FAQs
   
  
Here are some of the questions most commonly asked by people considering hiring an architect.

What types of services can an architect provide?

Basic Architectural services consist of the following:
Initial or schematic design, design development, construction document preparation, including both drawings and written specifications, bidding and negotiation assistance, construction administration and overall coordination of the design team including structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers. Smaller scope projects such as space planning or custom home design may involve only some of these services.

Additional services that the Architect can provide include site evaluation and selection, project programming, documentation of existing facilities, accessibility compliance, color and material selection, model building and rendering. Independent consultants may be brought to the team by the Architect as required to work on Interior designer, Landscape Architecture, Civil engineering, and others.

How do I decide which of these services I need my architect to provide for the project?

To decide which services are required for a particular project you should begin with the basic services listed above. Discuss the particular project with your architect and design team and decide if any additional services are needed initially or, if some of the basic services are not required. Use this list as a basis for your initial agreement realizing that as work progresses the needs may change and that this list can be modified during the course of work.

As the Owner, what do I need to know to get the project started, what  are my responsibilities during the Design process and what information do I need to provide to the Architect?

The more information that you can provide to your Architect, the better. A word of caution related to this is that you should think in terms of standards, quality levels and functionality. Do not try to impose rigid criteria and possibly prevent the design team from coming up with new ideas that may significantly improve the project. You should be prepared to discuss project criteria including space requirements, special functional and equipment needs, future expansion, and budget.

Items such as a site survey and legal description, soils testing report, and environmental study are appropriate items to provide the Architect if available.  In addition you should be available to review plans, meet on site and  make required decisions as needed during the course of the project in.

What are my responsibilities for providing accessible facilities for the disabled?

All new construction must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) and in Texas the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Guidelines. In Texas all projects exceeding $50,000 construction cost must be submitted for review to the State. Your architect is the best source of information in specific requirements of these requirements as they pertain to building design requirements. There are also a number of web sites devoted to this topic.