The architect is the generalist, the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process, from helping you define what you want to build to helping you define what you want to build to helping you get the most for your construction dollar.
The architect sees the big picture. They don't just design four walls and a roof--they create total environments, interiors and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live.
Whether you are remodeling, adding on, or building from scratch, the architect can guide the way. Working with contractors and other construction professionals, we help you end up with a well-designed project that meets your needs and works with your budget and time frame.
Problem Seeking and Problem Solving Most building projects start with a want or need. "I need more file space in my office." Or, "We've outgrown our house." But how does that need or want get translated into square feet and three-dimensional space? First we seek the problems - understanding the problems is the first step toward the best solution.Then we work to solve problems in creative ways. With our broad knowledge of design and construction, we show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own. We help you evaluate possible solutions so you can make the decision that's right for you.
Need more room for your growing family? We can show you how to enlarge your home so you don't have to move. Not sure how fast your business is going to grow? We can design an office that meets your needs today and can be adapted for tomorrow. Have a limited budget? We look for ways to make your project cost effective.
How we save you money Our services are a wise investment for the money, not an added cost to your project. A well-conceived, carefully planned and well documented project can be built more efficiently and economically.When your project requires engineering or other design services, we coordinate the team of experts so you don't have to. We sort out complex building codes and zoning laws. We help you find qualified construction contractors based on your requirements. We visit the construction site to help verify that the project is being built according to plans and specifications. We review contractor payment requests to assure that you pay for what is built and completed according to specifications. We use standard agreements that protect the Owner from financial calamities during construction. We prepare change orders when necessary and review pricing so that any change is recorded and contracted fairly.
The importance of understanding the architect's role Your visit to this page is a start to understanding the role of the architect. Another excellent publication is one by the American Institute of Architects entitled You and Your Architect. We believe that understanding what we do is crucial in the ability to use our services. The standard agreements we use further define the roles of the Owner, Contractor and Architect. If you would like to understand every detail, ask us for sample copies of the agreements that might be used on the project.Once you understand what we do, think carefully about your building needs and goals. Do you need more space? What activities will be housed in the space? How much can you spend on the project? How will you finance it? Where will it be located? Do you plan to do some of the work yourself? Don't worry if you don't have all the answers. We will help you clarify your goals.
Figure on at least half a day for the meeting. It might take place at our office -- helpful because you can see where the work will be done. Or it could be held at your home or office -- helpful because we can learn more about your project and needs -- whichever feels right.
If, during the course of the discussion, there is something you don't understand, ask us for clarification. We are there to make things easy for you to understand, we are there to serve you and that we rely on teamwork as much as you do.
We have only one "product", and that is our time. The more time we spend on the project, the larger our fee; therefore we strive to work efficiently, and to communicate clearly. On the other hand, we don't want to scrimp when it comes to communicating with you. We must all recognize that there are differences between the ways that clients understand construction projects and visualize. Some clients understand a sketch on a napkin, others need to see several color renderings to understand the project, to some extent and there are always variables that affect the fee for a project. It is always better to spend extra money during the design phase to be sure you understand, once the construction has begun the cost of making changes increases vastly.
Some projects are best done at hourly rates; others for a stipulated sum per unit, based on what is to be built (for example, the number of square feet, apartments, rooms, etc.). Sometimes we charge a lump sum fee other times we charge a percentage of construction costs. It is appropriate to discuss how we should expect to establish the fee on the project. We may suggest a combination of the above methods. The basis for the fee, the amount, and payment schedule are issues for us to work out together. Therefore, it is very important and helpful to know as much as we can about the requirements of a particular project.
Expenses are usually not included since they can vary widely from copying and printing, travel expenses or consultant costs. These expenses are added to regular invoices with a modest multiplier to cover interest and overhead costs on these types of expenditures.
Getting it in writing Once the fee is determined a contract is prepared and sent to you so that you will fully understand the services you will receive.When the decision is made to move ahead with the job, the terms of the agreement on the scope of work, services, schedule, construction budget, and compensation. This written agreement can take many forms. Michael Gaertner & Associates has a variety of standard contract forms which are used industry wide for all types of projects. Both parties sign the agreement, and the job usually begins with a modest retainer to carry the start-up operation costs.
It is risky to come in with solutions already decided upon. This is the time when an open mind on ideas is to be encouraged. Be prepared to explore new and creative ideas. Be frank about how you want the end result to feel and work. Create a shopping list of dreams. These dreams serve as the basis for formulating solutions.
We ask you lots of questions to get a better sense of your goals and needs and to determine if your expectations match your budget. We may suggest changes based upon knowledge, experience, and your budget. After thoroughly discussing your functional requirements, after adding or eliminating feasible ideas, we prepare a statement outlining the scope of your project. During the next step, your program will be realized.
We refine and revise the sketches until a solution is developed into one that you agree with and that meets the needs of your project. At this point, we may be able give you a preliminary estimate of construction cost. This is only a general idea of cost, there are still many more details to be established about your project and that this cost estimate is very general. It is hard to predict market conditions, the availability of materials, and other unforeseen situations that could drive up costs. Therefore, this figure should include a contingency to possible increases as the design matures.
Often these first sketches seem different from what you first envisioned. Ask us to explain how these designs satisfy the requirements you discussed in the first stage. It is vital that we are clear about what you want and what we design. It is much easier to make changes when the project is on paper, than later on when foundations have been poured and walls erected. Before proceeding to the next phase, we will get your approval of the sketches.
When looking at these drawings, try to imagine yourself actually using the spaces. Ask yourself: Do the traffic patterns flow well? Does each space serve the intended purpose? Do I have a good sense of what it will look like? Are the wall and ceiling finishes, door types, windows, etc. correct?
Based on these drawings, we prepare a more detained estimate, though final costs depend on market conditions. Review every element with us to make sure you are getting the most out of your construction dollar.
While we recommend contractors and assist in the selection process, the final choice is up to you. Some people prefer to act as their own general contractor or to do part or all of the construction themselves. These methods can save you money initially but can also add problems and costs later on. Discuss the pros and cons of these methods with us to help you decide what will work best.
Once a General Contractor has been selected, we can assist you in reaching an agreement with and can prepare the agreement for your use. The agreement is between the contractor and the owner, the architect-owner agreement is a separate agreement, and during the construction phase, the roles of the owner, contractor and architect are defined in their agreements.Our involvement normally does not stop with the preparation of construction documents. We also provide construction administration services. These services may include assisting you in hiring the contractor, making site visits, reviewing and approving the contractor's applications for payment, assisting with change orders that may occur and keeping you informed of the project's progress by supplying you with progress reports.
Although we observe construction and report to the owner, the contractor is solely responsible for construction methods, techniques, schedules, and procedures. The contractor supervises and directs the construction work on the project.
mdg@mgaia.com
This page last updated on 02/16/01