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1. Begin your selection process as early as possible. An architect can help you clarify the goals of your project, thus saving much misdirected work. The architect can also so site studies, help you through the necessary planning and zoning approvals, survey existing facilities, help with project financing and budgets, even advise you on environmental considerations and documentation. All this before your design work begins.

2. Hire the architect first, then the contractor. This way your contractor will be an efficient member of a cohesive team, building the precise project you and your architect have designed. Competitive construction bidding, possible only with the aid of architectural drawings and specifications, assures you of getting the best price/value. In fact, the difference in price between competitive bids is often more than the entire architect’s fee. And, remember, the architect you hire does not necessarily need to be local. Most architects can and do work on distant projects with ease.

3. Find out which design firm created the buildings that you admire. There is no better way than choosing the architect who has designed your favorite homes. Most owners are happy to give you the name of their architect and discuss their project – especially if they are satisfied with the outcome.

4. Look at the architect’s work if possible, not just photographs. If you like the architect’s work, then it is a good bet that the architect will design something for you that you like. It is not necessary that the firm have designed a project exactly like your own. The architect is a creator; make the best use of your architect by allowing him/her to bring creativity to your ideas.

5. Base your decision on confidence. You may want to augment your instinct with how well you like the architect’s work and how much experience the firm has had. The relationship you are about to engage in should be one of professional and business competence. It is important that you have confidence in your decision. The architect/client relationship should be a comfortable fit for both of you. Then the project has the promise of being an enjoyable and exciting process.

The secret to successful projects is good communication between owner and architect. Here’s how you, the owner, can help.

Understand what a realistic budget is. The most common failure of a project stems from misconceptions about the budget. What you want, you may not have budgeted for. Make the hard decisions up front in the planning process.

Take an active role in the planning process. Take care to understand what the architect is trying to achieve for you. Meet with the architect at key intervals during the planning process.

Use the project phases to review your project. Your architect will follow three major design phases and submissions: Schematic design (original ideas), design development (where design ideas are fully developed) and construction documents (the working drawings and specification used to obtain competitive bids and contractor pricing).  Pay close attention to these design phases and use them to help you understand where the project stands at any given time. Think of them as milestones and use them for review and evaluation.
Make timely decisions. The most efficient time for owner decisions is during the planning process. Planning is an evolutionary process: that is, the plan evolves from less to more detail. Good planning is not a major change in concept when it’s time to plan the details. During the design phases, an undecided client may mean loss of design time. During the construction phase, indecision and changes will add to the construction cost.

Ask questions. You may feel that if you ask questions, it will imply that you don’t know as much as you should. In the design phase, you are not supposed to know. Remember that it is your project; by asking questions, the architect can lead you to a better understanding.

Deal with problems as they arise. This sounds obvious, but taking care of small problems will keep them from turning into larger ones. Use your regular project meetings to take care of any possible discrepancies.

Have your architect observe the construction work. This is essential. It is part of the architect’s job to regularly inspect the construction work and to consult with the contractor. This helps to assure that the plans and specified materials are being followed. Remember, the architect is your representative and your advocate. In many ways, a good architect will more than earn the fee by ensuring that the client receives the full value.

The question of performance and follow-through in architecture is the same as any other aspect of life. Without good follow-through a brilliant idea can fail.

Not contracting with the architect for follow-up and project inspections can actually cost more in the long run.

The typical scenario goes something like this: The client doesn’t want to pay the full architectural fee but would like to have the architect’s creative input in planning. The client then turns over the plans to a builder for construction with drawings that look final, but are actually incomplete because the architect has not been allowed to get to the point of drawing up the final construction documents. The client thinks this will save money but since most of us are not experts in construction we are at the mercy of the builder’s decisions at hundreds of intersections throughout the project. If, however, we have a complete set of drawings and specifications agreed to in advance by the architect and client, the builder has a firm set of guidelines. The builder also has the architect’s assistance whenever needed during construction.

There is simply no way that most clients will be able to tell whether the builder is giving them the value that they expect, although the project may look fine during construction and even at completion. Problems usually do not develop until much later – sometimes years.

Without the architect as supervisor of the project, you are left to negotiate in an area that most of us know little about. Let’s put it this way: would you want to negotiate with your surgeon before he performs your operation?

Who is best qualified to help you when you are faced with a barrage of selections? Your architect, with an arsenal of catalogs, samples and knowledge of product quality that make a world of difference. For the best results be sure to contract your architect from design development right on through construction administration.

. . .  Not Really

Almost no one would question the wisdom of planning, although most of us give less attention to this important area of our lives than we should.

For most construction projects of size, the orderly process of planning can save money and time. But planning is more than just cost-control. If the end result (how good it looks) is important, then planning must be your number one priority.

Planning starts with siting. The site considerations of any project must be of paramount importance, not only in terms of how the building fits the land, but also how the building is approached, how it is oriented to the sun, the view and visibility, and how it is organized internally.

For renovation projects, marrying the old structure with the new usually requires professional expertise in planning. Another important factor is where to place an addition so the existing interior spaces function best with the addition.

Your planning should begin with:

• Concept and design sketches
• Estimate of costs

Then it should proceed to:

• Construction drawings and specifications for competitive bidding to lower costs
• Planning follow-through: be sure to have the architect review the work to be sure it complies with your original wishes.

How early should you begin planning for your building project or renovation? According to many architects, one year is not too soon.

The most important step in getting the best home design or renovation plan is planning.

There are three types of planning that you will need to consider:

- financial/economic

- land/site

- architectural/building

1. Financial/Economic Plan

Your financial/economic plan comes first. This is where you will create a budget – you’ll start with what you want and end with what you want to spend. The financial planning stage is very important since it will set the stage for the entire project. At this point you should have a “wish list”.

Create a Wish List

While a wish list is not mandatory, it certainly is helpful. The more detailed your needs and wants, the easier it is for the architect to begin design work. Your wish list should be broken down into the site and the building.

The land/site wish list includes items such as:

- outside living spaces – ponds, pool, riding area/trails, croquet court, tennis court, lawn game area, gardens, accessory buildings – barn, garden and lawn equipment storage, sauna, cabana, etc., pet areas

- how you will approach the house

- type of garage – attached, semi-attached or free-standing

- site designed for maximum light or maximum privacy

The architectural/building wish list includes items such as:

- traditional plan or an open concept plan for your living/dining/kitchen/family room areas, number of bedrooms, home office

- entrance style – grand, functional, informal, formal, etc.

- how much family space you need

- how many bathrooms

- deck or patio areas

- indoor spa, pool or sauna

- sunroom, media room, den or library

- are views important to you

2. Land/Site Plan

Siting of the home is an important part of the plan. Any natural and/or man-made surroundings should be taken into account before construction begins. In a rural setting the building must fit the landscape. In an urban or suburban area it should accommodate itself with the surrounding buildings. Keep in mind that not every space in the house can have primary positioning, so priority choices need to be made at this time.

3. Architectural/Building Plan

Once your wish list is established, the architect will begin the architectural plan. It will take into account, among other things, your wish list, the building site and your budget. Soon after, the architect will present preliminary plans for your review. There may be some minor adjustments at this point and once the design is approved the architect will proceed with the construction drawings and documents for bidding purposes. Once the project has been awarded to a contractor, the architect will help you administer the construction contract.

These ideas are to help you get started. Once you have established your wish list, the architect can assist you in fine tuning it and coordinating it with the budget plan you’ve set.

The Rewards of Good Planning

Good planning will not only save money, it will also ensure that the money gets spent where you want it. In other words, with good planning your money will be spent on areas of importance to you. Once you have considered all your options and set your priorities, the work begins. Take the time to ask questions and participate in the process. Review your project on a regular basis and make adjustments as needed, thus making the end result more rewarding.

How to you know what services you need from your architect? Sit down and discuss your project and your needs. Here’s how:

1. Any project’s success depends on a clear definition of its goals. It is the architect’s foremost task to bring the objectives of the client in accord with desired function and cost. Like any other project, goals and objectives must first be set. Identifying your needs and setting priorities with your architect is the first step.

2. Use the American Institute of Architects (AIA) list of designated services as a discussion guide. This list is available in a booklet titled, “You and Your Architect” and is available from RCWA or the AIA in Washington, D.C. The booklet will familiarize you with architectural services. Better still, talk in person with your architect and let him/her guide your first steps.

3. Let the architect familiarize you with the ways he/she can help. For example, if you have not yet selected a site for your project, you may want the architect involved in site analysis and selection services or in environmental studies. If you have your land, you can immediately proceed to schematic design. You may also choose to have your architect involved in landscape design. Or, you may decide that you’d like your architect to help you with a post-construction evaluation. Your architect can help guide you.

4. Allow for contingencies. A design contingency budget will be very useful if you run into design changes once construction begins. Almost everyone will have at least one change or new idea along the way.

5. Budget for the complete cost of the project. This means keeping your architect involved throughout the entire project. It can be a pleasurable experience. Let the architect perform full services for you and you’ll get the best value.

Congratulations. You’re ready to build a new home. You’ve purchased the land and you’ve got a folder full of ideas you want to incorporate into your home. If you make the right decisions at the start of your project, you can save time and money and get the home you’ll enjoy for years to come. If you don’t, you may be very disappointed with the results.

Be sure to choose a team of well-qualified professionals who you feel comfortable working with. Robert Carl Williams, founder of Robert Carl Williams Associates, said, “In all my years as an architect, the single most common mistake I’ve seen is in the siting of a home.”

The best way to avoid this is by hiring an architect and contractor who understand the importance of siting along with design and building. Don’t rely on pre-designed house plans; they do not take into account your needs or the land on which the house will be built. Your architect will visit the site and determine the best location prior to beginning design work. Also, don’t rely on your contractor to design your home. Remember, a contractor is primarily a builder. Good builders’ value good architects as well as architects value good builders. When siting your home, your architect will consider the following:

- in an urban or suburban setting, your architect will determine how various style homes will accommodate themselves to the surrounding buildings.

- in a rural setting the building must fit the landscape

- in either setting, how the driveway should approach the house; what views can best be enjoyed from different points; which of the interior spaces need southern or northern light; and how the sun moves across the site from morning to afternoon and its effect on interior spaces.

Tell your designer everything. Your architect should know as much about you and your family and your lifestyle so that he can design the home that best fits your needs. The more detail you can express about what you like and want, the more your architect will have to work with. You may have an extensive wish list, but only by talking in depth with your architect can he tell what things are truly important and should therefore become the priorities. Daniel J. Pratt, president of RCWA, says that while it’s rare that a client can have everything on his or her wish list, a good architect can design a home in such a way that the greatest value can be achieved for the money spent.

During the design phase you should pay close attention to the ideas your architect is developing. Make your changes now before construction begins and you will be much happier. Remember this is your home and your money. If you are going to use competitive as opposed to negotiated bidding be sure to have your architect handle this process. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that often times the architect’s fee is less than the difference between competitive pricing bids. The architect is the professional here and he or she has the expertise to get you the best value for your money, and maybe even save some for you in the process.

Once construction begins, your architect can also stay on top of your project. It is part of his job to observe the construction work as it progresses and communicate regularly with the contractor. The architect also verifies that the amount of work being billed and the amount of work completed are in sync. As your representative and advocate, your architect will earn his fee many times over by making sure you get the best value for the money spent.

Few decisions we make are as heavily invested with our time, money and energy as the decision to build a home. Often when we decide to build a home, we are making the decision to turn dreams into reality. And the reality is that with the right team, led by your architect, your new home can be a dream come true.

How you site your home is important. Construction of any type necessarily disrupts the natural environment to varying degrees. Our approach is placement of the home with sensitivity to the surrounding natural world – the boulders, trees and modulations of the earth itself. One of the guiding principles of home siting should be the preservation of trees, not only as beautification of the site itself, but also as protection from the visual disruption of the site when the house is viewed from a distance.

Not only should the house be placed in harmony with its surroundings, but you should also consider carefully the planning of your entry to the entire project. Make it a wonderful transition from the mechanical world of your car through the natural setting surrounding your house and finally into the doorway and the home itself.

Both time and expertise are needed to site a project well. The value of this all-important consideration will more than be returned in the value of your home and in the enrichment of your life.

Design Follows Siting

1. Siting of the home must be taken into consideration before design begins. In fact, the general location of the house is the first step toward good design.

2. Position the house first. When the architect first reviews the land, the project should be looked at as a master plan rather than as a specific design. These things must be taken into account:

• How the driveway will approach the house
• The type of view that can be enjoyed from the site
• Which of the interior spaces need southern or northern light
• How the sun moves across the sit from morning to afternoon thus affecting the interior spaces

3. Design follows siting. After the general positioning has been determined, the architect considers the approach of the automobile, morning sun, afternoon sun and especially the southern sunlight in northern climates. The view is also of great importance. Since every space in the house cannot have primary positioning, priority choices must be made at this point.

The Approach

The approach should be of primary importance. How people will approach the entry space from the parking area is crucial. In many homes we often see the family entering the house into the kitchen through the garage, or sometimes directly into the living space . . . both poor solutions. The entry space and the experience of entering into the home is an important emotional step, often overlooked in the plans you can purchase in a book or magazine. Entry is doubly important in a northern climate.

Remember the sequence of experiences. Consider the entire sequence that people undergo in the home experience. First, the approach by automobile and the initial view of the house; next, the parking and landscape experience when approaching the house on foot; then, crossing into the space entry which must be practical in all seasons; and finally, moving into either the primary living space or into the functional spaces. A well-designed home can create a daily experience that enhances your life. A home is more than a shelter. It is the environment which more closely impacts our lives than any other. And, it starts with good siting.

Once you’ve approved a set of plans you’re ready to go to the next step. It’s time to hire the contractor.

When entering the bidding process for a contractor, you can do it through competitive or negotiated bidding. This decision often depends on how familiar you are with the local building community.

If you don’t have any experience with local contractors, you will probably decide to do competitive bidding. Once your architect has drawn up your plans and specs, it is sent out to a small group of qualified contractors. Your architect can help you pick the bidders if necessary.

It will take about a month for the bidders to formulate a price for the land development and site work, retention of the permits, and building your home. Upon receipt of the bids, you’ll review them (probably with your architect) and choose your contractor.

If you have experience with a particular contractor or have received high praise about a contractor who you know you want to work with, you will likely choose to do a negotiated bid. The advantage here is that the entire team – you, your architect, and your contractor – are all working together right from the start of the project. This most likely will save time and it may or may not save on the cost.

According to RCWA president Daniel J. Pratt, the bid process you choose will not necessarily affect the cost of your project. Pratt added they have seen as much as 25% or more difference between the low and high bids in a competitive bidding situation.

The bid process will not change the end product, a home that you’re happy with. By choosing an architect to design your home, you’ve already ensured that you’ll have an advocate for what you want. And, combined with a contractor who has the reputation to do the work you want and service his product even after it’s complete, you can be confident of the project’s success whether your home is being built around the corner or around the world.