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.
We want to add about 1200sf to our 2600sf house, located in Orange County, CA, but we are having trouble finding a right architect. We have two referrals from servicemagic, but we would like to look further. I tried searching on google, yellowpage, AIA website, AIA Orange County Chapter, but there are so many architects out there, specializing in so many different fields, with projects ranging up to million dollars. How do we find an architect who is experienced with residential home addition projects and willing to work with us? Thank you very much for your help.
Christine
Answer Hi Christine:
It sounds like a nice project; I am sure you will be able to find the right fit. Of course, the best method is 'word of mouth'. Do you have any acquaintances in the area, or at your workplace, who have put on a similar addition? Have you asked who they used for design, and whether they were satisfied? If you have exhausted those avenues, then you are going to have to spend some more time and effort looking.
Here in Boston, our Chapter of the AIA publishes a directory of local architects who are specifically interested in residential work. If AIA Orange County does not have such a listing, what's the next large local AIA Chapter? San Diego? Once you get a listing to work from, which may have 100 names in it with a short description, narrow the list to 20. (Based on location, or whatever.) Then, get comfortable with a phone and nice cold glass of something, and plan to spend a full afternoon calling all 20. Try to get to the person themselves; but if not, leave a detailed message about your proposed project. My expectation is that you would get at least 5 calls back within 2 days, and 15 return calls within a week. From this, effort, I would advise that you make appointments with at least 5 people to come see your house and speak with you. If they know you are serious, they should be willing to do this without cost (or at least as a credit against future fees if you hire them). Four will show up as scheduled, one will 'forget'. Three of the four will be good candidates. Pick the one that you feel most comfortable with on a personal level; the process you are going to go through will have difficult moments, and you want someone who you can communicate well with.
One thing: be sure to have a realistic budget in mind for your project before you make those first calls. Prospective architects will want to know that you are not unrealistic with your plans. Check local construction costs; in our area, if a potential client has a budget of less than $200 per s.f., I get a cautious feeling.
Good luck and have fun; I hope it turns out great!
