As an architect, I like to think of remodeling and building projects as a symphony. All the sections of the orchestra – the strings, the brass, the percussion – use their unique skills to work on their separate bits of music, yet somehow, everything comes together to create something beautiful. But without a conductor to make sure everyone is working in concert, it falls apart: a sour note here, the brass playing in a different tempo from the strings – the result is cacophony.
Your architect is the perfect person to “conduct” the orchestra of contractors, vendors and artisans involved in a project once the construction phase begins, and I always offer to perform that service for my clients. Here’s why:
Your Architect Sees the Big Picture
You and your architect designed your project together. As both artist and technician, she understands how all the pieces need to fit together to realize that vision. While each contractor and craftsperson focuses their unique skills on their own portion of the project, the architect steps back to make sure all of them are doing what they need to, when they need to, to get the best result.
The Architect Is the Ultimate Translator
Not only does the architect translate your vision into reality, she can “translate” between you and all the members of the build team. If you have concerns about how a contractor is executing the design, the architect can help formulate the right questions and help you interpret the answers.
As a project progresses, it’s not unusual for a contractor to ask if he or she can make changes in the design or materials. The architect is there to help you understand how those changes can affect both the finished product and the cost. I always make recommendations to my clients about how to respond to the proposed change, but the ultimate decision is yours. I make sure the contractor honors your decisions.
The Architect Can Help Ensure Quality Work
In the haze and mess of construction, it can be hard for a homeowner to know what’s going on just by looking, so errors or unauthorized shortcuts can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Usually this is a simple misunderstanding, but occasionally contractors take advantage of a homeowner’s lack of expertise to cut corners in workmanship or materials. A knowledgeable architect supervising the project can help level the playing field and make sure everyone is operating “on the level” and with the same set of expectations.
When I check on construction, for example, if I find that a contractor isn’t following the design or using the materials he or she agreed to use, I’ll bring the problem to your attention, make suggestions for remedying it, and let you decide what to do. I can convey your wishes to the contractor and make sure he or she follows them.
No Additional Costs
All architects, of course, have different philosophies and business practices; I feel so strongly about the importance of the architect’s role as supervisor of a project that I build it into my fees up front. There is no additional fee for this service.
As an architect, my goal is always to ensure your dreams for your home are realized in the most efficient, cost-effective way possible, to the highest quality standards.
This post first ran in 2018.