Getting your development or construction project right is essential. And choosing the right architectural firm is a key way to ensure that your project is the best it can be. With a range of companies out there, narrowing down the right one for your project can seem like a challenge. Luckily, we’ve created a complete breakdown to help you step by step with finding the right architectural firm for you!
Keep reading to find our complete guide to what an architectural firm can do for you, and our top tips to finding the best company for your project!
What Does An Architect Do?
An architect has a range of responsibilities in their field, which includes anything from design and planning to supervising construction and ironing out structural issues within a property. You will find that architects specialise in different areas, ranging from residential and commercial architects to sustainable or urban architects.
It is the architect’s job to advise and help plan a structurally sound, sustainable or efficient project development. They will typically work closely with their clients to ensure that a project is carried out to the specifications or brief they have been given. Discussing the goals, design plans and any modifications that need to be made are also responsibilities of an architect.
Domestic Architecture Vs. Commercial Projects
Residential and commercial architects will operate differently depending on the nature of your project. Residential architects will work closely with the home-owners to help guide them through the complete process of designing, managing and constructing the development. Domestic developments can often centre around the interior of the home, working with large spaces, natural light and creating a highly functional interior space.
Commercial architects however, are typically larger organisations that are developing non-domestic spaces. This could include warehouse facilities, business establishments or industrial spaces. Different materials are typically used in commercial settings, and heavier lifting equipment may be needed for large scale projects.
Why Should I Hire A Firm For Home Architecture?
If you’re thinking about planning some big renovations for your home, hiring an architect definitely has its benefits. They are trained and experienced in the process of building dream homes and properties. We’ve outlined a few reasons why hiring an architecture firm can benefit your project ideas massively.
A Home That Revolves Around You
More than anything, an architect can help to create a home that functions based on your personal needs and requirements. Custom design that an architect has contributed to will definitely result in a better thought out structure to your designs.
Your architect will be able to accommodate the features you want or are looking for, while still maximising the efficiency and functionality of your home.
Avoiding Design Errors
Due to the trained mind of an architect, they may be able to spot design errors or potential mistakes in your plans that could cause a costly repair later on down the line. A lot of the technical thinking is done for you, taking a lot of stress off of your plate when it comes to your house design plans.
Because architect designs are typically more efficient, they can be better both structurally, in terms of layout and in terms of energy usage. This can also help to stop you from making any obvious design errors and help you to save money in the long run.
Reducing Architectural Flaws
This goes hand in hand with design errors, but is more applicable to the actual construction process. Having your architect involved in the entire process will allow them to spot any construction flaws as your project is being developed. Having an architect to supervise and oversee will prevent these mistakes from occurring during the project, saving you money on repairs that would have been carried out after your development was finished.
Resale Value Will Increase
It may not be something you immediately think of during the planning stages of your house, but, if you are ever considering selling your property in the future then having an architect designed home will do wonders for your properties value in the future. Not to mention, your architect will be able to factor this into your home, designing a house that will not become outdated in the short-term future.
Best Interests At Heart
Creating and designing your own dream home should be a fun and exciting time in your life. Being able to make a dream come to life is a brilliant opportunity. Working with the right architectural team will mean that they have your best interests at heart, ensuring your project is perfectly completed and you are all working towards a collective goal.
Choosing The Right Architecture Design For Your Home
When it comes to your home, you want to make sure that you’ve picked a firm who can really help you bring your design choices to life, and make your vision tangible. When an architect has the know-how to help you design a house around your personal ideas, they are able to really cater the project to your likes or dislikes.
There are a few things you can do before you go ahead with an architectural firm to ensure you are picking the right one for your residential architecture project.
Do Your Research
Don’t be afraid to do some thorough research when it comes to architectural firms as there are a few things you want to look out for:
● Reviews
● Quality Of Work
● Fees & Charges
● Portfolios
● Customer Service Reviews
These are all key parts of an architecture firm’s services and will help you to find the right firm for your project. Don’t be afraid to look at a variety of different firms to work out what it is you’re looking for and gauge rough pricing estimates or quotes throughout your search.
Check Experience & Credibility
You can look into the experience of particular firms to get a sense of their expertise and how effectively they may be able to help you on your project. Also, it can be useful to find out if they have worked on a project similar to yours, which might be useful when it comes to discussing your own requirements.
Word Of Mouth
A good reputation is usually a good sign. Getting recommendations from friends and family can be a great way to find a reliable architectural firm, especially if someone you know has had a positive experience and service with a particular company. Good customer service and collaboration from your architectural firm can go a long way. Additionally, check out the reviews for your company when doing your research to hear about other people’s experiences to help you get a feel for what a particular company is like.
Have A Meeting
Finally, you can set up a meeting with your chosen firm to discuss your needs further and get into the nitty gritty. A meeting will be a good opportunity to see if an architecture firm is open to your ideas for your development and you will get a good sense of their work ethic and customer service. A good and solid partnership with your architectural firm of choice will get you on the way to a remarkable and well crafted development for your property.
Integrated Designs & Associates
We understand the importance of choosing an architectural design firm that you can depend on and work simultaneously with to create your dream home or building. Our projects range from domestic to commercial developments, all carefully crafted the utmost thought and care.
Operating across Birmingham and the West Midlands, we have over 27 years of experience in both commercial and residential spaces. For further enquiries about how we can help you with your design project, feel free to contact us today! Your needs are important to us, and our team is committed to helping your visions come to life.
