Do I need an Architect?
Any project that is not a single family home that has three stories or more or is greater than 600m2 requires an Architect. Your new single family home will not require the services of an Architect for you to get the proper permits from your City or Municipality.
Why hire an Architect if it's not required?
Architects have specialized training and the experience to work with your programme requirements in developing a design that is uniquely reflective of you, fulfills the technical requirements and protects your investment. Are you sensitive to design issues, such as awkward spaces, ill-considered circulation through a home, air gaps around doors that let the heat out? Are you investing a considerable amount of money into your home project? Do you have the time and experience to deal with the inevitable challenges and al the decision-making? Do you have trouble putting your ideas together? These are all reasons why employing the services of a professional registered Architect makes a lot of sense. An Architect can help you 'find' space in your home through clever reconfiguring of existing spaces, and translate your wishes into drawings and instructions for the builder.
An Architect will act as your advocate with the City when it comes to zoning and Bylaw issues, and with your Contractor to make sure the project stays on track and on budget.
An Architect will act as your advocate with the City when it comes to zoning and Bylaw issues, and with your Contractor to make sure the project stays on track and on budget.
Should I find an Architect first or a Builder first?
When you select an Architect first, you're assured that the Architect will represent your design and financial interests.
Historically and today still, the Architect is selected first since they are the ones who start the project off. The Architect will meet with you to talk about what you want and what works with your budget, whether it's a renovation, an addition or a new home. Once the research, analysis and client programming is complete, the design will follow, and then construction documents are prepared. After that, a qualified and experienced builder will be able to build it. The Architect remains on the project throughout construction to ensure your initial input and design ideas are carried through to the build.
Historically and today still, the Architect is selected first since they are the ones who start the project off. The Architect will meet with you to talk about what you want and what works with your budget, whether it's a renovation, an addition or a new home. Once the research, analysis and client programming is complete, the design will follow, and then construction documents are prepared. After that, a qualified and experienced builder will be able to build it. The Architect remains on the project throughout construction to ensure your initial input and design ideas are carried through to the build.
What's the difference between an Architect and a designer or architectural technologist?
A designer is not required to be licensed by the Province. A technologist has a minimum of 2 years of education. An Architect is licensed through the province and has completed 6 to 8 years of education, 1-3 years of internship, extensive examinations and must keep up with required on-going education to keep their license up to date. Architects are bound by a Code of Ethics and will have your interests at hand. It is always prudent to confirm whether or not an individual is a registered Architect by visiting the Alberta Association of Architects website.
How involved do I have to be in my project?
That's really up to you. You can be involved as little or as much as you want or have time for. Your Architect will work with whatever input you provide and will always ask for your sign-off before moving forward to the next phase of work. So you are always in control.
How do we start off?
We will meet with you to discuss your ideas and your vision. We'll help you figure out the best way to achieve your vision, whether it requires a renovation, an addition or a new home.
Then do you draw up the plans?
Before we start drawing, we review your existing home if you're planning a renovation or an addition. We'll measure the existing structure, review the site and any existing constraints including Zoning analysis and Bylaw reviews. We'll prepare a Discovery Report for you that outlines the work that has to be done. We'll also give you a preliminary construction schedule and an outline budget.
If you're planning a new home, we prepare the Discovery Report and complete a site audit so that you have all the 'homework' done before we move into the design phase.
If you're planning a new home, we prepare the Discovery Report and complete a site audit so that you have all the 'homework' done before we move into the design phase.
copyright PowerHouse Architecture 2013
|