hiring an architect

interview

Your first interaction with any architect can speak volumes for the relationship you will maintain throughout
a project life-cycle. When designing your new home it is important that your architect understands not
only what you want by why you want it. The more an architect understand why you have a specific want
or need the more personal and fulfilling his or her solution will become.

When you first meet with the possible architect of your project pay attention to his or her listening skills.
Architects will use many mediums as communication from sketches to spreadsheets but it is important that
YOU feel understood by your architect. Here at studio.bad, we call this first interview a “coffee talk” and
like to keep it as informal and comfortable as possible. We understand the intimacy involved in designing
your new home or remodel and want to make sure the relationship fits the both of us.

style

When you begin searching magazines, the internet, Pinterest, Houzz, etc... You will begin saving specific
projects and buildings that you enjoy in both aesthetic, function, and form. Collectively, your favorite
projects will tell a story of what style or styles you are drawn to.

Many architects are capable of adapting to any style but consider how your style relates to the architect
of your project. You may want to think twice about having an architect who specializes in English Tudors
renovate your mid-century modern home.

BIM (3D modeling)

When interviewing the possible architect for your next project be sure to ask him or her about their
use of 3-dimensional Building Information Modeling (BIM). Many residential architects are not
currently implementing BIM technologies into their workflow. You want to find an architect that is.
BIM is a process in which the architect will create a virtual scaled building model during the
design phases of the project. The virtual model is then used to produce the traditional plans,
sections, elevations, schedules, and specifications.

For you, there are many advantages of hiring an architect that utilizes the latest in BIM
technologies. First, the 3D model of your project will be created very early in the process and you
can visualize your new home before it is even built. Utilizing renderings, realistic materials, and
animated walk-throughs, BIM will give you the ability to understand every aspect of your project.
While architects are used to viewing plans, sections, and elevations, you will be able to view
3-Dimensional renderings of your project that resemble photos and gain the confidence that you
fully understand the design of your home.

Additionally, a true BIM workflow will include data in the model that will let your architect extract
information such as energy consumption, solar orientation, shadow studies, and model based
takeoffs for estimating. Essentially, by hiring and architect that utilized BIM you will be given the
ability to see and analyze any and all design decisions long before construction begins.

the full service firm

Many architects provide an array of different services beyond simple blueprints and 3D and
drawings for your project. Be sure to ask your possible architect about all of the services they
offer. Ask about the benefits and costs for any additional services they may offer. Here are some
“addition services” an architect may offer beyond tradition design and construction documents:

architectural design and consultation services
programming & master planning
construction administration
architect-led construction management
interior design and fit-out services
project feasibility studies
architectural visualization services
comprehensive construction documents

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