hiring an architect

October 2019

By Sarah Ebner, Principal

#idealarchitect

#dreamproject

An architect’s advice on hiring an architect.

Do you need an architect?

There are a few types of construction projects that are exempt from requiring either an architect, structural or civil engineer. These are summarized below, check with your local permitting authority to confirm all is applicable in your jurisdiction :

Wood-framed single-family home, maximum 2 stories + basement.
Up to four dwelling units per lot, wood-framed and maximum 2 stories + basement.
Garages and other structures added to wood-framed dwellings not more than 2 stories and basement in height.
Wood-framed agricultural and ranch buildings (some restrictions apply).
Non-structural or non-seismic work including storefronts, interior remodels, millwork and all supporting work for the aforementioned scope (case-by-case).

For everything else, you’ll need a professional.

Do you want to work with an architect?

Architect’s don’t simply offer value in permitting and technical services. As highly-trained problem solvers, Architects may help advise on everything from selecting an appropriate site to narrowing in on which faucets to buy.

The field of architecture is broad-reaching and can offer clients a diversity of benefits. Here are some important considerations to determine if and who you may want to hire:

review of your soft-cost budget
complexity of the project
which skills and attitudes would you value most in an AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professional

How to find qualified architects?

There are many great resources to help find a local architect:

YOUR COMMUNITY:

The best way to kick-start your search for an architect is referrals. A recommended architect from friends, family or your neighbors is typically a good bet. Nextdoor is a great app to post to the broader community and ask around.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

California Architects Board offers a public License search for all Architects registered in the State. This could be a daunting way to search for architects so save it for the end when a final background check may be helpful: https://search.dca.ca.gov/
The American Institute of Architect’s may provide active member information or local recommendations for architects in your area.

AIA San Francisco: https://www.aiasf.org/default.aspx

AIA East Bay: http://aiaeb.org/

AIA Silicon Valley: https://aiasiliconvalley.org/

AIA Sonoma County: https://aiare.org/

ONLINE:

There are many online matchmakers for architects and clients, some more passive and others active:

Google, vet websites and cold call.
HomeAdvisor
Thumbtack
Houzz
Upwork if you’re looking for a small shop or sole-proprietor

What information can be exchanged during an initial architect interview or consultation:

PROVIDE SOME PROJECT BACKGROUND:

How would you describe your project?

Who is the project for: yourself, your family, your customers, an unknown future occupant?
Aesthetic preferences
Layout preferences
Important site priorities: views, noise, privacy?

What are your project goals and priorities?

Project size
Total budget: soft costs, hard costs?
Intended or required project schedule

How much research have you completed to date?

Zoning research or disclosures available for your property.
Local agency review process and timeline.

WHAT TO ASK A POTENTIAL ARCHITECT:

Firm description and background
What similar project types have you completed? Could you share images and client references?
Have you worked in my jurisdiction before? Are you familiar with the required permit processes?
What services do you generally provide and which would you recommend for my project?
Do you have a quality control procedure and if so, what is it?
What consultants do you typically require?
What is your experience with construction oversight and working with general contractors?
What is your fee structure?

Proposals and contracts:

MINIMUM MANDATORY CONTRACT ITEMS:

California Law requires architectural contracts contain the minimum following contents:

Description of services
Description of compensation to be provided to the architect and method of payment.
Name and address of both the architect and client and the architect’s license number.
Additional Service terms and procedures.
Termination terms.

ADDITIONAL CONTRACT TERMS:

Many architects will provide a contract based on the American Institute of Architect’s standard forms of agreement.

It is critical to have all parties align on expectations before entering into the contract. It is also important that the contract reflects these expectations.

What are the Architect’s responsibilities?
What are the client’s responsibilities?
What responsibilities remain outside the contract scope?
Are fee, schedule, and deliverables clear to everyone involved?
How will differences or conflicts be mediated?

It is recommended to read through each article carefully and/ or consult a lawyer to review it on your behalf. You can also refer to this post’s reference document: California Architects Board Consumer Guide to Hiring an Architect for additional legal information and considerations when engaging in an AEC-related contract.

resources.

Online Organizations

California Architects Board Consumer Guide to Hiring an Architect

https://www.cab.ca.gov/docs/publications/consumers_guide.pdf

AIA You and Your Architect:

https://www.aia.org/articles/198831-find-an-architect-you-and-your-architect

https://www.aia-mn.org/wp-content/uploads/youandyourarchitect.pdf

Blogs and Communities

hiring an architect

Do you need an architect?

Do you want to work with an architect?

​

Architect’s don’t simply offer value in permitting and technical services. As highly-trained problem solvers, Architects may help advise on everything from selecting an appropriate site to narrowing in on which faucets to buy.

The field of architecture is broad-reaching and can offer clients a diversity of benefits. Here are some important considerations to determine if and who you may want to hire:

review of your soft-cost budget

complexity of the project

which skills and attitudes would you value most in an AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professional

How to find qualified architects?

​

There are many great resources to help find a local architect:

The best way to kick-start your search for an architect is referrals. A recommended architect from friends, family or your neighbors is typically a good bet. Nextdoor is a great app to post to the broader community and ask around.

​

California Architects Board offers a public License search for all Architects registered in the State. This could be a daunting way to search for architects so save it for the end when a final background check may be helpful: https://search.dca.ca.gov/

The American Institute of Architect’s may provide active member information or local recommendations for architects in your area.

​

AIA San Francisco: https://www.aiasf.org/default.aspx

AIA East Bay: http://aiaeb.org/

AIA Silicon Valley: https://aiasiliconvalley.org/

AIA Sonoma County: https://aiare.org/​

There are many online matchmakers for architects and clients, some more passive and others active:

Google, vet websites and cold call.

HomeAdvisor

Thumbtack

Houzz

Upwork if you’re looking for a small shop or sole-proprietor

What information can be exchanged during an initial architect interview or consultation:

​

​

How would you describe your project?

Who is the project for: yourself, your family, your customers, an unknown future occupant?

Aesthetic preferences

Layout preferences

Important site priorities: views, noise, privacy?

​

What are your project goals and priorities?

Project size

Total budget: soft costs, hard costs?

Intended or required project schedule

​​

How much research have you completed to date?

Zoning research or disclosures available for your property.

Local agency review process and timeline.

​

​

Firm description and background

What similar project types have you completed? Could you share images and client references?

Have you worked in my jurisdiction before? Are you familiar with the required permit processes?

What services do you generally provide and which would you recommend for my project?

Do you have a quality control procedure and if so, what is it?

What consultants do you typically require?

What is your experience with construction oversight and working with general contractors?

What is your fee structure?

Proposals and contracts:

​

​

California Law requires architectural contracts contain the minimum following contents:

Description of services

Description of compensation to be provided to the architect and method of payment.

Name and address of both the architect and client and the architect’s license number.

Additional Service terms and procedures.

Termination terms.

​

​

​

Many architects will provide a contract based on the American Institute of Architect’s standard forms of agreement.

It is critical to have all parties align on expectations before entering into the contract. It is also important that the contract reflects these expectations.

What are the Architect’s responsibilities?

What are the client’s responsibilities?

What responsibilities remain outside the contract scope?

Are fee, schedule, and deliverables clear to everyone involved?

How will differences or conflicts be mediated?

​