The value of hiring an architect /
Value
.verb
verb: value; 3rd person present: values; past tense: valued; past participle: valued; gerund or present participle: valuing:
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Estimate the monetary worth of...
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Consider (someone or something) to be essential or beneficial; have a high opinion of...
/ As a designer:
Yes, drawing plan layouts and designing the look of buildings is a significant part of what we as architects do. Still, if that were our only role, you could indeed hire nearly anyone at any price. It's the full package of architectural services that set the best practices apart. The value of an architect goes beyond drawing and design skills, into the research skills needed to promote efficiency and safety, resulting in a building that is tailored to cost-effectiveness yet high quality, safe and functional. There are very few parts of a building project that an Architect does not touch, and that goes well beyond drawing designs.
/ As a professional:
We understand that construction can be complicated and expensive and that it can be tempting to cut costs by going with an architect that offers low prices. But in the end, if you choose a sub-par architect or even try starting a project without one, you may save money in the short term while putting your project at a severe disadvantage over time. Think of it this way – when looking at the long-term costs of owning a house, including construction, utilities and maintenance, the cost of a professional Architect is much lower than the overall cost. Yet that small percentage can be quickly returned in energy efficiency design, low maintenance and, with an efficient, durable, and well-constructed building, if you choose to sell in the future, you will not lose money, having partnered with an architect who planned for resale value from the start.
/ As a project partner:
Good architects keep projects running smoothly, relying on training, education, experience, and vision to coordinate and guide others through the building process. We will save your project money in the long-term view, with cost-effective materials and design choices, energy-efficiency built into the space, and durable construction to cut future costs.
You need to ensure that the architect you hire can and will take your vision (not their own) and make it a reality. The right architect will understand what you want, and they will sincerely be excited about your project as you have defined it, they will have a personality that you feel comfortable with, they can provide unbiased direction on the best use of your building budget, and can help you find the right builder for the scale and complexity of the job.