We’re considering an addition to our small home in eastern MA and have some difficult problems to resolve, both with the addition and in reconfiguring usage of existing space.
1. Any thoughts about working with an architect versus a design/build outfit?
2. How does one select an architect, for example? Stick a pin in the Yellow Pages listings? I don’t know where to start. I’ve always done all my own renovations before, but this project is way beyond my capabilities.
Tx,
Steve
Replies
difficult problems are usually problems you just haven't dealt with before..
innovative solutions have to be followed on by the right builder to execute the plan.
either method can yield the desired result.....
the architect --- builder ---- owner, team
or the design / build -- owner, team
either team should come to the project with a portfolio of other difficult projects with satisfied owners
eastern mass must be chock-a-block with both... start asking around.. try lumber yards.. drive -bys ....
I won't add anything as to how to find them, but I have to add a warning either way you go. Keep in mind that architects, designers and contractors all have a style that usually comes through in their designs. If you and them are on the same page it's great, but if you want City-slicker Architects Inc. to design a big western-style log mansion it's just not going to turn out well. Likewise we've built very nice modern but classic styled homes with loads of characture and the designer had no clue whatsoever about trim beyond stock profiles like you'd see on an apartment. Another builder couldn't grasp combining southwestern style with staingrade oak accents and trim, and there were many grumblings from the owner. A designer primarily interested in the "modern/industrial" look is perhaps the strangest cat of all, with no clue how to properly incorporate anything this side of OZ.
Basically, don't think all arch. or design types are the same, but rather treat them as differently as there are styles of houses. They all recycle designs a great deal so their past work will give you the best clue as to how your project will turn out, despite the bs they'll blow around to the contrary.
If it seems that they are steering you in a certain direction, it's probably because they already have a set of drawings and can make big $$ recycling them to you. We caught one arch. recyling plans when the "custom" home we were building looked like a mirror image of the "custom" home down the mountain being built by someone else but with the same arch. Crapola hit the fan when our clients were close enough to get their hands on that archy's neck. *chuckle*
Happy new year,
Don
Also, having worked for designers/architects who have won regional and national awards for design, I wouldn't give those awards much weight. Mostly those designs are not going to impact your project unless you want the same project they submitted for the award. Many times the "project" is their personal home and only a small aspect of the home is all that notworthy. Winning awards and getting homes in magazines is somewhat of a game played and won by those who want to persue such things. The best homes and designs are not in magazines and the best designers aren't recognised unless they want to spend the time jumping those hoops--many simply gauge their success on their clients' reviews and the business it brings in. Same goes for anything in print either locally, regionally or nationally.
Don
I agree with others about finding someone who had designed things you like. That should be the first order of business.
As far as architect vs. design/build, it may not be common, but I used to work for a design/build remodeling company where the contractor was an AIA architect. The best of both worlds, and they don't mess around - it's 100% professional from the first design consultation to the exact match of historical trim and molding details.
They are not in your area, however.
jesse
p.s. In case anybody is wondering, http://www.jonesdesignbuild.com