So, you’ve decided it’s time to hire a Long Beach architect! That likely means you’re ready to take on a major building or remodeling project.
Hiring the right architect is an important first step in the building or remodeling process. Who you choose can set the tone for the entire project and help determine whether the project is successful or not so successful, and whether it is completed in a timely manner or drags on for much longer than it should.
Many people who are looking to hire a Long Beach architect will go to the websites of local architects or architecture firms and look at their portfolios. They are trying to determine if the architects complete projects in a style similar to the style they are hoping to achieve. For example, if they want an ultra-modern home or office building, they will look for an architect who appears to specialize in modern design and has lots of examples of modern design in their portfolio.
While finding an architect who can achieve your desired aesthetic is important, it isn’t the only thing you should be looking for in a Long Beach architect. Here are three additional things to consider:
Look at the Scope of Completed Projects, In Addition to the Style
As you look through a Long Beach architect’s online portfolio, look at the types of projects they complete, not just their style. Do they design mainly (or only) residences? If so, you may want to look for someone else to design your commercial building project or tenant improvement project. If you have an exceptionally large project, such as a ground-up commercial build, you will want to hire an architect with experience with complex, multi-facted projects.
Seek Out an Experienced Long Beach Architect Who Can Shorten the Approval Process
Having an architect design your new space can be exciting, but then comes the approval process, where the plans are submitted to the City and either approved or sent back to the architect for changes or revisions. This process can take either a few weeks or many months, depending on how many rounds of revisions your plans have to go through.
An experienced Long Beach architect will know what city officials tend to look for in a set of plans and will draw them up accordingly. A seasoned architect may be able to get their plans approved in a single submission, or only have to go through one or two rounds of revisions.
A new architect, on the other hand, may have to take your plans through multiple revisions before they are approved. The original submission could include elements that a city would never approve, which could cause the architect to have to go back to the drawing board and completely rework the plans. This could cause the approval process to drag on—putting your project severely behind schedule.
Find a Long Beach Architect with Great Communication
Finding an architect with a communication style that complements your own is key! You may have to interview multiple architects before you find one with whom you can communicate well, but it will be well worth your time and trouble. You want to work with someone who listens to and understands what you’re looking for, as well as an architect who speaks to you in terms you can understand.
In addition, you’ll want to work with someone who responds to your inquiries in a timely manner, and if regular updates are important to you, make sure you ask about how often you will be given progress reports. Working with an architect who doesn’t meet your expectations with regard to communication can be extremely frustrating, and could even impact the outcome of your project.
