Selection of the Architect
Selection of the architect should be done
carefully and without haste. Selecting an
architect on the basis of fee alone is not wise.
While training and ability are important, do not
overlook personality characteristics. The client
will spend a great deal of time with the
architect, developing ideas and spending
thousands of dollars. What the client receives
in the form of planning, good construction, low
maintenance costs, and aesthetic appeal, will
largely depend on the judgment, ability,
character and sincerity of the architect
selected.
Fees
The fee is based on project construction costs
and usually ranges from 5% to 10%, depending on
the size and type of project. Fees for
remodeling work are usually higher than those
for new construction, since there are so many
unknown factors in remodeling older buildings.
In some instances, a flat fee may be negotiated
for a specific task. Fees are generally invoiced
on a monthly basis as the planning progresses.
On projects of limited size the fee might be
based on an hourly charge rather than a fixed
percentage. A clear understanding of fees will
be spelled out in a written contract.
Plan Development
There are several stages in plan development.
Each is built on the other. Speed of planning
will depend on the complexity of the project and
quality of communication established between the
client and the architect. There should not be a
rush to get a plan, since it will be the basis
of the building's utility for many years.
The basis of the plan development is a
description of the building requirements as
developed by the client. This will be translated
by the architect into his "program" for the
client's facility.
Master Planning
Most clients should have a master plan developed
for all buildings ultimately needed and their
placement on the site. This will be done after
the client has developed its overall needs with
future projections. It does not need to be a
highly complicated or detailed plan, but a basic
outline of site and building development to show
the relationship of all buildings and site
development. Normally a simple schematic outline
of future buildings will be adequate with
minimal detail of future units. However, it
should allow the client to see the spatial and
aesthetic relationships of the total facility
and site use.
