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Frequently Asked Questions:
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Do I need an architect for my project?
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| If you haven't worked with an architect before, you may wonder whether your project really requires it. Particularly if your project is your personal residence, it may not seem necessary. No one can tell you definitively whether you require the services of an architect, but we encourage you to explore this site to learn more about what architects do and to see how architects affect their clients' satisfaction with the final building project. |
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What services do architects provide?
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| Architects see the big picture when it comes to your project. They help you explore what appeals to you aesthetically and what you require functionally. They coordinate teams of design, engineering and construction professionals; they sort through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements; they ensure your project is built the way it was intended. |
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At what point in my project should I involve an architect?
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| As soon as you decide you want to build something new, you should start looking for an architect. Architects provide important pre-design services including site evaluation, and can help you explore options you may not have considered. Involving an architect early in the process can help avoid costly missteps, and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the project. |
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How do I find the right architect for my project?
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| It is critical to find an architect who makes you feel comfortable, and with whom you have open communication. It's also important to find an architect with experience in your project type. |
| How are architects compensated? |
| An architect's compensation can be based on time, a stipulated sum, a percentage of the cost of the work, the project's square footage, unit cost (based on number of rooms/apartments, etc.), or royalty in which compensation is a share of the profit derived from the project. Time-based compensation and stipulated sums are most common. |
| What's my role in the design process? |
| Your architect will depend on you to communicate about your design preferences, functional requirements, and budget. Your timely response to questions and design submissions will help keep the project on track. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as the project proceeds, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in partnership with your architect, you will help ensure the best possible outcome for your project. |
Excerpted from the AIA
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