Until We Meet
Keeping with the “Hiring an Architect” topic, this post talks about what may happen at a first meeting with an architect.
When I have that first meeting with clients, I always have butterflies in the stomach. First impressions are everything. It doesn’t matter how many e-mails or conversations I’ve had beforehand. That first meeting usually sets the mood for the rest of the project.
The first meeting almost always is where I’m meeting a potential client. It’s informative for me as the architect and for the owner.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about that first meeting. It doesn’t matter what type of building project. New construction or remodeling, a house or an office, I usually need the same things.
Survey and Existing Drawings
I need a copy of the Plat of Survey. This is a legal description of your building’s location, footprint and other site specific information. Usually, this drawing with notes is something you received at the purchase of the property, residential or commercial. The document is drawn to a specific drawing scale. That means I can use a special ruler called a scale to measure objects on the sheet. SO, DO NOT ENLARGE OR REDUCE IT! Make sure the copy you give an architect was copied at 100% it’s original size. Also, if you have any existing drawings of your building, you should bring them to the meeting. They are a great asset!
History
Let me know what you know about the building. Don’t hide the fact that repairs or other modifications were done as a Covert Operation. The new work may affect the existing. If there’s been flooding or other problems, I need to know about them. Duct tape is wonderful except when it comes to building repair…
Let me know anything else special about the building. Was it used for another purpose in the past? Is there any buried treasure?
Wish List
The first phase of design can be the most challenging. We don’t design! We need to do a bit of problem solving. Why are you doing the project in the first place? Without naming any building elements, tell me what you’re looking to accomplish. (My _______ are moving in… I don’t want to see them every time I turn the corner…)
I want a dining room with a view to the north, I need more storage space, I like being outdoors, I really want a workshop, etc.
Time
This first meeting can take some time. So, plan to block out a few hours. It’s better to make the time early on, than miss something important that we needed to discuss.
Questions
Have questions for your potential architect. Think about things that matter to you. ”Where did you go to school?”, “Why did you become an architect?”
And yes, you should be discussing what’s expected from this project and the architectural services. Also, you should discuss budget and your time frame.
I hope this helps give perspective for that first meeting with an architect.
photo credit: fholgado
Hiring an Architect
Here we embark on a series diving into the elusive internal questions about hiring an architect. Today’s post focuses on “When” do you need to hire an architect…
WHEN?
Yes, there have been times when I have turned down a project. Mainly, due to it not being the right fit for my services. Not every building project needs architectural services.
Now, let me say that it’s ALWAYS a good idea to consult an architect first, before moving forward with your project. Though, some municipalities require an architect for any building project.
Here is a list of projects that may or may not be a good fit:
Minor Building Repairs
If you are fixing a roof or replacing siding, you may not always need an architect. Especially, if you’re not trying to solve a design problem or look for alternative building materials.
Garages, Decks and Sheds
If you’re not looking to build somekind of innovative garage, deck or shed, it’s probably just fine for the contractor to design and build. If the design isn’t full-blown custom, there are plenty of off-the-shelf designs that can be tailored to your project.
I need it done tomorrow
Here is another category where it might be too late for an architect to give any good suggestions. And, this is my most popular inquiry. If you are looking to do any kind of design project, you need time to design. Not a few hours, or days… The best service an architect can provide you is to TRY TO SOLVE A DESIGN PROBLEM. If there is not enough time, a good solution may not be achieved.
Complex Projects
When you are thinking about a complex house addition or any commercial building project, you should be working with an architect. We are problem solvers. What is the hardest thing for an Owner to do? Let the architect solve the problem! It’s natural, but it can be really difficult for an Owner to let go. My best clients are the ones that let me do my job.
Budget Led Projects
If your project has a very limited budget, it would be a good idea to get an architect involved early. Going through the predesign process, solving design problems in the initial design phase, then working with the Owner to get competitive prices can really help define the project’s scope and ultimately, the budget.
Consult an architect as you are starting a project. And, ask them if they have ever turned away work!
photo credit: microrama
Blurb
Blurb is awesome.
This website allows you to create an actual book and get it printed. Buy 1 or buy 100. It’s up to you. Both hardcover (with dust jacket) and softcover books can be made. The pricing is reasonable and the quality of the book is great. There are so many possibilities of how a well designed book could help any creative business. I have a book that serves as both my resume and portfolio in one that I show potential clients or working relationships. If I think there’s real potential, I’ll even leave it behind. The book tends to leave a pretty good impression!
With Blurb there are two ways to create your book. They have their own free software called Booksmart. I’ve used it and it’s a piece of cake to use. With this, both the option to create completely custom books and books from a template are available. The other way is to create the book using their guidelines in most any professional graphic design software. Templates are available to ensure that you’re specs meet their publishing requirements.
Have a look at some examples on Blurb’s website.
Blurb even acts as a bookstore. Upload your book, set the price, and sell. It’s as simple as that.
Keep it Organized
I wanted to come back to a topic from a previous post.
How to organize for a construction project.
Whether you’re planning that house addition or new office, you need a way to juggle all those thoughts. You might be clipping magazine articles, taking photos of examples, talking to friends and family, researching manufacturers online, sketching ideas, accumulating prices and interviewing possible contractors… Whew!
You need a central location to keep all that stuff. Maybe you’re more comfortable with some cool computer program. Or, maybe you just want to keep it low-tech, like me.
One of the toughest battles in working on a project is staying motivated. And, we know that motivation can sometimes need a kick in the pants from time to time. That’s where the Binder comes in.
Get a big binder.
You might be tempted to steal your kid’s trapper keeper. I know I loved mine… But, buy a large one. One that you can stuff! I can’t count how many times I had to upgrade my binders as a project grew.
Get the kind that you can slip a piece of paper on the cover and the binding so you can label the binder. Come up with a cool name for your project, too. (I won’t go there. I’ll let you come up with your own…) You can put the name and other important contact info on the outside!
Tab it!
Here’s the fun part. You need to begin to classify all the stuff. I like to use: Examples, Site, Prices, Schedules, Contacts, Contractors, Sketches. Your tabs should be tailored to the project type. These are just to get the ball rolling.
I like to put the papers in the binder chronologically. So, newer stuff goes to the front of the category.
Change is Good.
Every week, I would sit down and go through everything in your binder. It will help you identify upcoming tasks that need to be completed. Did I mention how much I liked Post-its??
photo credit: e-magic
Goodbye Moleskine
I must admit, I am pretty excited about the possibility of the Courier from Microsoft. It looks to actually be better than the iPad in my humble opinion. While I understand that this is just a concept and there is potential for the actual product to be far different than this, I can’t help but dream of owning one. I use my handy Moleskine (grid lines) journal for everything. I sketch my ideas in it, keep appointments, keep contacts, etc. It’s not organized. This would change everything. I LOVE the fact that you can draw on it with a pen or tap with your fingers.
I found the below video and more info at engadget.com
7 Free Grunge Fonts
Sometimes a nice pre-made grunge font is just what you need in you’re design. I’ve selected seven of my favorites from the website dafont.com. All are free, but have some usability rights so make sure to check the documentation when you download. Click on the title above each image to navigate to the download page.
Enjoy.
Skin & Bones
Old Typewriter
Masterplan
Chicago House
Sidewalk
Turbo Ripped
Base 02
