What does an Architect do, and should you consult with one?

First, let’s use Webster’s definition of Architecture, and an Architect

Architecture – “the Art and Science of designing and building structures, especially habitable ones”.

Architect – “One who plans and achieves a difficult objective”.

Of course the above definitions are simplified definitions of what an Architect does, and what Architecture is, but are also quite appropriate.

The Architectural profession is quite unique in that to become an Architect, one must have specific training in both the arts, and technical aspects of design, and construction.

An Architect’s education and training is equal to becoming a Doctor, in the amount of time (Five years of College, and Three years of internship) before he is allowed to take his licensing exam.  The licensing exam is a nine part, four-day test of every aspect related to practice of Architecture.

An Architect is a three-dimensional problem solver!

Now, why would you want to hire one?

Not many people realize how complicated a process the design and construction of a building is until one is actually involved with it.  Typically, no two building projects are exactly alike, so there is no specific path or instructions to follow.

A construction project represents a major investment, whether it’s a custom residence, or commercial project, and it must well thought out, and properly planned to maximize that investment.

An Architect is the only professional specifically educated, and trained to have the vision to guide the client through the entire design and construction process, and in that process help the client not only maximize his investment, but also achieve the intended goals of that project.

Good design sells.

A well designed home will have a higher resale value.  A well-designed store will attract more customers, and increase sales.  A well-designed office will increase productivity of its employees, thus increasing profitability of that office. A well-designed school will increase students ability to learn, and give those students the ability to achieve more.  All of these are well documented, and proven.

Two final points I believe are critical to understand why you should hire an Architect

First – An Architect, once hired by the owner (client) becomes the owner’s representative, and project leader in all aspects, and phases of the construction project.  Controlling, and protecting his client’s interest from pursuing the most cost effective design solutions, to verifying on a regular basis that construction costs are consistent with the clients construction budget.

Secondly, and more importantly – There is a misconception that hiring an Architect will increase the overall project cost.  Hiring an Architect is an investment in the project, not an additional fee or cost to the project.  In effectively managing the design and construction of a project, both in time and cost by an Architect, as well as creating a visually appealing design with character, style, and functionality, will ultimately increase the desirability, and value of that project.