Your Architect, Your Ally

Any good carpenter will tell you: Measure twice, cut once. An architect might put it this way: Think twice, build once. Think twice before building a home without consulting an architect, that is. This isn't ego talking; it is sound advice for anyone about to embark on the dream of designing and building a home-or the adventure of renovating an old one.

To construct or remodel a structure without an architect would be comparable to having surgery without an anesthesiologist. Well, not exactly-but it could be painful. That's why it's important to bring in an architect, the earlier, the better.

Because architects are trained problem solvers, they can help smooth the entire process, from site selection and zoning approvals through the design and construction phases. They also know how to get the most for your money. They can suggest ways to reduce building costs and ensure long-term savings through efficient design, not to mention creating a place that will have lasting value and fetch a higher price should you decide to sell.

But perhaps the number one reason for hiring an architect is that he represents you-the owner-and has your best interests at heart. Rick Garfinkel, AIA, explains, "Essentially, the architect becomes a guide through an often complex process. He may serve as the lead in a team of people consisting of the architect, the owner, the contractors, and more and more, the government. He acts as liaison between the owner and the other members of the team." The architect is your ally, and with the architect involved at the earliest planning stage, you can avoid potential pitfalls and get more for your investment.

But where-and how-do you find a qualified architect? 

The Talent Search

A good place to start searching for candidates is through the American Institute of Architecture. The AIA is an organization dedicated to promoting professional excellence. The initials AIA after an architect's name represent a commitment to the highest standards.

"I would tell people who are thinking about hiring an architect to look online, do some research and start weeding out that way," says Todd Yeomans of Smith Architects, president of AIA's Florida Gulf Coast chapter. Word of mouth, of course, is best. However, short of a solid recommendation, the AIA has a comprehensive directory that identifies the segment in which various architects work or specialize. "Then I suggest that people take the time to interview several different candidates to find a good personality fit, not just take the first one who is willing to work with them," he advises.

When hiring an architect, personality counts. Think of your interview as first date of sorts. Does he seem to genuinely care about you and have your best interests at heart? Does she listen to you? Does he understand your wants and needs? Do you like her attitude? Is he willing to work with you? Is there a level of trust? Do you detect honesty and integrity? The owner/architect relationship will be a long-term one-for months, if not years-so choose your partner wisely.

You may want to look at a portfolio of their work; although frankly, this seems to be of less importance than whether you simply like the architect. And it's not essential that you find one who specializes in the building style you want. "Many architects consider themselves generalists, able to handle any type of project because their training is quite broad," Yeomans explains. "However, you do want to find an architect who will be excited about your type of project, residential in particular. Some are more comfortable with traditional design, some with more contemporary work, but I think most consider themselves flexible and open-minded enough to do any type of project that you ask."

During the interview, you'll want to discuss your vision, how you plan to live in the house, what kinds of things you like, and whether or not you have already purchased property. Preferably, you haven't, because it's better to find a site that will accommodate your dream home than to modify your dreams to fit the site. Plus, there are myriad site-specific issues to consider-such as orientation to the sun-so it makes sense to hire first, buy later.