Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 10/7/2005

Question
Dear Mr. Brown:
I have a large (everything's relative, I know) commercial project I've been working on for two years.  I'll want a really great firm to help me.  My question: How do I find such a firm (NYC area) that will NOT mind that I've already done all the fun stuff and I need them for the tedious work?  Also, since I'm quite proud of my work, I'd like it to be known that it is my design work, not the architect's that I hired.  (It's kind of an Ayn Rand thing, if you know what I mean.)  I'm sure that would be asking a lot from an architectural firm.  The other question is this:  since I do have the design already, there's not much point in paying the "Big Bucks" to a big-name firm who's known for their design work, but I still want big-buck quality. Hmmmm

I just found this site tonite ... what a great idea ... and thank you for volunteering.  That's really great!

Answer
Kathleen:
First, my apologies for taking so long with my reply.
Perhaps you have already gotten some answers to this question; but perhaps my response will still be helpful.
(I went away on vacation, and COMPLETELY forgot to indicate this on my All Experts profile!)
So: what you want to do is probably not impossible.  My advice would be to not look for a person/firm with a 'big name', but to look for one who has the skills you seek, and  who has the potential to become a 'big name' later in their career.  Not all architects are created equal.  Some are better than others.  You want to find a person with the excellent skill set of a future famous designer, but who has not yet 'broken out'.  I would look for someone in the 34-45 year old range, and just start interviewing. Anyone less than 30 (in my opinion) does probably not have enough experience to do a really good job while working independently.
You can get listing from the NY chapter of the AIA.
Good Luck!
PB