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I am trying to hire an architect for a rather extensive remodel. Unfortunately, this process is not at all straight forward. Only one architect has been able to show me photo albums of work performed. None who have walked through my house have been able to demonstrate (by putting forward ideas, contrasting my home with others that they have worked on, suggesting materials or strategies for meeting cost goals, etc) to me that they have the talent to accomplish the work. In my business (electrical engineering) we have to demonstrate through past performance and a proposal how we would approach our customer’s specific problems. I can’t simply cite boiler plate systems engineering processes. Why should I accept AIA process generalities? The architects that I have spoken with seem to think that I should simply trust their talents (without any evidence that they have any!). Let me be clear, I am not trying to get ideas for free, but how can I shop for an architect and know what I am getting?
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Marc, It seems to me that you are going about finding an architect in the only way you can.If they don't have pictures of their work maybe they could show you completed plans,they must have those. Ask for them ahead of time so they know to bring them.They should also be able to give you the names of past clients as references. Also if you don't have a builder yet maybe you should get one, they might know an architect that they've worked with before. But of course you then have the problem of how to chose one of those (builders) Vince
*Marc,I'd suggest doing a little digging. If your cold calling from the yellow pages you may become disenchanted. If possible look for similar type additions in your area, speak with the local building department and see who designed and built these additions you like. The style isn't as important as the overall fit with the house and neighborhood. Building departments/plan examiners are usually an excellent reference for this type of information, as they usually review many of these plans, depending on how populated your community is. Best,J.R.
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Thanks for your suggestions. As it turns out an old friend of mine who I haven't seen for about two years is the head building inspector for the city. I called him today for some architect (and structural engineer) references. Thanks again.
MJR
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I am trying to hire an architect for a rather extensive remodel. Unfortunately, this process is not at all straight forward. Only one architect has been able to show me photo albums of work performed. None who have walked through my house have been able to demonstrate (by putting forward ideas, contrasting my home with others that they have worked on, suggesting materials or strategies for meeting cost goals, etc) to me that they have the talent to accomplish the work. In my business (electrical engineering) we have to demonstrate through past performance and a proposal how we would approach our customer's specific problems. I can't simply cite boiler plate systems engineering processes. Why should I accept AIA process generalities? The architects that I have spoken with seem to think that I should simply trust their talents (without any evidence that they have any!). Let me be clear, I am not trying to get ideas for free, but how can I shop for an architect and know what I am getting?
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I find this kind of mind boggling; design professionals without portfolios? This can't be the norm; even as a lowly cabinetmaker, I can't sell anything without my portfolio, and no amount of paper qualifications are going to change that. Most of the architects I know are really proud of what they have done, and take pains to present themselves professionally. One of our local architects has a website (I would have assumed most do by now) which is a very effective portfolio; contact info, staff bios, gallery of designs (even a section on unbuilt buildings) and a complete list of performed work in the different areas in which they practice (commercial, residential, interiors, etc).It is at http://www.trifos.com if you are interested in having a look. I don't blame you for wondering if the people you have been talking with do not make this type of info readily available. Even rookies have projects from school to show, and work they did under supervision. Good luck to you.