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We are currently receiving bids from architects to build a residence. What are the most important parts of an architect's contract that should be included? What is important when hiring an architect?
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Hi - Regarding your question about looking for an architect and what you should ask. Below are a few guidlines that I pulled off of the AIA website. These are good ideas to follow, in your process. Regarding the contract question, I am unfamiliar with the contracts so I can't help, but again your should search for your local AIA chapter and they should have resources for you to use.
Clients often have questions on how to select an architect. Your decision should be based on your confidence in the architect's technical competence, professional service and design ability. Here are some suggestions on how to proceed in the selection process.
- Choose an architect as early in the process as possible. The more information that is shared, the more chance there is for a successful project.
- Interview at least 3 firms, unless you already have a good relationship with an architect.
- Ask prospective firms to show you their completed projects.
- In the interview process, treat each firm equally: ask the same questions and give the same access to your site or existing house.
- Give each architect a time for notification of your decision, and after you have notified the selected firm, notify the others as to your decision.
- Begin negotiations with the selected firm on a fee. If you cannot agree, you may want to begin negotiating with your second choice.
- After you have selected your architect continue to ask questions.
Communications are very important. Tell the architect what you know and what you expect. Ask for an explanation of anything you don't understand. Remember that this is a business relationship and that any good business relationship requires a contract. (The American Institute of Architects has developed a series of contracts that may be useful to you. You may look at the Documents section of our website for information on contract documents.)
Remember that it is very important that the "chemistry" is right between you and your architect. You will want to select the architect who understands what you want and is able to translate that into the design that is right for you.
I hope this was helpful and please don't hesitate to contact me if I can help with your companies furniture needs as I generally work with the corporate side of what you are going through.
Thanks,
Daniel Tillman
dtillman@evensonbest.com
www.evensonbest.com
914.844.2282
read more...
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Dear future Homeowner:
I think that what you really mean to ask is that you are requesting Professional Service
proposals for Architectural services for the design of a house that is to be built on a lot in Armonk. (that is the usual type of service requested).
The most important parts of an Architect's contract are the delineation of types of services to be provided.
The Architect may be hired for selective tasks as well as for complete service.
For Example, if a homeowner whishes to explore what could be done as a possible home expansion , the Architect, may only be hired to perform a Zoning Analysis and develop a
preliminary plan based on his findings. I f the design is accepted then he can be contracted to complete Construction Drawings that will be used for filing for a Building Permit and ultimately be used for obtaining Bids for the construction. In addition the Architect could be also hired as a representative of the Homeowner to review the Builder's Progress and
guarantee to the client that their wishes and specifications "as stated in the drawigs are being followed.
There are also Architects that perform their own Design /Build contracts in which
the client will obtain the Design and all Town approvals and after the issuance of a Building permit he will build the structure. This design Build alternative is more and more
accepted in the high end construction circles.It provides a smoother method forconstruction
and facilitates the clients everlasting changes to occur with minimum disturbance to the project's completion . In hiring an Architect the homeowner should make sure that the Architects style (of previous works) is comparable to the Client's Taste.
The client should be able to see previous work performed in the area . He should
provide a list of previous clients with their name s and telephone numbers .
He should be honest in presenting costs estimates and should definitely have extensive
field experience in construction management.
it is reccomended that the client personally interview the Architects (at least 3)
and ask in Town hall oftheir reputation.
The approval process in Armonk is extensive , difficult and tedious. Thearchitect that you
choose should be tenacious, and strongwilled in order to obtain the results that are desired bythe homeowner. The process of approval in theVillage of Armonk irequires an
architect with particular experience in Armonk (Site Plan approval, Engineering approval
drainage approval, architectural Board of review approval and Building Dpt. approval.
He should be handsome and have lots of white hair !!!
My firm has been in this bussiness for the past 25 years. We have many homes designed and built in Armonk. We have the design capabilities as well as the design /build
Alternative
My name is Emilio Escaladas P.E.,R.A. from Escaladas associates. We could show you our
latest design or Design/Build projects presently being built.
Please dont hesitate in calling us at
off 914 347-4404
or
cell (any time) 914-263-7184
We would love to build your castle
read more...
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