnessed one particular scenario over and over again: at some point during construction, a client will be disappointed. It’s inevitable—the decisions you make along every step of a project are always going to disappoint someone. But how you handle that disappointment can determine whether or not a project goes off without a hitch (or gets derailed). I think what irks me so much about these situations is that they could have been prevented if only we had been able to work more closely with our clients beforehand, when it mattered most.
Finding inspiration through architecture
Architects are professionals who design and oversee construction of buildings. They work closely with engineers, contractors, interior designers, and project managers. It’s easy to assume that a building’s appearance is mostly an aesthetic choice. But there are many non-visual factors that influence architectural decisions—and understanding them can help you understand what architects do. The shape and layout of a building affects its energy use, internal air flow and natural lighting; how it’s constructed impacts noise pollution and public safety; even how it’s furnished plays a role in promoting employee productivity. Choosing features wisely makes for more efficient use of space as well as resources—and ultimately helps reduce operating costs for everyone involved.
