Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire an Architect instead of a Draftsman?
We can understand the confusion, but the two are completely different even though they both work in the same professional sector.
In the simplest terms, a Draftsman is a person capable of producing drawings by use of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) tools. Their educational background typically consists of training in CAD software and basic design principals. They cannot legally practice Architecture or provide Professionally Sealed Plans.
An Architect has been through a rigorous educational background in the study of Architecture. Typically requiring a minimum of 5 years of college, a Master's Degree and completion of the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE). An Architect has a full understanding of the design process and can assist in developing ideas if a project is not yet fully visualized. They are legally capable of practicing Architecture and are able to Professionally Seal Plans and documents.
Another way to define the difference could be this:
Architects hire Draftsmen to assist with production of drawings. Clients hire Architects to develop their vision.
What is involved in an Architectural Design Project?
This question can have multiple answers. Simply put your project's need will vary depending upon the scope. Here are a couple of examples.
A new commercial retail or office project will require all the phases of the Architectural Process. Additionally, the project will need the involvement of a Geo-technical Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, and a Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineer. These individuals are all critical to ensuring that a building is fully functional and prepared.
A remodel project might only require a small portion of the Architectural Process and no additional engineering services.
At minimum a project will involve the creation of a set of project specific drawings and coordinate as necessary with all involved parties.
What are the phases of Architectural Design?
A project is typically broken into the following phases:
- Pre-Design: The information gathering and initial design planning stage. The work in this stage is typically focused on program development and diagrammatic design documents. These documents are utilized to generate talking points and guide the design.
- Preliminary Design: Explores the program development in greater detail, beginning to explore square footage requirements and building massing. this phase may also begin to incorporate other design disciplines.
- Schematic Design: By building upon the previous phases a floor plan and elevation design based upon the defined programmatic requirements begins to take shape. This phase begins defining drawings that become more recognizable as a building or structure.
- Design Development: In this phase of design the building plans go through fine detailing and begin applying code requirements in addition to those changes that are necessary to meet the programmatic requirements. A greater of understanding of the relationships to other disciplines begins to take shape and the building's form is solidified.
- Construction Documents: This is the final phase that involves plan preparation. Preparing construction documents incorporates all required plan drawings, details, elevations, sections, code analysis and engineering drawings to properly construct a building or structure. Completion of this phase results in a full set of plans that can be issued for permit.
- Permitting: At this stage plans are sent in for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) over a specific project. They will review them in great detail and ultimately provide an approval of the plans for construction.
Are there quick cost estimates for design projects?
The correct answer to this question is, unfortunately, No.
An Architectural Design Project is not simply a black and white process. Every design is unique and could have any number of factors that effect the cost associated with architectural design and plan preparation.
The best approach to obtain a cost estimate for your project is to have a consultation with us, or with any Architecture Firm you might consider, and take the time to explain your needs fully and answer the questions the Architect will have for you about your project. Doing this will help you gain insight to factors you may not have considered for your project and give the architect a clear picture of the full scope.
If an Architectural Firm does provide a quick estimate without discussing your project with you in any detail there is a high probability that the estimate will be either much too low or possibly astronomically high.