Overview

The following are answers to some questions you may have concerning the hiring of an architect. If you have a question that is not addressed below please feel free to e-mail or call our office.

What kind of projects do we do?

While our practice could be described as a general practice an increasing portion of our work is health care related or involves tenant improvements. We've completed projects ranging from highly technical hospital renovations to entire 20,000 square foot tenant improvement projects in high rise buildings to custom residential projects. We've had much success with the approval processes required for new projects whether it involves the local building and planning departments, or an state agency such as OSHPD. Before we accept a commission we will evaluate how our skills and experience meet the requirements of completing the project successfully.

What does an initial consultation cost?

Our initial meetings with you are free. In the first meeting, we try to get a sense of your project and goals. After that, we will draw up for your review and signature an agreement setting forth our rates and the scope of the project. The level of services will vary based on the client's needs. Often the contract is limited to an initial feasibility study or schematic design. Should the client wish to pursue the project after the design is better defined we will submit a second proposal to complete the work.

Why do I need an architect?

There are many good reasons for hiring an architect. The most fundamental reason is usually that the local building department will often require drawings to be signed by a licensed architect. The architect, however, will bring much more than that to the process. For starters, beginning a project with a clear and well thought out plan will not only increase the likelihood of a final product that meets your expectations, it will more likely be completed on time and on schedule. At Pacific Design Architecture we invest substantial time and energy in thoroughly understanding a project's challenges and communicating to the client these issues throughout the project Even small construction projects can be complex, involved ordeals where problems can arise that result in costly expenditures. Anticipating problems before they arise will save you money and grief. Perhaps the most compelling reason for hiring an architect is to ensure that there is an aesthetic vision brought to your project. Without an architect, the aesthetic goals are often compromised or overlooked in the course of the process and the red tape. Pacific Design Architecture brings years of experience in working with proportions, formal relationships, space, materials and the many other elements that go into the making of good architecture. This is the heart of architecture and the reason we chose it for our profession.

What if I'm not sure what I need or want?

One of the services we provide is planning and pre-design. We will discuss with you your project parameters in detail and explore various alternative solutions. To facilitate the pre-design process, we can develop simple schematic diagrams for discussion or more elaborate plans and three-dimensional presentation drawings. You simply need to tell us what works best for you.

What is the relationship of the architect to the contractor?

The architect works on behalf of the owner. The owner makes a separate contract with the building contractor for the actual construction. A thoroughly prepared set of construction drawings and specifications by the architect should produce an accurate bid by the contractor as well as a smooth construction process.

Will I also need to hire an engineer or other consultants?

We include the services of structural, electrical, mechanical engineers in our proposal based on the requirements of a project. These professionals are typically work as consultants to the architect but often the client will go into contract directly with those professionals.

Am I committed to complete a project?

Prior to the actual construction of a project, you may choose to stop at any point for any reason. Simply send the architect a written notice to terminate work. You will be billed only for work completed to that point.

Summary