Blueprint for Success

From Paper to Framework

Ideally, an architect gets involved during the very early stages of a project, before a builder or contractor is even chosen. Many architects will spearhead the contractor or builder selection process for you, shopping your project around for bids once design is completed. Most architects will work with a builder or contractor that you’ve already chosen, but you’ll want to schedule a meeting for everyone to meet and discuss the project.

If your project is a new build, an architect can even help with site selection. Having the site already secured, however, isn’t a deal-breaker. “We can make the best of the site. But if you don’t have the site secured yet, we can come out there and talk about it with you to assess if it’s suitable,” Cundy says.

Traditionally, design drawings take place in two phases: schematic design and design development. Schematic design involves rough sketches showing a general arrangement of the rooms or remodel. Design development entails more detailed drawings, fleshes out more specifics, and ensures the entire project is to scale.

Depending on the size and scope of your project, an architect may not follow these phases exactly. For example, you may not need these two specific steps when remodeling a bathroom, but if you’re constructing a new build, you may need several sets of drawings before approving the final one.

Once all design documents are approved, the architect will prepare construction documents—detailed plans for the contractor or builder to follow. The construction process goes smoothest if the architect and contractor take a team approach to your project.

“It used to be that the contractor or builder was the ‘bad guy.’ That’s just not the case anymore,” Cundy says. “We are going to form a team to get you the kind of project you want for the money you want to spend.”

Check-in meetings as the project progresses are one way to ensure the team is working smoothly. Expect your architect even be on-site to answer questions. “Drawings are a set of instructions and no set of instructions is ever quite complete enough,” Quigley says.

Quigley also notes that managing timing expectations, especially those involving the construction schedule, are necessary to keep everyone communicating effectively. “Projects have off days, such as when sheetrock mud has to dry,” Quigley says. “But what the homeowner sees is that no work is being done and gets mad.”

Minor conflicts can usually be handled through a quick meeting. Major conflict resolution is addressed in the contract with your architect, which outlines the formal mediation or arbitration procedures; nearly all architects and most builders use the standard American Institute of Architects contract.