What Does an Architect do?
Architects do a lot more than construction drawings. Here’s a few other reasons to call an architect.
Analysis of existing structures: for remodels, additions, etc. we can help identify what areas need help and how best to move forward on a project.
Help reviewing a new site for construction: (setbacks, height restrictions, cc&rs, can a home/building fit on a lot? Having peace of mind that your project can meet code and city restrictions is the best feeling.
Test fit for commercial or residential space: Typically a test fit is tied to a commercial Tenant Improvement. Meaning a remodel of an existing shell space. We often get called to help do a test fit or a mock up drawing to ensure a space is big enough for it’s intended use. I also find it helpful to do a similar process for residential remodels. Often we will work with our clients on a “master plan” of their existing home. In this exercise we model the existing home and work through multiple options to determine the best layout for a home. This ensures that future remodels or upgrades are consistent with the final master plan of the home. We can also help determine what phases should incorporate so rework is minimized.
Site design: we do a lot of site design layouts. These help out clients determine if a site will work for their needs. For commercial projects we review parking layout, paid parking count, orientation of building, setbacks, and height restrictions. For residential we work out grading, lot restrictions, views we want to capture, Sun orientation, landscaping and pool locations, etc.
Exterior upgrade: outside of your home or building need an upgrade? We can provide options for what it could like like and how to minimize the structural changes but maximizing curb appeal.
Permit expediting: the permit process can be a struggle. Especially if you’re not use to dealing with cities and their requirements. Architects quite often help get through this process and speed up the time to getting a permit.
Construction administration: The construction process can be a stressful time for an owner. As architects we often are brought on to help as the owners rep during construction. We attend site construction meetings, we review submittals from subs, we help the owner make decisions and review pay apps, we help keep the project on track for both the contractor and owner. We’re a second set of eyes for the owner and help ensure the project construction meets the owners goals. This is especially helpful if the owner has never been involved in construction, the owner is out of state, or on large complex projects.
FFE: (furniture, fixtures, and equipment selections). We can help select all or some FFE for a project. There’s always soo many decisions to make and efforts that need coordinated. FFE is one that is often overlooked. Architects are often brought on to help ensure that the FFE for a project is coordinated in the design.
Interior Design: interior design and finish selection is a fun and very time consuming process. It’s often seen as something done last minute but if done right it can take any project to the next level with design. If done wrong it can add a lot of unnecessary expense and time to a project. Selecting tile, carpet, paint color, trim, ceiling, base, cabinet, countertop, stone, trim, and every finish inside and out and ensuring they look good, can be delivered on time, and meet budget constraints takes a lot more time and effort than one might think. Finding someone to help narrow down the decisions is a game changer.
3D modeling: I’ve said it before being able to see what your home looks like during the design process makes all the difference. 3D modeling can help ensure the designer, owners, and contractors are all on the same page with the design intent. From concept to completion 3D modeling can help ensure that the project works with the site constraints, meets the project goals, and looks great.
Thanks for following along.
