DIGS is the premiere luxury real estate lifestyle magazine serving the most affluent neighborhoods in the South Bay and Westside of Los Angeles, California.
Issue link: https://www.southbaydiggs.com/i/226629
6 [ ARCHITECT | DESIGN | BUILD 2013 ] tips for CHOOSING AN ARCHITECT W R I TTE N BY H E I D I WA LTE R Finding the right architect for your home project can be daunting. How do you choose the right person for the job? Architects have different expertise and individual styles; many work in specific parts of the South Bay and the Beach Cities and specialize in local neighborhoods. These guidelines suggested by the American Institute of Architects can help you find the designer for your unique building project. Bring in an architect as early as possible. Having an architect on board for your design project from the get-go is essential. They will be able to guide your design from the start as well as help you to attain the proper zoning and building permits. They can also answer any upfront questions you have about the process. Talk to more than one person. Talk to different architects; consider small firms and large firms. Ask as many questions as you can. Know all of your options and learn about the specialties that various designers might be able to bring to your project before you make a final selection. The more options you have, the more likely you will be to choose the person that best fits your project. Identify a home in your neighborhood that you like, then find out who designed it. Looking at past work from local architects in your neighborhood is a great way to get a feel for what's out there and what the finished projects are like. Referrals from happy clients are a wonderful way to find potential architects, so make sure to ask local friends who have recently built whether or not they'd recommend their designer. Ask to see examples of their previous work. It may sound like a no-brainer, but don't be shy about asking to see past work. An architect with a large portfolio of local South Bay projects will most likely be able to give you a clear idea of the finished outcome. It also means that they understand the local zoning laws, permit requirements, weather, and neighborhood trends. Pay close attention to their budgets, design techniques, and personal building style; you are likely to get something similar from the same designer. Count on chemistry. That's right — chemistry. You and your designer should "click." You should feel comfortable describing what you want and you should feel confident that they understand you. You'll be working closely with this person and you need to trust them explicitly and have complete confidence in their abilities. The Architect also selects you. Just like you, an architect has a deeply vested interest in the outcome of the project. They know that only a good collaboration can result in spectacular architecture. They understand the unique scope of your personal needs and the project's requirements, including time, cost, location, materials, purpose, and your design specifications. Good chemistry with a client reassures the architect that they can bring your vision to life in a way that leaves you both proud of the outcome.