What to Expect After You Hire an Architect
The scenario may look a little something like this…
You’ve decided it’s time to build a new property or kick off that long-awaited renovation project. You’ve researched architecture firms, narrowed down your options, and now you’re ready to take the next steps. Before moving forward, you’ve likely already discussed your project’s key details:
Anticipated budget
Programmatic and spatial needs (e.g., how many bedrooms, apartments, or square feet)
Preferred style or branding guidelines tied to your business’s mission
But what happens next?
Every architecture project is unique, and the process is tailored to each client. To give you a clearer picture, here’s a general overview of what you can expect when you hire us as your architect.
While the following steps may not occur in a strict sequence, rest assured they’ll all be addressed early in the process to keep everything running smoothly.
The Project Ethos
Once we have a signed contract, we’ll begin creating your project’s ethos—a visual and conceptual roadmap that defines your project’s personality and informs our design decisions. This starts with gathering inspiration on a Pinterest board.
Your role: Have fun with this step! Save images from Instagram or Pinterest that resonate with you—no need to explain your choices or overanalyze. Just pin whatever catches your eye, and we’ll interpret the aesthetic from there.
Research and Technical Data
Simultaneously, we’ll handle the technical groundwork. This includes:
Confirming zoning requirements and building codes
Scheduling a site visit to measure your property or arranging for a digital scan (for renovations)
Your role:
For renovations: Let us know when we can access the property.
For new construction: No action is required.
Point of Contact and Scheduling
To streamline communication, we’ll assign a project manager or primary point of contact. They’ll be available to answer questions and keep you updated throughout the process. We’ll also create a preliminary project schedule to help you plan ahead for the construction phase.
Your role: No action required.
Layout Options
The design phase is where ideas take shape. We’ll explore initial concepts and create simplified layouts and floor plans, presenting two or three design options for your review. This collaborative step typically takes 1–2 weeks.
Your role: Review the designs, provide feedback, and let us know your priorities for the next round of revisions.
Onto the Next Phase…
Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible while giving you the tools and information you need to make confident decisions. While we don’t have a rigid onboarding process, this is a snapshot of what you can expect when working with us.
Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way!