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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What does Architecture 4 Everyone
signify? Q. What does Architecture 4 Everyone signify? A: The core mission of this firm for 30 years has been to provide professional services to individuals, businesses, and organizations who otherwise may not have considered or understood the value of working with an architect. The intent is to make the appropriate professional services accessible to clients who may or may not understand the process of taking their perceived needs and desires and turning these into a physical solution. Most individuals (and especially committees!) will likely go through this process only once in a lifetime, and Paul has always wanted to guide people through this process, helping them to understand the decisions to be made, ways to make those decisions, and exposing them to alternatives. Successful architecture is very much about the personal relationship and the integrity of the person guiding the process. A: An architect is the professional who is trained specifically to guide you through the design and construction process. He or she is the only professional who is specially trained to design the places we inhabit. An architect is the only professional licensed by each state to practice architecture or 'architectural design'.
A: New buildings, additions to existing buildings, renovations, restorations, and remodeling can all benefit from help in programming and planning for a project, selecting a site, providing cost analyses, analyzing energy needs for a project, permitting, selecting contractors and shepherding a project through the many phases from conception to final occupancy. It is the intent of Paul to provide those services most appropriate to a specific client for a particular project.
A: An architect can provide value at each stage
of the design process:
The unique value the architect provides is design, including both aesthetic and functional elements. An architect who focuses on your project's special characteristics creates a uniquely appropriate design which satisfies your needs and goals and is economically feasible, clearly demonstrates this value.
A: Historically the architect functioned as "master builder". Today, the architectural and building parts of the industry have evolved into separate disciplines. Most architects provide designs and drawings and are skilled at eliciting design schemes which are in your best interest with respect to use, views, materials, site, and environmental opportunities and constraints. Most builders provide construction services and are primary advocates for cost control and building methods.
A: The primary services of architect and builder may be obtained by hiring a single "design/build" company; advantages may include more accurate cost estimates and construction method advice right from the initial design stage. Tighter scheduling may be possible, because the time period for the bidding process and design for cost adjustments may be minimized. Possible disadvantages may be the lack of competitive bidding by builders, a conflict of interest when trying to meet the contractor's schedule, and the fee for design services which is buried within the overall project cost. There may be pressure to reach a final design before adequate design options have been explored. It is the general preference of this firm to encourage interviewing several contractors and making a preliminary commitment to one while in the preliminary design phase for the advantages stated above, but leaving open the option for competitive bidding should it be deemed most appropriate. Engaging a contractor earlier in the process provides opportunity to see what it will be like dealing with this contractor over the life of the project and gives you a tentative place on what may be an otherwise very busy building schedule.
A: There are many ways to select your architect. The most popular (and usually the best) way is by interviewing candidates. A brief call to an architect can help you determine if his/her experience is appropriate to your needs. Once you determine that the architect does the building type you want, set up an interview to discuss your project. Interview as many firms or individuals as you wish. After your initial meetings, you should be able to narrow the list. After more meetings it will become obvious which firm is best for your needs. Examine the architect's education, training, experience, references — and personality. Your architect will need to know you well so your architect should be someone with whom you feel comfortable. Be prepared; this process will take some time — and it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make.
A: The AIA is the American Institute of Architects, the national professional association of architects. (The Boston Society of Architects is the local branch.) Members of the AIA are licensed architects; however, there are some licensed architects who are not members of the AIA. AIA architects benefit from the AIA's focus on the professional needs of architects and the public service obligations of the profession. Members of the AIA have unique access to continuing professional training, timely access to information on new building materials and technologies and, perhaps most important, continual access to other AIA members who include the best practitioners in the nation. AIA architects are also guided by and must adhere to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
A: The earlier the better. An architect not only will help you develop of your needs, desires, constraints, and budge, but also review and discuss zoning and code issues — especially critical when an existing structure is part of the project. An architect engaged early in your building project will not only assist you in designing your dream but also will help you anticipate design and construction problems which will save you time and money.
A: Architects are normally paid in one of three
ways: Based on a clear understanding of the nature, complexity, and scope of a project, Paul D. Minor, Architect generally uses a combination of the latter two methods. After payment of a small retainer when services begin, services are then invoiced on a monthly basis. The fee also includes compensation for structural, mechanical, electrical, site engineering, and other consultants required for a specific project. All of these various fees are clearly stated in a written agreement before services commence. It is important to agree upon fee method, conditions and pricing parameters before any design work begins. Q: Is a written contract necessary? A: It is strongly recommend that you begin your relationship with an architect with a written letter of agreement or contract that details your expectations, the architect's services, fees, schedules and everything else you and your architect consider important. A good, clear, written agreement no doubt will help prevent later misunderstandings or disappointments. A brochure you may find helpful in this regard is "Owner, Architect, Contractor Relationships: A Project Guide", available from the Boston Society of Architects.
A: The architect will meet with you to develop or refine your program and then start designing your project in their office. He or she will meet with you many times throughout this process to ensure that the design resonates with you, fits your needs, and is likely within your budget. Once the design is approved, the architect will
prepare detailed drawings and other documents upon which construction
firms will base their bids. To prepare these documents, the architect
may need to enlist the help of structural, mechanical, electrica,l
and other special consultants to help design various parts of the
building and to identify the materials to be used. The architect
will coordinate all of these specialists and integrate their work
into one comprehensive set of documents. At the same time. the architect
will see to it that the design complies with relevant building codes,
regulations, and common building practices.
A: Generally, if you haven't already interviewed and selected a general contractor during design, you will invite contractors to submit bids based on completed construction drawings. Usually three or more general contracting companies should be invited to review the documents prepared by your architect and submit total construction cost bids. This list of select bidders may come from the architect, recommendations from neighbors and co-workers, or advertising and displays. Do not hesitate to seek out and meet the general contractor on a project you see in progress, if there are aspects of what you see (workmanship, site cleanliness, local sub-contractors, speed) that impress you. Usually (but not always) the responsible contractor in competitive bidding who submits the lowest bid is hired. As with selecting an architect, chemistry can often be a determining factor in choosing a general contractor; you will be involved with your general contractor on a daily basis for some months. When bid prices are relatively close, this may be a determining factor. Q: What is the architect's role during construction? A: During the construction phase, the architect performs "contract administration" (not "inspection" or "supervision"). He/she will visit the site as appropriate, prepare supplementary drawings as required and review the contractor's progress and workmanship in order to determine if work is proceeding in accordance with the contract documents. The architect will review the contractor's applications for payment and issue orders for changes that you may authorize in the work. The contractor, not the architect, is responsible for adherence to the construction documents; the architect will keep you abreast of unauthorized deviations from the design, if any. The architect serves as your eyes and ears throughout construction.
A: Think through your project carefully at the outset. Budgeting the costs of design and construction is an important first step — it will help you avoid surprises and frustration. Paul provides you with a "Budget Worksheet" upon request.
Credit is generously extended to the Boston Society of Architects for the general framing of the questions and responses, some of which have been modified as appropriate for the services of Paul Douglas Minor, AIA.
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