When looking to hire an architectural firm, there are a few things to consider. The type of firm you choose will depend on your project and the team you’d like to work with. Here are four types of firms to consider: generalist, design-build, project management, and specialty firms.
- Generalist firms offer a wide range of services, from schematic design to construction management. Commercial building architecture services are good for projects that need a lot of attention to detail and don’t have any specific requirements or constraints.
- Design-build firms specialize in creating buildings from scratch, while project management firms help manage the entire building process from beginning to end.
- Specialty firms are focused on a specific area of architecture, such as historic preservation or sustainable design.
If you are in the market for a new architect, becoming your professional's number one client is an easy way to make sure they get the most out of their time and effort. Other things to look for when choosing your architect include:
- Experience: The first thing you should consider is the architect's experience. Architects with more years under their belt are usually better equipped to handle more complex projects and can provide you with a better overall design solution.
- Design Style: Another factor to consider is the designer's style. Some architects specialize in a certain type of design, such as contemporary or traditional, which can be helpful if you have specific preferences.
- Client Feedback: Finally, it's important to ask around for client feedback. If someone has had a great experience working with an architect, chances are their friends and family will have nothing but good things to say as well.
It’s important to research each firm before choosing one. Ask around for recommendations or look online for reviews. Also, take into account the size of the firm and its team – the larger the team, the more resources they have available. Finally, be sure to ask about fees – some firms charge a flat fee regardless of the size of the project, while others charge based on size or complexity of the project.