Why should I use an Architect?

Since the earliest settlers decided to set up permanent abodes and stop their wandering ways, they have been trying to improve and upgrade their living conditions. Once they had a dry floor they needed a place to sit, sleep or a place to store their valuables. The history of architecture has been a fascinating journey, from those simple huts to soaring cathedrals to the largest structures the world has ever seen. At least architect's appreciate this history as we are privileged to create our own bit of history every time we are asked to help someone improve their living or working conditions.

Whether it is helping design and build a dream home, a church, restaurant or warehouse, architects have a great responsibility to their clients to help them through a complex, time consuming and sometimes, very confusing process. Listed below are just a few of the tasks that can be accomplished by your architect:

• The architect is trained and experienced to navigate the many hurdles of meeting or exceeding all the codes and ordinances of the city or county which has jurisdiction over the project.

• The architects experience in the design process will help you identify your needs, wants, budget and time frames to insure you get a structure that meets all your realistic requirements.

• The design process requires an individual that can look at the big picture, the smallest details and all the interconnected components that make up a completed building.

An architect's work can be compared to putting a 3,000 piece puzzle together, under a very short time frame, with many people watching over his shoulder and trying to tell him how to put it together. All this is to be done without a picture showing the finished puzzle.

Choose your architect carefully. Verify his license and always ask for references. Once you have selected your architect it is imperative that you build a good working relationship and trust his judgment. Every contract should have a termination clause in case you find that you and your architect end up on different pages.