How to Find the Right Building Designer For You

You need more living space and have decided it's time to get serious about a second-level addition. Or perhaps you've purchased a lot with an eye toward building your "dream home" in the near future. As you sit back and consider the scope of the project, you're besieged with a whirl of questions. A professional member of AIBD can guide you through this maze. They are specialists in the discipline of residential building design. From planning and design, through construction, to eventual occupancy, a Professional Building Designer can help your dreams become reality in ways you never thought possible.

No two construction projects are wholly alike. The same is true for building designers. Each have their own approach to design - a unique "signature" style, if you will - and a preferred method of operation. Some will limit their practice strictly to the planning and design of buildings, while other may offer construction administration services, as well. So, how do you determine which building designer is right for your project?

Getting Started

Finding the appropriate building designer for your project is not a difficult task. First, you'll need to compile a list of potential candidates. You can search this web site for Professional Design Members which can be located by geographical area. You might also ask friends, relatives and business associates if they've worked with building designers in the past, and ask for a referral.

Selecting Your Designer

When you call each designer, be specific with your questions. Ask the designer about her or his previous experience in designing various styles of residential projects. Ask if they're interested in your project, and if so, when they'll be available to do the work. Many building designers offer a Web Site which will provide you with some information about their projects, their experience, some of their satisfied clients, as well as photographs of their designs. Others offer an informational brochure or letter-of-introduction which they will mail to you. Gather as much information as you can, and check their client references. Realistically, you should cut your list down to three or four building designers. When that's been done, you're ready to call and schedule an in-depth interview to learn more about each candidate.

The Interview

Perhaps the most awkward time during your search for a compatible building designer is the interview meeting. Your housing needs, goals and finances will be the focus of this candid discussion. Equally important, it's essential to learn sufficient background information about an individual or firm before you engage their services. The building designer is attempting to do the same thing; to evaluate you as a potential client. Consider that a project can typically last upwards of six months. Obviously, both parties need to decide if they can work together comfortably for the duration. Many building designers do not charge for the initial interview meeting, but this is not always the case. Ask if there will be a charge before scheduling an appointment. Building designers will oftentimes bring a presentation portfolio to the interview meeting. Flipping through the pages of a well prepared portfolio can tell much about the accomplishments of an individual or firm and the pride they take in their work. Plus, they make for a great conversation starter, should you spot a familiar home or a design that interests you. The building designer you choose must be able to "plug" into your vision and prepare a creative design solution by fitting structure to the architectural style you prefer. Any photos or magazine clippings you've collected that help in defining your goals are valuable tools. As each building designer makes his or her presentation, ask yourself if you can "work" with them - do you personalities mesh? Do you feel the individual is right for your project; is he or she receptive to your ideas? These are critical questions in selecting a compatible building designer. Keep in mind, there are literally hundreds of decisions to be made in developing the drawings and specifications for your project. Each will ultimately impact you day-to-day satisfactions with the finished project. You'll rely chiefly on a building designer's technical expertise, creative skills and professional judgment to translate your wish-list into a reality. The right individual will help you get the most for your construction dollars.

Compensation

There is no hard-and-fast rule as to how building designers will charge for their services. This is often confusing for first-time clients. Fees can be established in any number of ways, taking into account a variety of factors specific to the project in question.

• Some designers will agree to a cost-per-square foot basis for preparing schematics and working drawings;
• Some will charge a fee which represents a percentage of the overall construction costs;
• Still others work for a stipulated hourly rate, plus expenses.

Any successful working relationship begins with a clear, well documented mutual understanding. Your written agreement with a building designer should indicate:

• The scope of the proposed work;
• The amount of the projected construction budget;
• The specific services you expect to receive, linked to a basic fee structure;
• A structured payment schedule with stipulated dollar amounts or percentages;

Some Professional Building Designers use standard contract forms endorsed by AIBD. Others may use a customized agreement. In either case, read the agreement before accepting it to verify that the language dovetails with your expectations.