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How to Find an Architect Instructions Ask for recommendations from your friends who have had houses built for them. Ask a lot of questions, such as was the architect easy to work with, was the project completed in the time frame quoted, were there any hidden costs, and others. Tour the friends' houses that have recommended architects, and look for the quality of the design, and whether the design might suit your needs. Go to the building supply stores and ask for architect recommendations. Ask the same questions regarding the recommended architect's work. Ask your friends or relations who are builders or in the construction field for architect recommendations. These recommendations will be the most valuable because the people who take the two-dimensional design and translate into a three-dimensional reality have insight into the architect's ability, such as the practicality of the design, that non-building professionals would not. Make a list of architects from the recommendations you received, go to the American Institute of Architects website, and click on the "Find an Architect" link. Enter in the architects' name to see if they appear. Since the AIA has been around since 1857, and has a strict code of ethics to which its members must adhere, this would be a good way to pre-screen your prospective architect. Interview the architects from your list who are listed with the AIA. Make certain you ask the architect a lot of questions. The AIA website provides a list of twenty questions, including: "How will the architect approach your project?", "How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc.?", "What sets this architect apart from the rest?", "How does the architect establish fees?", "What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?" and more. Inspect and verify the architect's license and credentials. Request a list of projects that the architect designed and go visit them for yourself. Finding the right architect is important, for it is that person in whom you are relying to design your dream home. Comments on 1/27/2010 It is a common misconception that A.I.A. membership includes some sort of quality screening. Actually any person willing to pay the membership fee is able to be a member of the A.I.A., including non-architects. There are several other social institutions for architects (god help us) including the Society of American Registered Architects (S.A.R.A.) and the Association of Licensed Architects (A.L.A.). Membership in any of these organizations does not guarantee how well one will perform on a specific project or how they will interact with you. Also, I'm not sure asking somebody from a building supply store will turn up useful information. Would you ask a pharmacist to recommend a doctor? I would talk to your friends about their experiences with architects. If your friends have bad experiences or no experience, call some local architects. Chances are that they have a website b... on 10/12/2009 This list has some very insightful methods for finding an architect (including the link on the side of the page for finding the right architect), but I have to disagree with your tip that an architect must be a member of the AIA. I used to be a member of the AIA, but I could no longer justify spending $600 a year on membership fees. The AIA is simply a club that a person can buy into, and for $600+ a year a lot of architects (especially in this economy) are having a difficult time trying to afford it. Finding the right architect definitely takes time talking to friends and researching online, and selecting one involves a great leap of faith. You'll know if you have the right one after a five minute conversation with that person. Eric McNeal S7g Architecture Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile Related Articles & Videos Follow us Copyright © 1999-2011 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use † and Privacy Policy † . en-US † requires javascript
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