Starting a large building or remodeling project can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never worked with an architect before. You’ll probably have lots of questions about timing, process and cost, and a host of others are bound to come up as your project progresses.

To take some of the mystery – and, hopefully, some of the worry – out of the process, I’d like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about working with an architect. (Of course, everyone’s process is a little different, so my answers may not reflect every architect’s way of working, but in my 30 years of experience, this is what I’ve found generally works best for me and my clients.)

What Does an Architect Do?

The architect is a little like the director of a movie. She brings the creative vision together with the day-to-day work of the craftspeople who make the project happen.

Like a film, every building or remodeling project starts with an idea. You may know exactly what you want, or you may have a general idea and need some suggestions or guidance to flesh it out. An architect uses her training and experience to help you determine how your project can best meet your wants and needs while staying within your budget and timeframe.

She can recommend and assemble the team that will make it happen, including general contractors, specialty contractors and craftspeople, and identifies the best resources for getting the materials your project needs.

The architect works with the city, county and other regulators to make sure your project meets legal requirements and codes, and oversees the process to get any permits your project needs.

As the project happens, the architect monitors timing and budget, and makes sure the work comes up to your expectations. She helps troubleshoot any problems and presents alternatives when a change is necessary.

 How Long Will It Take?

How long a project takes depends on a number of factors, including its scope, the weather and the availability of the people needed to make it happen. Changes can add time (and cost) to any project, so the better planned it is before it starts, the more likely it is to be completed within your desired timeframe.

Here’s a sample outline of the timing of a major project:

Pre-design: Up to 2 weeks
Discussing the vision and agreeing on initial terms

  • Initial meeting to discuss vision, scope and budget
  • Draft contract
  • Review & sign contract (deposit will be due at this time)

Schematic Design: Up to 4 weeks
Defining the project parameters and creating a feasible design

  • Evaluating & measuring site/current structure
  • Design 3 options & make drawings
  • Present and discuss design options with client
  • Update designs & drawings based on client feedback
  • With client approval, engage & discuss design with other team members (contractor, subcontractors, etc.)
  • Incorporate contractor input into design, if necessary
  • Finalize design schematic with client
  • Meet with planning department and/or homeowners’ association, as necessary

Design Development: Up to 4 weeks
Working out details and refining the design; finalizing decisions & fixing budget

  • Complete design drawings
  • Select & source materials, fixtures, finishes and other elements
  • Complete specifications
  • Make energy calculations
  • Consult with contractor(s) for pricing and scheduling
  • Request bids & hire contractor(s)
  • Make changes to design and documents as needed based on bids/costs
  • Prepare final design prior to submitting for necessary permits
  • Finalize budget
  • Prepare final design documents and submit for necessary permits

Permitting Process: 4–8 weeks

  • Architect, structural engineer, energy engineer, etc., prepare drawings and calculations and submit to the city
  • Pay city/municipality fees
  • Check drawings for code compliance with all necessary municipal departments (including, land use, planning, fire department, building and others)
  • Update drawings based on municipality comments and checks, as needed
  • Resubmit drawings
  • Pick up permits (a licensed contractor needs to be noted and his insurance information will be taken)

Construction Administration: Depends on scope of project
Monitor and quality-check construction; make necessary changes; keep client updated

  • Meet with contractor(s) to ensure correct design interpretation
  • Weekly reviews of construction progress
  • Answer questions from contractor(s), clients
  • Oversee any change orders or clarifications
  • The municipality requires inspections at different times of construction, foundations, plumbing, electrical, etc., all depending on the scope of your project
  • The contractor arranges for the inspections and attends each one
  • Adjustments are made, if necessary
  • A final inspection closes out the permit and a certificate of occupancy can be issued

How Much Will It Cost?

Of course, what your project will cost will depend on the scope of the project and the materials you select.

You will have a contract with your architect, which will cover her design and project oversight work. Your architect may charge based on time and materials, or she may charge a fixed fee based on the project size.

An architect hired at the beginning of a project can help you realize considerable savings down the line by providing clear designs, minimizing mistakes and communicating effectively with builders and contractors.

Some architects (including me) will offer an initial consultation at no charge. This consultation is a general discussion of the client’s vision and the project’s scope. At the meeting, the architect may be able to provide some very general opinions on the feasibility of the project and, possibly, some guidance on budgeting. The consultation also allows the client and architect to determine if the architect’s vision and style of communication is a good fit with the client.

Tips for Working with Your Architect

Building a good working relationship with your architect is essential in ensuring your project meets your needs. Here are my top tips for making the process run as smoothly as possible:

Don’t be afraid to dream.
The purpose of good design is to turn dreams into reality. Tell your architect about your dream project, even if it seems out of reach. She may be able to help you scale it to make it achievable now, or to plan for the future.

Be honest.
Your architect needs to have a realistic understanding of your needs and budget if she’s going to design something that works for you.

Communicate.
If there is a problem during any part of the process, discuss it honestly and respectfully as soon as it comes up.

Respect professionalism.
A good architect respects your time, your budget, and your feelings. A good client respects the architect’s expertise, considers her advice, and respects her time.

Anticipate changes.
Even the best-planned projects will hit unexpected snags. Your architect will work with you to minimize disruptions and costs.

Enjoy the process.
A big building or remodeling project is a lot of work, but it’s also a chance to watch your dreams become reality. Try to relax and take the time to celebrate progress. The time you invest now will pay off in the enjoyment you get from the results in years to come.