How to Avoid Hiring the Top Florida architects
If you’re looking for Top Florida architects you’ve probably read the 20 things to ask an architect article published by the AIA by now. While this is a good list, it doesn’t address all the issues that need to be considered today. Architecture is a rapidly changing profession, especially in the realm of software. Many firms have yet to make the significant investment necessary to be at the forefront of their industry. It is also a profession that balances art and science, and requires good communication and organization skills. While it’s difficult to assess whether a particular architect will meet your needs, here are nine ways to help:
1. Visit the architect’s office.
An architect’s office can say a lot about their design aesthetic and creativity. Typically, though, first meetings with a client will be at their project site, so you may not have an opportunity to see the architect’s office. Consider scheduling a visit at the architect’s office within a few days of the initial meeting.
2. A disorganized architect’s office might be a red flag.
An architect has to organize hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of information, and a disorganized office might be a big red flag. However, don’t confuse artist creativity with disorganization. Models or model building supplies, trace paper and sketches can be a sign of real creativity, but project information is normally stored in binders and filing cabinets. Large piles of unsorted paper are probably not a good sign.
3. Ask your architect if they are using 3D software (the answer should be ‘yes’ – then ask them if they are using BIM).
The latest architectural software is called BIM (building information model) and the more sophisticated architects are using this. A house or project designed in BIM is completely or almost completely designed in three dimensions (3D). In addition, in many cases the software can help eliminate errors in coordination of drawings since the two dimensional drawings are all ‘extracted’ from the 3D model. The software also keeps track of things like sizes of each door and window, and when a size is changed in one drawing, it is automatically updated in another. This can be a real help in reducing errors.