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Many small business owners who work out of the home are confronted with a
serious problem: your business is growing, your home office isn’t working for
you anymore, but you don’t want to rent out space.
Sometimes all you need is a remodel, which can seem extremely challenging,
overwhelming and expensive. Although all of this remains true, there is a new
tool out there that can help you with one of the obstacles: finding an
architect. After all, someone who knows what they’re doing is going to have to
help you with design, structural issues and functional concerns.
If you are in this position, you’ll be happy to know that there is a new tool
out there just for you. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has launched
an online resource to help consumers learn more about the process of working
with an architect. The site, http://www.howdesignworks.aia.org/,
allows you to search for an architect in your area that is right for you,
whether it’s working on a residential or commercial project. You can also find
out more about the entire process, especially if you’ve never worked with an
architect before.
The site also covers important issues that need to be discussed with a
potential architect, including specific questions to ask and factors to consider
before choosing one. Some examples of the information that you need to obtain
from a potential architect, according to the website, are:
- What does the architect see as important issues or considerations in your
project?
- What are the challenges of the project?
- How will the architect approach your project?
- How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc.?
- How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?
- Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly? Is that
the same person who will be designing the project? Who will be designing your
project?
- How does the architect establish fees?
- What is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?
- If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be
additional fees? How will these fees be justified?
Making major changes to your existing office, or building a new one to
accommodate your needs, can be daunting. By starting out with the right
resources, you can make the process more comfortable for everyone. |
