It's nearly impossible to make this kind of property development dream come true by yourself. Most of us need a fairy godmother to help grant us our building wishes.
Enter: the architect. The importance of a good architect to your property development project cannot be overestimated. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or building a home from the ground up, your architect is your guide through the ins and outs of designing, budgeting and building.
Architects are trained to see the big picture. They consider your lifestyle needs, spatial constraints, zoning codes, permitting, costs and building timetables. Their expertise in all of these arenas will guarantee that your vision becomes a reality.
How do you find the right architect? Research architects and firms in your region. Architectural firms that specialize in residential work are a good place to start. Reputed firms can be trusted to match you with a professional, knowledgeable designer. However, independent architects can also work wonders, often at a lower cost to you.
Do your research. Get photographs of an architect's previous work, and ask if you can visit completed houses they've designed. Make sure he or she has experience with your structural and stylistic demands. If your taste is contemporary, find someone who has designed beautiful contemporary houses. Every architect has their specialty; find the one whose skills best match your tastes.
Personality is also extremely important. You'll be working closely with an architect for a long time. Find someone who listens to your needs, is flexible when you change your mind and has a sense of humor about the process. Building or renovating is stressful, but an architect that handles the process with patience and grace makes a huge difference.
Your architect will first gather information about the project. They will ask what kind of space you're envisioning, what it will be used for and what you're aiming to spend. Once you're on the same page, the drafting process begins. The architect will produce drawings and a budget for the project. It's not uncommon to go through several drafts: a good architect won't mind re-drafting and honing the design to best fit your specifications.
After you finalize the drawings and budget, your architect becomes your project manager. They will ensure that all needed documents are filed and approved by the building department. When construction begins, the architect will work closely with the contractor to make sure that the actual building matches the plans on paper.
