Hiring A Pro
Some Reference Information
Looking to perhaps hire an architect for your next residential or commercial project? Discover some key points for finding the right design professional for you.
Thinking of Hiring an Architect?
hiring an architect: 8TFive Studio
Things to Keep in Mind
We have assembled some information for you based upon our professional affiliation with the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN). This is a knowledge center of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as a foundation to guide you. Your decision for if, and when, working with an architect is right for you is an important step.
Do I need a design professional?
hiring an architect: 8TFive Studio
Why you should
Added Value & Project Efficiency
Architects are well trained in design theory, engineering, and project management. We explore inventive ideas to solve complex design problems and make sure a project is true to itself aesthetically. Have you ever remodeled a bathroom? Coordinating multiple plumbing fixtures, vanity styles, lighting options, floor tiles, shelving, and paint color for example can be challenging.
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This is not to mention other design considerations such as flow rates of the plumbing fixtures within your current supply system, efficiency of water usage, lighting intensity & distribution, exhaust fan noise and power. You didn’t forget about the building code requirements and clearances for an accessible space, did you?
Hiring an Architect
An architect can provide simplified options for you to consider for complex design problems that are not perhaps initially evident. Such as our ‘simple’ bathroom renovation. Helping to manage the time and expenses to any project, an architect can save you a lot of stress and money on your project.
An architect also has expert knowledge of current trends, energy efficiencies, and engineering requirements that could bring added value. Even just inquiring about a home improvement project might help open up additional opportunities that you might not have originally considered.
I'm only exploring a project idea
hiring an architect: 8TFive Studio
What does it cost?
From Concept Through Construction
Hiring an architect for the full suite of services can significantly reduce some headaches of a home improvement project. The cost to do so will vary depending upon the scope of services and type of project. There are also a few different pricing options that might be considered in hiring an architect.
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Typical fees for full suite of services might range from 5% to 15% of total construction costs for new construction, and from 15% to 20% for remodeling. Rates for remodeling projects are typically higher as they tend to be more time-consuming due to the unpredictable nature of remodeling.
Quick Project Example
So on $300,000 new construction project, you may need to spend $30,000 for the full suite of architectural services. Now you really have to weigh the cost of an architect against potential loses you would incur without their expertise – the time you spend researching, selecting finishes, coordinating with contractor, on-site changes because you were not able to visualize what the design entailed.
A local contractor was hired to build a new home for a couple over the example price above. Through the process the homeowners added features, changed construction and racked up about $30,000 in additional expenses that the contractor made clear to them they were incurring. So for the same price they incurred a lot more headache and the project ended up costing more time and potently money in the end.
However if you think you have the time and skills to design and manage the project yourself … you can also hire architects by the hour, often with a not-to-exceed limit, which may help save you money if you are careful in how you use the architect’s time.
Hiring an Architect
If you can’t afford the full architectural service, but would like the input of an architect, you can hire them for just the services you need or that you will find most valuable. At the very least you often need an architectural set of plans for contractor biding and permitting.
These drawing sets alone can range from $2,000-$7,000 depending upon the overall scope of the project.
For an accurate estimate on any services offered by an architect, talk to them about the project. Once they receive some details an architecture firm should be able to generate an estimate based on past projects and experiences for what you are looking for.
I've compared my architect options
hiring an architect: 8TFive Studio
How to select a pro!
Look For Communication & Knowledge
Find an architect or contractor experienced in the kind of work you are planning on doing. Ask to take a look at their portfolio (could be website, project sheets, etc.) of work for past projects. This can quickly help you figure out what professionals you would like to narrow down to for interviewing.
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For a new home or complex remodel, consider hiring the architect for at least their creative design input, either from scratch or in adapting a plan you bring to them. Have them create detailed plans and specifications that will simplify bidding and construction for you. A clear set of plans will help you find the right contractor at the right price.
Your Typical Project
A reputable contractor will follow the construction closely to ensure you are satisfied with the progress as it relates to your expectations set forth in the plans. Hiring an architect to help negotiate bidding, select a contractor and observe construction progress might not always be a service needed for some smaller projects but an architect should align their services with your needs.
You can also save money by bringing your rough architectural plans to a draftsperson to create more detailed “working drawings” and specifications. If you bring the same rough plans to two builders, without sufficient detail, you will need to carefully compare their bids (and specifications) to make sure that they are bidding the same work and including the same items – this is risky.
Remember that when seeking advise or professional feedback, it is important to select the right team members to work together to ensure your satisfaction.
Our Services
hiring an architect: 8TFive Studio
What We offer
Why choose us?
questions to ask an architect: 8TFive Studio
We help add value
Find more FAQ’s or things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of Hiring an Architect?
Architects are well trained in design theory, engineering, and project management that can help guide concepts into building plans. We explore ideas to solve complex problems & ensure projects meet their needs. Professional Design Services can be a wise investment, not just an added expense, because a well-conceived project can be achieved efficiently & economically while keeping your interests in focus with inspiring results.
As soon as you decide you want to build new or renovate an existing building, you should start looking for an design professional. Architects can provide important pre-design services including building evaluations and feasibility. Involving an architect early in the process can help guide you toward achieving your project goals, while avoiding potential project delays and added costs.
It is critical to find an architect who makes you feel comfortable, and with whom you have open communication throughout the process. It is important to identify a team with experience in your project type, who will be able to more seamlessly navigate project development you require in a timely manner.
We focus on residential work from minor additions to new home construction as well as small-scale commercial & non-profit projects across New England.
You’ll find at 8TFive Studio, we strive for your satisfaction from start to finish!
We are a full-service architecture and interior design studio centered around your visual design experience. From schematic design through development, 8TFive Studio utilizes advanced 3D Building Information Modeling to help improve productivity, showcase spatial representations, and enhance our overall services that will better assist you with understanding your project.
We can explore how your building is expected to perform, how much it might cost to build and operate, as well as what it will ultimately look like from the interior to the exterior … before construction is even set to break ground.
Your architect will depend upon you to communicate about your design needs, preferences, functional requirements, and construction budget. Your timely responses to questions and design options will help keep your project on track. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as things proceed, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in collaboration with your architect, you will help ensure the best possible outcome for your project.
Founded in 2013, our mission is to redefine conventional architectural design practices that are traditionally slow to adapt, by embracing exploration of innovative, collaborative & imaginative software, strategies & solutions.
Our studio brings a thoughtful approach to sustainability with LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification since 2009 and an advanced expertise in BIM (Building Information Model) analysis since 2005.
What does this mean for you? We can offer our clients a quicker turn around with better visual exploration and understanding for performance and costs.
Our licensed design professionals would provide a consultation to better understand your project’s needs and help address questions you might have.
We then present you with the letter of proposal outlining our scope of work. After review and if acceptable to you, we would begin working on your project upon receiving a signed agreement and project retainer to capture existing building conditions, review applicable building codes, and explore the design.
Once you are happy with the established design intent from our collaboration, we prepare architectural drawings that respond to and describe the general size, nature, and character of the scope of work involved for permitting.
Looking for an architect near me?
Ask About A Project Proposal Today
Are you looking for an architect near me? 8TFive Studio is a boutique architecture and interior design firm specializing in emerging technology and Building Info Modeling for residential and commercial projects.
