How To Find the Right Building Designer?

You need more living space and have decided its time to get serious about a second-level addition. Or perhaps you've purchased a lot with an eye toward building your "dream home" in the near future. As you sit back and consider the scope of the project, you're besieged with a whirl of questions. A professional member of the AIBD can guide you through the maze. They are specialists in the discipline of residential building design. From planning and design, through construction, to eventual occupancy, a Professional Building Designer can help your dreams become reality in ways you never thought possible.

No two construction projects are wholly alike. The same is true for building designers. Each has their own approach to design a unique "signature" style, if you will and a preferred method of operation. Some will limit their practice strictly to the planning and design of buildings, while others may offer construction administration services, as well. So, how do you determine which building designer is right for your project?

GETTING STARTED

Finding the appropriate building designer for your project is not a difficult task. The steps are similar to those you'd take in locating any qualified professional. First, you'll need to compile a list of potential candidates. Start by asking friends, relatives and business associates if they've worked with building designers in the past, and ask for a referral. Check the yellow pages in your telephone directory under "Building Designer" or "Residential Designer" for designer in your area, too.

Many residential contractors and design/build firms will have a building designer on staff, or they may regularly use the services of one nearby. A weekend "scouting" drive within a 15-mile radius of your home may yield a few solid leads. Keep on eye out for homes which are similar in design to what you have in mind. If you see something appealing and construction is not yet complete, look for a job sign posted at the site. The building designer's name and phone number may be listed, which you can easily jot down. If the home is occupied, a quick knock on the door at a respectable hour might result in a referral from a flattered homeowner.

The best way to compile a list of potential building designers for your project is by contacting the national office of AIBD at 800-366-2423. AIBD can provide you with a list of names and phone numbers of professional members in your general area, or direct you to the AIBD chapter in your state which can provide that information.

SELECTING YOUR DESIGNER

Now that you're ready for the next step a call to each name on your list. Keep a pad of paper handy to take notes. Introduce yourself, then describe the project you have in mind a new home, addition, or renovation. The point of each call is to construct a summary profile of the individual or firm. Be specific with your questions. Ask the designer about his or her previous experience in designing various styles of residential projects. Ask if they're interested in your project, and if so, when they'll be available to do the work.

Many building designers offer an informational brochure of letter-of-introduction which they mail to prospective clients. Read through any material you're provided carefully. This is a great supplement to your initial phone conversation and can help in determining if a building designer's capabilities are in line with your expectations. Ask for a list of client references and check them out.

Realistically, you should cut your list down to a manageable two-to-four building designers. When that's been done, you're ready to call and schedule an in-depth interview to learn more about each candidate.

THE INTERVIEW

Perhaps the most awkward time during your search for a compatible building designer is the interview meeting. Your housing needs, goals and finances will be the focus of this candid discussion. Equally important, it's essential to learn sufficient background information about an individual or firm before you engage their services. The building designer is attempting to do the same thing: to evaluate you as a potential client. Consider that a project can typically last upwards of six months. Obviously, both parties need to decide if they can work together comfortably for the duration.

Each interview will require at least an hour of your time sometimes several hours if the "chemistry" is right. The venue is your choice. You can schedule to meet in your home, where perhaps you'll feel more comfortable, or you can meet at the building designer's office (if you've never visited a design studio before, the latter can be interesting). Many building designers do not charge for the initial interview meeting, but this is not always the case. Ask if there will be a charge before scheduling an appointment.

Building designers will oftentimes bring a presentation portfolio to the interview meeting. Such portfolios can include a collection of letters from satisfied clients; sketches and photos of completed projects; newspaper stories citing a building designer's civic involvement; or magazine articles featuring an extraordinary design. Flipping through the pages of a well prepared portfolio can tell much about the accomplishments of an individual or firm and the pride they take in their work. Plus, they make for a great conversation starter, should you spot a familiar home or a design that interests you.

The building designer you choose must be able to "plug" into your vision and prepare a creative design solution by fitting structure to the architectural style you prefer. Any photos or magazine clippings you've collected that help in defining your goals are valuable tools. Keep them handy for reference. One glance may illustrate a desired "look" or room layout more accurately than a rambling explanation. It's easy to get stumped with builder jargon you may not have clearly stated a point or understood a response. Ask for clarification where appropriate.

As each building designer makes his or her presentation, ask yourself if you can "work" with them do your personalities mesh? Do you feel the individual is right for your project; is he or she receptive to your ideas? These are critical questions in selecting a compatible building designer. Keep in mind, there are literally hundreds of decision to be made in developing the drawings and specifications for your project. Each will ultimately impact your day-to-day satisfaction with the finished project. You'll rely chiefly on a building designer's technical expertise, creative skills and professional judgment to translate your wish-list into a reality. The right individual will help you get the most for your construction dollars.

COMPENSATION

There is no hard-and-fast rule as to how building designers will charge for their services. This is often confusing for first-time clients. Fees can be established in any number of ways, taking into account a variety of factors specific to the project in question. Some designers will agree to a cost-per-square-foot basis for preparing schematics and working drawings; some will charge a fee which represents a percentage of the overall construction costs; still others work for a stipulated hourly rate, plus expenses.

Often, building designers are amenable to fee negotiation and to tailoring their service to suit your needs or constructio9n budget. For instance, a modest straight-forward plan will not require the seam level of design development attention as would a more elaborately detailed home. Thus, drawings and specifications require less time to refine, allowing a building designer to perhaps reduce his or her fees accordingly.

Any successful working relationship begins with a clear, well documented mutual understanding. Your written agreement with a building designer should indicate:

1. The scope of the proposed work;
2. The amount of the projected construction budget;
3. The specific services you expect to be provided, linked to a basic fee structure (i.e., design service @ $/sq.ft.; drafting finish details @ $/hr.; meeting with contractors @ $/hr.; etc.);
4. A structured payment schedule with stipulated dollar amounts or percentages.

Some Professional Building Designers use standard contract forms endorsed by AIBD. Others may use a customized agreement.

In either case, read the agreement before accepting it to verify that the language dovetails with your expectations.

THE DESIGN TEAM

Often times, a client planning new home construction or a major addition would like to participate in the creative process. Discuss your desire to get involved beforehand. Your designer can then implement a "team" concept to expedite portions of the decision-making process. Cabinets, finishing hardware, material and color selections are but a few choices that will have to be made. Clients can visit showrooms and gather samples and swatches, color ships and brochures, and then meet with their building designer to discuss ideas and coordinate a strategy.

Whether you're considering an addition to your current home or planning your dream castle, a professional member of the AIBD can help you create that special place called home.

Why You Should Use a Professional Building Designer

Your Role on the Design Team

Working with Your Building Designer