AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question In the next year or so, we will be building a house. We have 300 acres and have narrowed the home site down to a hillside so we can have a walkout basement as well as a "safe room" Would an architect be the person to help with deciding how the house should face. Also, I've not been able to find "the perfect plan" and believe me, I've looked at hundreds. Would it be best to draw what I want on paper, then have the architect work from that, or just find the pieces from different plans that I like? I've never done this and probably won't ever do it again; I just want to be happy with what we build. We are "empty nesters" and will most likely build between 2200-2600 sqft. Any suggestions or helpful websites you know of would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Answer Hi Karen:
Sorry it took so long for me to answer; I was away on vacation and forgot to note that on my "Experts" page.
Yes; this is something that an Architect can help you with. It does not need to be real expensive; a designer could spend as little as 10 - 20 hours to answer some of these questions for you and sketch some modifications to the plans you have collected.
You should contact your local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and get a list of local designers who do small-scale residential projects; then call about a dozen of them and ask them the same questions that you have asked me; this will give you a good feel for five or six of the designers that you would like to work with; then ask them to come and meet you in your home.
Then pick one, and off you go!
Have fun!
Thanks; and good luck.
- PB
