The following is a list of commonly asked questions about the practice of Architecture and how an Architect can help you realize the completion of your project.

1. How do I select an Architect?

   You may begin by interviewing Architects selected by word of mouth, recommendations by friends or colleagues, or by discovering who designed projects that you like or admire. You may wish to contact the local branch of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) for a referral You should look for professionalism and technical competency as well as design ability. Ask to see examples of "construction documents" (plans + specifications) for projects similar to yours. You should be able to see if drawings are disorderly or not very extensive or detailed, etc. Ask how the office is run and who will be working on your project. Will the principals be directly involved, or will a junior member of the staff become the "Project Architect". Will the principal be acting as only a figurehead, with others in the office doing the actual work? Is the Architect licensed? Only a licensed Architect can legally use the title "Architect" or practice "Architecture". Does the Architect carry insurance?

   Besides technical competency, personality is extremely important. You should feel comfortable with your Architect's personality. The Architect must be easy to work with, understand your needs and desires and be willing to listen to you.

2. Once I select an Architect, what is the design process?

   The design process is typically broken down into phases;

   Pre-Design

   This is the beginning phase where your "program" will be defined. You will decide things like how many rooms, how large the project will be, general materials and "style", etc. The Architect will research all pertinent Codes and other regulations which will affect the project.

   Schematic Design

   In this phase the Architect will begin to design your project with sketches and diagrams.

   Design Development

   Once a basic design has been agreed upon, the Architect will refine it with more detailed drawings, sketches, computer studies and models.

   Construction Documents

   When the design is complete, detailed plans and specifications will be prepared. This is the technical "nuts and bolts" information required to obtain building permits, and enable a Contractor to build your project exactly as designed.

   Construction

   Your Architect will visit the project periodically during construction in order to assure that the Contractor is complying with the plans and specifications. The Architect will act as your agent in reviewing the progress of construction, authorizing payments to the Contractor and making any changes as necessary.

3. What does an Architect charge, and how is the fee arrived at?

   Typically, an Architect charges a percentage of the projected budget for construction. This should be a fixed fee, and once negotiated and agreed upon, should not change even if the project comes in over or under budget. Once agreed to, the fee should not change unless the scope of the project were to change. The percentage charged varies on a sliding scale based upon the scope of the project. For example, the fee for a project with an estimated construction budget of $100,000 may be 18%, whereas the fee for a $1,000,000 project might be 8%. The fee can be negotiated based upon the difficulty of the project, number of hours projected, etc.

   Once a fee has been agreed to, payments are broken down according to the design process phases;

   Retainer (Pre-Design)	5%
   Schematic Design	25%
   Design Development	25%
   Construction Documents	40%
   Construction	5%

   Progress payments are made monthly as a percentage of work completed within the current phase. This allows you to stop the work at the end of any phase, if you should not be satisfied.

4. Is the Architect the only professional I will need?

   Depending on the scope and complexity of your project, you may need other consultants such as a Surveyor, Soil Engineer / Geologist, Structural Engineer, etc. Your Architect will determine who will be required, and will coordinate all the consultants for you.

5. Will these consultants be paid by me or the Architect?

   Each consultant will set their own fee. These consultants will be paid directly by you, or the Architect can provide consultants under his/her contract.

6. What other services can an Architect provide, besides the basic services described?

   Typically, for an extra fee, your Architect can provide complete interior design, choosing all colors and finish materials and even furniture. We can provide detailed program analysis and feasibility studies to see if a project makes sense from an economic standpoint. We can review plans provided by others, and can provide complete construction management services for those who wish to act as "Owner / Builder".