FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Architects see the big picture when it comes to your project. They help you explore what appeals to you aesthetically and what you require functionally. They coordinate teams of design, engineering and construction professionals; they sort through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements; they provide design leadership so that your project is built the way it was intended.
As soon as you decide you want to begin planning your project, you should start looking for an architect. Architects provide important pre-design services including site evaluation, and can help you explore options you may not have considered. Involving an architect early in the process can help avoid costly missteps, and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the project.
Your architect will depend on you to communicate about your design preferences, functional requirements, and budget. Your timely response to questions and design submissions will help keep the project on track. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as the project proceeds, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in partnership with your architect, you will help achieve a successful outcome for your project.
Although it is generally recommended to hire an architect, it is not a requirement for every project. Some structures can be designed without hiring an architect (such as certain single family homes upto 2 storeys). But before you decide not to hire an architect, you should check with the building department to confirm the requirements of your project. The building department will consider all factors and let you know if it is required of you to hire a licensed architect.